Whitaker Woods: A Legacy of Stewardship

The Town of Conway Purchases the First 100 Acres of Whitaker Woods Conservation Land

Chubby Whitaker Obituary, The Reporter, 8/17/1977

From the Conway Conservation Commission minutes, April 1971

Introduction

Whitaker Woods is one of Conway’s most cherished open spaces — a gift from Charles “Chubby” Whitaker, whose foresight and generosity in the 1970s ensured that this land would be preserved for generations. His intent was clear: that the property be protected in a “wild and natural state” for the public to enjoy.

Chubby Whitaker’s Legacy

  • In 1971, Charles “Chubby” Whitaker sold the property to the Town of Conway at a fraction of its value, making preservation possible.

  • Newspaper coverage at the time highlighted Whitaker’s vision: that the woods remain a community treasure, open for skiing, snowshoeing, walking, and quiet enjoyment.

  • The deed restriction — to keep the land “forever wild and natural” — was intended to ensure stewardship in line with that vision.

“I want this land to be kept wild and natural, a place where the public can always come to enjoy the outdoors.”
— Charles “Chubby” Whitaker, as quoted in the Conway Reporter (1971)

Why It Matters Today

  • Whitaker Woods is more than a recreational parcel — it is a living legacy of land stewardship.

  • The current debate over paving through Whitaker Woods raises important questions about how the Town honors the original intent of the gift.

  • The preservation covenant is not just a legal detail; it reflects a promise to the community and to Chubby Whitaker himself.

Whitaker’s Legacy in Context

Nearly 50 years after the Town’s acquisition, Whitaker Woods remains a central part of Conway’s recreation network. The 1971 deed requires that the property be maintained in a “forever wild and natural state.”

This covenant, written into the public record, continues to shape how the property is discussed and managed. The ongoing Rec Path proposals highlight the tension between that restriction and efforts to introduce new forms of access.