WOW Trail launches Buy-a-Brick campaign to support expansions, connections

LACONIA — Community members will have an opportunity to leave a lasting mark on a new enhancement in Lakeport while supporting the efforts of the WOW Trail by purchasing a brick for themselves or a loved one.

Leaders of the trail recently launched a “Buy a Brick. Build the Connection” campaign, inviting residents, businesses and visitors to purchase personalized, engraved bricks that will become part of the new Lakeport Connector, now under construction in Lakeport.

This new section will connect the WOW Trail to the Opechee Loop.

Bricks can be used to honor loved ones, celebrate family milestones, recognize businesses or commemorate meaningful connections to the Lakes Region. Proceeds from the campaign will help support development of the connector and future trail enhancements.

“This is an opportunity for people to become a permanent part of the WOW Trail story,” said Allan Beetle, president of the WOW Trail. “Every brick will represent a personal connection and help us build a safer, more beautiful and more connected community.”

The Lakeport Connector is being developed as part of the emerging Opechee Loop project, which will eventually create nearly six additional miles of safer bicycling opportunities around Lake Opechee.

The new promenade section will provide a welcoming public space, where residents and visitors can gather, relax and enjoy views of Lake Opechee, and it will also improve connections between neighborhoods, businesses and recreational destinations.

The WOW Trail has committed significant funding toward the promenade project and is working with community partners, city officials and private developers to bring the vision to life.

Bricks are available in two sizes: 4-inch by 8-inch and 8-inch by 8-inch. They will be installed along the new Lakeport promenade this fall.

The WOW Trail currently provides more than four miles of recreational and transportation opportunities connecting Laconia and Belmont.

“The WOW Trail has always been a community project, and this gives people a chance to become part of it in a very personal way,” Beetle said. “Years from now, families will be able to walk the promenade, find their brick and know they helped create something that benefits the entire region.”

To purchase a brick or learn more about the campaign, visit wowtrail.org, or email info@wowtrail.org.