Gretchen Gandini - WOW Trail: what's next?

“In the coming weeks, the WOW Trail group will submit a conceptual plan for Phase 3 to the Planning Board. This is NOT a final plan, it is simply a means for us to begin the conversation publicly, and invite every abutter along the state-owned land between Lakeport and Weirs Beach to provide input at public forums.”

I wrote these words in The Laconia Daily Sun back in April, understanding that the expansion of the WOW Trail to Weirs Beach would attract tremendous public interest and wanting to make sure to invite as much public input as possible before any plans were formalized. Little did we realize that this public announcement would result not in conversations, but instead a lawsuit aimed to prevent the continued development of the WOW Trail on publicly owned land.

Thankfully, the lawsuit has been withdrawn for now and we once again have the opportunity to commence constructive dialogue about how and where this regional trail project should be built. This time, we’d like to pause and follow the lead of the communities through which this publicly owned land travels.

Meredith businessman Rusty McLear recently suggested that a study be done on the current and potential uses of the publicly-owned railroad right-of-way. This seems to be a reasonable next step that will help the communities and State of New Hampshire understand the economic impact of the land’s current use and the potential economic impact alternative uses might bring to the region.

Over the recent holiday weekend, we packed up our bikes and brought our kids to Burlington, Vermont to explore. Even on a somewhat rainy weekend, we parked our car and recreated solely on foot or by bike. We joined locals and visitors riding and running along Lake Champlain. We biked on the bike lane striped city roads. We parked our bikes at numerous bike racks throughout the city as we visited shops and restaurants. This ability to relax and enjoy a community built for people, bikes AND vehicles was a simple pleasure and one that we've yet to capitalize on fully here in the State of New Hampshire.

As strange as it sounds, the recent lawsuit was helpful because it revealed to us how many people enjoy the WOW Trail, believe in our mission, and are devoted to helping continue the trail to Weirs Beach and Meredith. Even more, it has renewed our commitment to helping transform this publicly-owned land into a spectacular year-round public recreation space for ALL State of New Hampshire residents and visitors to enjoy in the most cost effective and amenable way for neighbors. There's no doubt that a completed regional trail linking neighboring communities together and showcasing our three beautiful lakes would fast become one of the Lakes Region’s best outdoor amenities while at the same time preserve public access to our beautiful public lands and waterways.

In the coming months, let’s recommit to having constructive dialogue and finding a way forward that will enhance our outdoor economy and make the Lakes Region of New Hampshire an even better place to live, work and raise a family. If you have thoughts on how this should be done, please let your voice be heard.

I look forward to the conversations. See you on the trail!

(Gretchen Gandini is the executive director of the WOW Trail. She can be reached at info@wowtrail.org)