Windham Rail Trail Alliance

2008 Annual Report

December 29, 2008

 2008 was another exciting year for the Windham Rail Trail as it gains in local and regional popularity and use.

 Founded in 2004, the Windham Rail Trail Alliance is dedicated to the development and management of this section of trail as a paved rail trail that is part of the planned Salem to Concord Rail Trail.

 The highlight of the year was the application of the finish coat of asphalt in May 2009 by Tate Bros Construction, which provides for a very smooth ride. The work was done just prior to the first annual “Flat n’ Fast” 5k road race held on June 1. Sponsored by Cyr Lumber, 156 runners and walkers participated in the race. Overall winner was Casey Carroll with a time of 16:07 and women’s winner was Kate Farrell with a time of 20:33  With the success of our first race, we will plan for 2^nd race in June 2009, anticipating more runners and a even more exciting event.

  Also this year was the completion of an Eagle Scout Project by Jon Tomer, a member of Troop 266. Jon designed and led the development of fencing at the sheep fold. Prior to his project, safety was a concern as there was no protection from the 10 foot drop from the trail to the passageway. The railing is a very attractive addition to the trail, and provides needed safety. At the conclusion of 2009, 2 additional Eagle Scout projects are currently in development. We see the trail as fostering several Eagle Scout projects in the near future, and are proud to offer such opportunities. 

Approximately 250 hours were spent on maintenance by several individuals on brush cutting, trash removal, removing downed trees and the critical chore of clearing the trail and drainage cuts of leaves. We held a successful trail clean up day in April, which we will repeat in 2009.  The WRTA also continues its support planned restoration of Windham Depot project, assisting in those efforts.

 For trail development plans, we continue to provide assistance to the Derry Rail Trail Alliance, of the development of 2 miles of trail that will connect the Windham Rail Trail to downtown Derry. The Derry Town Council appropriated $220K in February for trail development costs and with additional fundraising anticipates construction to start in summer of 2009. Mr. Peter Zhodi has graciously volunteered engineering for that project.

 For the Windham trail, we look to start engineering and fundraising on the .5 mile section that remains from Roulston Rd to Range Road, which will conclude trail development for us.

 The WRTA is active in the formation of a State wide organization of rail trail groups and is looked upon as the benchmark for a paved trail development effort. This was confirmed in a book released in 2008 written by a New Hampshire rail trail expert, Dr. Charles Martin in his book, “New Hampshire Rail Trails,” the Windham Rail Trail received both 5 stars for “Scenery and Condition”- only 2 of 41 rail trails rated with that high a designation! 

As always, the Windham Rail Trail Alliance is thankful for the support and kind words from town officials and administrative team, Windham residents and non-residents alike, and will continue to complete our vision to set this trail as the standard for the continuance of the Salem to Concord Rail Trail.

 Respectfully submitted,

Mark Samsel, President, Windham Rail Trail Alliance

Copyright © 2010 Windham Rail Trail Alliance