CHAPTER 6
RECREATION
1.
Introduction
This
recreation chapter is adopted as part of the Town of Conway's Master Plan
in accordance with RSA 674:2, VIIIprepared in compliance with recently revised state
statutes dealing with the completion of municipal master plans [RSA 674:2 III (F)]. This
enabling statute requires, as appropriate, the preparation of "A
recreation section which shows existing recreation areas and addresses future
recreation needs." This is an appropriate component of the town's master
plan because recreation is an important part of Conway's quality of life and
the taxpayers contribute over a quarter of a million dollars to recreation
annually. Furthermore, the recreation
facility and service needs addressed in this chapter provide a framework that
may be required in order to secure funding for recreation infrastructure and
programs.
Recreation
facilities and services in Conway are provided by a number of different
agencies. Some are private commercial enterprises, a few are private
not-for-profit organizations and others are governmental agencies. This chapter
will focus on town owned facilities and services administered by Conway’s Parks
and Recreation Department. Still, references may be made to other recreation
resources when they are of significance to the town and it's recreation
program.
This
chapter is a revision of the Recreation chapter (referred to as Report #11)
adopted as part of Conway’s Master Plan in April 1994. This revision includes
the relevant information contained in the 1994 report, as well as new
information and data that have been realized over the past decade. This chapter also addresses the goals and
visions that were expressed in various public workshops held throughout the
public participation process dedicated to the preparation of this master plan.
2. Summary of Findings and
Conclusions
§
As a recreation
resort destination, the provision of recreation facilities and
services in
Conway is
spread among a myriad of public and private agencies.
§
Conway is rich with
recreation resources.
§
The only significant
recreation deficiency in Conway is the absence of an integrated greenway and
multipurpose trail system.
§
Conway should
consider developing a Greenway/Trail Master Plan and
implementation strategy.
§
The town should be
especially mindful of the recreation potential around Pequawket Pond and the
rehabilitated Kearsarge site in Conway Village.
§
Upon completion of a
Greenway/Trail Master Plan, the town should consider amendments to its regulations
that would facilitate the development of the greenway/trail
system.
§
Future enhancements
to Conway’s recreation
resources should incorporate funding and land resources associated with the
schools and other units of local governments.
§
The Board of
Selectmen, through the Recreation Department, should study the feasibility of
establishing a skateboard/roller blade park for the community.
3.
Recreation
Resource Administration
Due
to the nature of Conway's governmental structure the administration of
recreation resources and services is spread among a myriad of agencies. Along
with federal and state agencies, units of local government include the town,
School Board (SAU 9) and precincts. There are also not-for-profit
organizations, such as the North Conway Community Center, that provide
recreation facilities and programs in the community that are administered by
Conway’s Parks and Recreation Department. This department is also responsible
for maintenance of active play services, passive parks and cemeteries. A key
function of the Recreation Department is coordination with the various agencies
that share facilities and services with the department.
4.
Inventory of
Recreation Resources
Conway's
recreation resources vary in size, type of facility and intensity of use. Some
serve local neighborhoods, some serve the community at large, while others draw
users from the Mount Washington Valley and visitors from away. These facilities
are represented on Map 6-1. A summary
of the types of uses of each facility is outlined in Table 6-1 at the end of
this chapter.
As
these exhibits illustrate, Conway has a diverse system of parks, playgrounds
and recreational facilities. There are more than 25 facilities comprising
Conway's recreation system ranging from tot-lots and sitting parks to multi-use
town-wide facilities and natural environmental areas. Although this chapter
focuses on town owned facilities, other facilities are also included in this inventory
of recreation resources that are available in the community and/or affiliated
with the Parks and Recreation Department.
§
Conway Lake Beach
- 1 Acre - Town Owned
This
is one of Conway's two municipal beach facilities. It is comprised of two small
parcels of land adjacent to the dam at the north end of Conway Lake. The beach
itself is located on the south side of Brownfield Road and provides
approximately 3,500 square feet of beach area and 150 feet of water frontage.
This parcel also includes a boat launch. The second parcel is located on the
north side of Brownfield Road and provides 25 public parking spaces and
portable toilets (seasonal).
§
Pine Tree School
- 16 Acres - School Park
This
park is associated with Pine Tree Elementary School on Mill Street in Center
Conway. It is school property administered by SAU 9, however its use is
scheduled by the Parks and Recreation Department. This facility provides two
little league baseball fields, a soccer field, a gymnasium with an indoor
basketball court, a half basketball court and a newly constructed playground.
There are 50 parking spaces and restrooms are located in the school.
§
Mill Street Park
- 0.1 Acre - Town Owned
Mill
Street Park is a tiny space at the intersection of Mill Street and East Main
Street (Routes 302/113). Although it has very limited recreation potential, it
does serve as a focal point for Center Conway Village.
§
Conway Recreation
Center - 5 Acres - Town Owned
The
Conway Recreation Center includes recreation facilities, administrative space
for the Parks and Recreation Department and supplemental office space. It
includes a multipurpose ball field that can accommodate little league baseball,
soccer, field hockey and football, a gymnasium with an indoor basketball court,
an outdoor basketball court, and a playground. The site also includes an indoor
gymnasium (with a basketball court), library, art room, game room, computer
lab, kitchen and restrooms. There are 50 public parking spaces.
§
Smith-Eastman
Park - 1.5 Acres - Town Owned
This
park is located on the north side of the Saco River at the old bridge site
south of the Police Station on East Conway Road. It provides a picnic area
along with access to the Saco River and a canoe launch. There are 20 public
parking spaces and a portable toilet (seasonal).
§
Nasby-King Field
- 4.5 Acres - Privately Owned
This
multi-purpose ball field can accommodate Babe Ruth baseball, softball, soccer,
field hockey and football. The field is owned by American Legion Post 46, a
private not-for-profit organization. Although it is privately owned, the town
benefits from a long-term lease agreement. The Parks and Recreation Department
maintains and schedules the use of the field. This facility has 30 parking
spaces and a portable toilet (seasonal).
§
Conway Library
Park - 1.5 Acres - Town Owned
This passive green space is adjacent to the library and serves as
a focal point in Conway Village. There are 28 parking spaces adjacent to the
park and restrooms are available in the Library.
§
Washington Street
Park - 0.3 Acre - Town Owned
Washington
Street Park is a tiny space at the intersection of Washington Street and East
Side Road. Although it has very limited recreation potential, it does serve as
a focal point for Conway Village. There are five parking spaces on the street
adjacent to the park.
§
Davis Park - 4
Acres - Town Owned
Davis
Park is adjacent to the Saco River on East Side Road at the Covered Bridge. The
facility includes three tennis courts, two basketball courts, swings, river
access and a 5,000 square foot beach. The site also has 18 parking spaces and a
portable toilet (seasonal).
§
Swift River
Bridge Park - 0.5 Acre -– Town OwnedOwner Unknown
This
park is adjacent to the Swift River on West Side Road at the edge of Conway
Village. It is passive park space with a scenic view of the Swift River, river
access, picnic tables and eight parking spaces.
§
Kennett Fields -
13 Acres - School Park
This
recreation facility is adjacent to the Kennett High School/Conway Elementary
School complex that is administered by SAU 9. Only the use of the ball field at
Conway Elementary is scheduled by the Parks and Recreation Department. It hosts
nine ball fields that accommodate a variety of sports including soccer,
football, field hockey, baseball and softball. It also has a grass running
track. The school complex includes two
gymnasiums and restroom facilities. A playground, little league baseball field
and a half basketball court is located adjacent to the Conway Elementary
School. There are over 120 parking spaces associated with the complex.
§
Conway Village
Park - 2.5 Acres - Conway Fire District Owned
This
facility is located on Main Street in Conway Village adjacent to the Fire
Station. It reaches back to Pequawket Pond and Lake Street. The District has
been awarded a substantial grant to redevelop the property in accordance with a
recently approved park master plan. Upon completion, the park will provide both
passive and active recreation spaces including a walking path that meanders
along Pequawket Pond, a large greenspace, accommodations for outdoor festivals,
a bandstand and an outdoor skating rink. The facility also includes 40 parking
spaces accessed from Main Street.
§
Saco Valley
Overlook - 12 Acres - Town Owned
The
Saco Valley overlook provides a small pullout area with eight parking spaces
along Route 16 just south of the intersection of Routes 16 and 302. It hosts a
spectacular view of the valley.
§
Redstone Park -
0.1 Acre - Town Owned
Redstone
Park is a tiny space at the intersection of Eastman Road (Rte. 302) and
Mountain Street. Although it has very limited recreation potential, it does
serve as a focal point for Redstone.
§
Pudding Pond -
207 Acres - Town Owned
This
land is located on the east side of the North/South Road half a mile south of
Artist Falls Road. The Pudding Pond property is under the stewardship of the
Conway Conservation Commission. Its improvements, relative to recreation, are
limited to a segment of trail that leads to the pond. This parcel, in
accordance with a forest management plan, has outstanding potential for
recreational trails.
§
North Conway
Community Center - 4.5 Acres - Privately Owned
This
facility is owned by a private not-for-profit organization. Although it is not a town administered
facility, a significant amount of its funding ($70,000 in 2002) is appropriated
by the town through the town meeting process. The facility includes a
bandstand, a gymnasium with an indoor basketball court, an outdoor basketball
court, a mini-water (spray) park, a picnic area, a game room, office space and
restrooms. The town provides six public parking spaces.
§
Schouler Park - 3
Acres - Town Owned
Schouler
park is locate in North Conway Village adjacent to the Conway Scenic Railroad.
It includes a large open green area with a multipurpose ball field that hosts
little league baseball, girls softball, soccer, field hockey, football, an
outdoor skating rink and outdoor festivals. There are 40 parking public spaces
and portable toilets (seasonal).
§
Whitaker
Homesite/Woods - 192 Acres - Town Owned
This
facility is located in North Conway on Route 16 at the north end of the
Village. It reaches eastward all the way to Kearsarge Road. The facilities
include a new building with meeting rooms, office space and restrooms. Outdoor uses include a multipurpose ball
field that accommodates Babe Ruth baseball, softball, soccer, field hockey and
football, as well as over 45 kilometers of trails for walking, biking and
Nordic skiing. There are 32 parking spaces and supplemental portable toilets
(seasonal). Parking is also available next to the facility
at John
Fuller School on weekends and during school vacation periods.
§
John Fuller
School - 11 Acres - School Park
This
park is associated with John Fuller Elementary School on Pine Street in North
Conway. It is school property administered by SAU 9. The Parks and Recreation
Department has no administrative role related to this facility. There is a
little league baseball field, a gymnasium with an indoor basketball court and a
newly constructed playground. There are 50 parking spaces and restrooms located
in the school building.
§
Hussey Field - 18
Acres - Town Owned
This
facility is located on River Road in North Conway and borders the Saco River.
The site includes a multipurpose ball field that accommodates little league
baseball, girls softball, soccer, field hockey and football. It also has a
large open field that accommodates outdoor festivals. The site provides six
parking spaces,
but can
be expanded to accommodate larger volumes of vehicles during scheduled events..
§
First River
Bridge Park - 4 Acres - Town Owned
This
facility is located on River Road in North Conway. It is across the river from
Hussey Field. The facility includes an
open field that accommodates a variety of activities including picnics as
well as a small beach area with river access. The site also has 20 parking
spaces and a portable toilet (seasonal).
§
Shedd Woods - 13
Acres - Town Owned
Shedd
Woods are located between the Saco River and Route 16 adjacent to the Memorial
Hospital. The facilities at Shedd Woods are limited to cross country skiing
and hiking,
along with mountain
bike trails and a small picnic area. The site also
provides a scenic view of the valley.
§
Artist Falls Park
- 0.1 Acre - State Owned
Artist
Falls Park is located in the New Hampshire Department of Transportation (DOT)
right-of-way at the intersection Route 16 and Artist Falls Road. Even though
the park has very limited recreation potential, it does provide some passive
green space. Although the property is state owned, it is maintained by the
town.
§
Depot Street Park
- 1 Acre - Town Owned
Depot
Street Park is located at the intersection of Route 16 and Depot Street.
Although it has very limited recreation potential, it does provide some passive
green space, 29 parking spaces and a bus pull-out area.
§
Walker's Pond- 13
Acres - Town Owned
Walker's
Pond is located on Mill Street adjacent to the Conway Town Beach parking lot.
This is a wild preserve area. It includes historic resources and significant
trail enhancements that were completed by the Conway Conservation Commission in
2001.
§
Town Common Lands
- 900 Acres - Town Owned
The
Town Common Lands are located off Hurricane Mountain and provides a critical
link between the State Forest, land owned by the Nature Conservancy and Pudding
Pond for a total contiguous protected area of over 4,500 acres. These lands
offer tremendous recreation potential.
§
Echo Lake State
Park - 390 Acres - State Owned
Echo Lake State Park is located on West Side Road. Covering over
390 acres, this park is adjacent to pristine Echo Lake, and offers visitors
locations for swimming and fishing. In addition, there are hiking trails and a
scenic drive that leads to Cathedral Ledge. The ledge offers scenic views and
opportunities for rock climbing. Approximately 150 acres of the Park are
located in Conway. The site also includes 58,000 square feet of beach area on
Echo Lake. Although this is a state facility, it is an important resource to the
community.
§
White Mountain
National Forest - 800,000 Acres -
Federally Owned
Approximately
350 acres of the White Mountain National Forest are located within Conway.
Biking, hiking, camping, fishing and skiing are just a few of the recreational
opportunities that this tremendous resource provides. Although it is not
administered by the town, it is the community’s most important recreational
resource.
§
Mount Cranmore -
740 Acres - Privately Owned
Mount Cranmore is a privately owned commercial alpine skiing
facility. It includes a private sports complex and multipurpose trails that are
enjoyed by Conway's citizens and visitors year round. It is particularly
important to the town's recreation resources because it provides an opportunity
for linking Conway's conservation lands and existing trails to North Conway
Village. It also has infrastructure that, through appropriate agreements, can
be a cornerstone for a town-wide greenway system.
5. Future Recreation Needs
The
most outstanding needs and foremost recreation goals that emerged from numerous
public meetings associated with the master planning process were related to
greenways and multipurpose recreational trails. It was proposed that the use of
such a greenway system should accommodate cycling, walking and Nordic skiing.
However limited facilities for snowmobiles and roller blades were also discussed.
There was also a request for a skateboard park to be added to the town's
recreation inventory.
The
issue of trails was also discussed in the Recreation Chapter, adopted in 1994,
of the previous master plan. At that time is was noted that the Conway Parks
and Recreation Advisory Committee (CPRAC) had "established the beginnings
of a multi-use trail network which offers walking, jogging, bicycling and
cross-country skiing opportunities throughout Conway." That initiative was
consistent with the goal for a greenway/bikeway trail network currently
expressed by the public. Unfortunately, the progress made by the CPRAC was
diminished when CPRAC was dissolved in the mid 1990's.
Many
miles of trails already exist in Conway. Unfortunately they are disconnected
and access is precarious. Map 6-2 at the end of this chapter presents an
inventory of some of these trails. This map indicates two classes of existing
trails; secured trails which are owned by the town or are subject to a formal
agreement with the town for continued public access and unsecured trails over
which the town has little or no influence.
Fortunately
there is still a dedicated group within the town, the Conway Recreational
Access Committee (CRAC), which is attempting to secure access to lands for a
trail system. They have no resources or staff, however, to support this
initiative. There is tremendous potential for establishing a greenway/bikeway
system in Conway. If the people of Conway want to realize a greenway network
that can accommodate multiple uses, it is going to require community support in
the form of a clear mandate and resources. Map 6-3 (at the end of this chapter)
presents a conceptual layout for a greenway system. The next appropriate
step is the development of a formal Greenway Plan that will illustrate where,
when and how this goal can be realized.
The
following discussion revisits specific recreation activities and blends the
views expressed during the preparation of this master plan with some of the
issues and goals represented in the Recreation Chapter of the previous master
plan.
Cycling is an important
activity in Conway. It provides many benefits relative to both recreation and
transportation. The community has expressed a desire for bikeways and cycling
infrastructure enhancements. This has been demonstrated by several major road
improvement projects that have included bicycle lanes. Public input indicates
that continuing these enhancements is encouraged. Moreover, a review of the
state designated bike routes reveals that significant sections of the state's
roads need to incorporate bicycle lanes. Map 6-3 presents State identified bike
routes and the roadways that have designated bicycle lanes. It is
recommended that the town continue to insist that all state road enhancement
projects accommodate bicycle lanes. This is especially important along the
designated state bike routes.
The
public participation process also recognized an important distinction between
the recreation and transportation benefits of bicycle lanes that are adjacent
to roads and those that are separate from automobile traffic. Although both
types of bikeways are encouraged and provide transportation benefits, the
recreation benefits of a bikeway systems that are free of automobiles enhances
recreation opportunities. The elimination of potential automobile/bicycle
conflicts makes the cycling experience safer and more enjoyable. It is
recommended that the town prepare and adopt a bikeway plan that accommodates
both roadside bikeways and off-road bikeways.
Skiing, particularly
Nordic skiing, is one of the most popular winter amenities of the Mount
Washington Valley. Currently the Town of Conway provides an extensive system of
groomed trials in Whitaker Woods. These trails connect with other trails that are
outside town lands. Expanding skiing opportunities to multi-use trails within a
greenway system will enhance the benefits to the community. Of course,
maintenance and grooming will be important considerations to any expanded trail
system. It is recommended that Nordic skiing be considered a principal
winter activity for the greenway system.
Hiking is an extremely
popular pastime in the Valley and proximity to the White Mountain National Forest
is a significant contribution to this popularity. Access to the national
forest, as well as the other resources in Conway, is of paramount importance.
Any greenway system must incorporate hiking and access to these amenities. It
is recommended that hiking be considered a principal activity for the greenway
system.
Tennis requires
significant infrastructure. The town currently provides three tennis courts at
Davis Park. These courts are used by the public as well as the Kennett High
School tennis program. Unfortunately, when the school uses the courts they are
not available to the general public. If additional courts are to be
constructed, the school system should participate in providing land and
financing.
Basketball also requires
dedicated infrastructure. There are six functional indoor basketball courts,
four full outdoor courts and two outdoor half-courts. The Recreation Chapter in
the previous master plan indicated that there was no apparent deficiency
regarding the number of basketball facilities in Conway. However, it did
suggest a desire for additional basketball facilities in North Conway Village.
Swimming was not raised
during public meetings relating to the preparation of this master plan.
Moreover, at the 2002 Town Meeting funds that had been set aside for a
municipal swimming facility were reassigned.
The 1994 recommendation that the town seek a new location for
recreational swimming or consider construction of a pool has not been
fulfilled. It is recommended that the Parks and Recreation Department
investigate the feasibility of additional municipal swimming facilities.
Skating/Hockey is supported by
two outdoor rinks in Conway. Also,
after the adoption of Recreation Chapter in 1994 of the previous master plan, a
new arena was constructed. The 2002 master planning forums revealed no
indications that there is a deficiency in this area.
Baseball, soccer, football
and other field sports are well supported by existing facilities.
Skateboarding, discussed in the
Recreation Chapter of the previous master plan, emerged again during the 2002
master planning forums. The 1994 recommendations, however, have not been
addressed. Still there remains a need to provide recreational opportunities
that are attractive to each user group and skate boarding is one such activity.
Rather than simply prohibiting skateboarding on sidewalks and in the streets,
the town should consider providing a skateboarding facility. It is
recommended that the
Parks and Recreation Department investigate the feasibility of a
municipal skateboard park.
Map 6-2 Recreation Trails and Bike
Routes
Map 6-3 Bike Routes and
Conceptual Greenways
Table 6-1. Recreation
Facilities and Uses
|
|||||||||||||||||
Town
of Conway |
|||||||||||||||||
Facility |
Babe
Ruth Baseball |
Little
League Baseball |
All
Softball |
Girls
Softball |
Basketball |
Football |
Soccer |
Tennis |
Field
Hockey |
Beach |
Water
Access |
Skating |
Hiking |
Cycling |
Skiing
(XC) |
Play
Ground |
Picnic |
Conway Lake Beach |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
k |
k |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pine Tree School |
|
k |
|
k |
k |
|
k |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Conway Recreation
Center |
|
k |
|
k |
k |
k |
k |
|
k |
|
|
|
|
|
|
k |
|
Smith-Eastman Park |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
k |
|
|
|
|
|
k |
Nasby-King Field |
k |
k |
k |
k |
|
k |
k |
|
k |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Davis Park |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
k |
|
k |
k |
|
|
|
|
k |
|
Swift River Bridge
Park |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
k |
|
|
|
|
|
k |
Kennett Fields |
k |
k |
k |
k |
k |
k |
k |
|
k |
|
|
|
|
|
|
k |
|
Conway Village Park
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
k |
k |
k |
|
|
|
|
Pudding Pond |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
k |
|
k |
k |
|
|
k |
N. C. Community
Center |
|
|
|
|
k |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
k |
|
Schouler Park |
|
k |
|
k |
|
k |
k |
|
k |
|
|
k |
|
|
|
|
|
Whitaker Home
Site/Woods |
k |
k |
k |
k |
|
k |
k |
|
k |
|
|
|
k |
k |
k |
|
|
Hussey Field |
|
k |
|
k |
|
k |
k |
|
k |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
John Fuller School |
|
k |
|
k |
k |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
k |
|
First River Bridge
Park |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
k |
k |
|
|
|
|
|
k |
Shedd Woods |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
k |
k |
k |
|
k |
Town Common Lands |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
k |
k |
k |
|
k |
Source: Town of
Conway |