2013–2014: Early Planning
Conversations about a community recreation path in Conway gained momentum. The Mount Washington Valley Trails Association (MWVTA) began exploring federal and state grant opportunities to fund a multi-use path.

  • Initial concept: focus on the Bancroft parcel (town-owned land west of Whitaker Woods).

  • Goal: connect North Conway Village with the Scenic Vista in Intervale via the rail corridor.

  • Whitaker Woods was not part of the plan at this stage — considered off-limits due to deed restrictions.

2015: Town Meeting Authorization
At the April Town Meeting, Conway voters approved a warrant article allowing the Board of Selectmen to apply for grant funding.

  • Scope: specifically authorized for the Bancroft alignment, adjacent to and explicitly avoiding Whitaker Woods.

  • Advocates emphasized that the project would not use tax dollars and would not disturb Whitaker Woods.

  • MWVTA and the Town promoted the path as both recreational infrastructure and an economic driver.

2016–2018: Continued Efforts
Despite early enthusiasm, grant applications for the Bancroft alignment did not advance.

  • In 2018, a second Town Meeting article reaffirmed support for pursuing outside funding.

  • By this point, planning attention shifted toward a southward route: Cranmore to Hemlock Lane.

2019–2021: New Phase 1 — Hemlock to Cranmore
This new project was built largely on state-owned land acquired for the Conway bypass in the 1990s.

  • The design was straightforward and required few private easements.

  • With funding secured, Phase 1 broke ground in November 2021.

  • An additional grant, secured with the help of Governor’s Councilor Joe Kenney, closed a funding gap and allowed the project to be completed.

  • Although ideas for a Phase 2 extension were beginning to circulate within MWVTA and staff, Whitaker Woods was not presented publicly as part of the project.

2022: Phase 2 EDA Grant Application
Conway town staff, with MWVTA, submitted a successful application to the U.S. Economic Development Administration.

  • Critical change: the application included a paved alignment through Whitaker Woods.

  • The alignment submitted with the grant was not vetted with the public.

  • No town-wide vote was sought to support the Rec Path extension or authorize the new design.

2023–2024: Phase 2 Public Involvement
For the first time, the Whitaker Woods alignment was formally presented to the public.

  • A public hearing was held in May 2024 — almost two years after grant submission, with a design few had ever seen.

  • Conservation Commission and BOS meetings revealed concerns over deed restrictions and paving in Whitaker Woods.

  • Alternate alignments and surface choices were raised but not advanced.

2025: Design Challenges and Alternatives
Regulatory and legal constraints come into greater focus.

  • NHDES wetlands permitting, use of the NHDOT railroad right-of-way, and deed restriction concerns emerge as major issues.

  • March 2025: NHDOT denies the submitted 60% design for use of the rail right-of-way.

  • July 2025: NHDOT offers three alternative concepts (two west side options, one east side).

  • BOS and public discussions highlight growing tensions over process, transparency, and long-term stewardship.

  • The path forward remains unresolved, with legal, financial, and environmental questions still in play.