Conway, February 12, 2026
Residents of Conway will have the opportunity to vote on Phase 2 of the Mt. Washington Valley Rec Path following a recent 3-2 vote by the town’s selectmen. This phase aims to extend the existing recreational path by 2.2 miles from Cranmore Mountain Resort to the Scenic Vista in Intervale. With significant funding already secured, the project promises to enhance community access to outdoor spaces. The vote will take place during the town’s annual meeting, reflecting a progressive step in local governance and community planning.
CONWAY
Voters in Conway are poised to make a significant decision regarding the future of Phase 2 of the Mt. Washington Valley Rec Path this April, following a crucial 3-2 vote by the town’s selectmen on February 10, 2026. The selectmen’s decision formally supports a petitioned warrant article that will bring the proposed project directly before town residents at the polls. This recent action revitalizes a community initiative that has seen varied periods of advancement and deliberation.
The vote by the selectmen to back the petitioned warrant article occurred on Tuesday, February 10, 2026. This endorsement means the proposed second phase of the multi-use recreation path will be presented to the town for a direct ballot vote. The timing aligns with Conway’s annual town meeting schedule, where official ballot voting on all warrant articles, including petitioned ones, typically takes place on the second Tuesday of April. Prior to the final vote, the article is expected to undergo discussion and review by the Conway Municipal Budget Committee, especially given its financial implications.
Understanding Phase 2 of the Rec Path
The proposed Phase 2 of the Mt. Washington Valley Rec Path is envisioned as a 2.2-mile paved multi-use extension. This segment is designed to extend from the existing path at Cranmore Mountain Resort in North Conway, stretching towards the state’s Scenic Vista in Intervale. Its completion would further enhance the network of pathways available for non-motorized activities.
Development plans for Phase 2 had previously outlined initial work for the winter of 2025, with construction slated to commence in the spring of 2026 and an anticipated completion by November 2026. The project has secured substantial financial backing, including $2.2 million from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) and an additional $1 million from the Connie Davis Watson Foundation, announced in September 2022. At that time, these contributions were understood to fully fund Phase 2. Town staff, in collaboration with project engineers, have been engaged in the intricate process of securing necessary environmental and wetlands permits, alongside finalizing right-of-way agreements, to advance a 90% complete design. This design was initially slated for presentation to the Board of Selectmen in the fall of 2025 for a public hearing and subsequent vote.
A Path Through Deliberation
The journey of Phase 2 has been marked by thorough civic engagement. Notably, a meeting of the Conway Board of Selectmen on November 25, 2025, saw a unanimous vote against signing an amendment to the EDA grant application. This prior decision had, for a time, appeared to bring the project’s progression to a halt. The recent 3-2 vote by selectmen on February 10, 2026, to support a petitioned warrant article, reflects a renewed pathway for the project to proceed to a town-wide vote, allowing the community itself to weigh the merits and decide upon its implementation. This shift underscores the dynamic nature of local governance and the persistent efforts of those invested in civic improvements.
The Broader Vision and Community Value
The Mt. Washington Valley Rec Path is a significant community asset, utilized extensively by a diverse range of residents for walking, biking, running, and other non-motorized recreational pursuits. Phase 1, a 2.9-mile paved multi-use path, was successfully completed in the summer of 2023, establishing a vital connection between Cranmore Mountain Resort, Main Street North Conway, and Settlers Green. This initial segment serves as a testament to the community’s desire for accessible outdoor spaces that foster physical activity, mental well-being, and provide safe, environmentally conscious transportation alternatives. The path is also designed to be wheelchair accessible, ensuring broad inclusivity.
The overarching ambition for the Mt. Washington Valley Rec Path extends beyond its current and proposed phases. There is a long-term vision for it to become part of a more extensive, continuous trail system, connecting areas from Bartlett, New Hampshire, to Portland, Maine. Such an endeavor speaks to a profound understanding of community well-being, where the quiet enjoyment of natural landscapes and the practical utility of accessible pathways become interwoven into the daily rhythm of local life. The upcoming April vote will thus not merely determine the immediate future of a section of pavement, but will also reflect the town’s collective aspiration for shared spaces that invite reflection, encourage healthy living, and strengthen the bonds of community.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the latest development regarding Phase 2 of the Mt. Washington Valley Rec Path?
Voters in Conway are set to decide the future of Phase 2 of the Mt. Washington Valley Rec Path in April, following a 3-2 vote by selectmen on February 10, 2026, to support a petitioned warrant article for the project.
When will Conway voters decide on Phase 2 of the Rec Path?
Conway voters will be asked in a petition warrant article at the polls in April whether they support Phase 2 of the Rec Path.
What does Phase 2 of the Mt. Washington Valley Rec Path involve?
Phase 2 of the Mt. Washington Valley Rec Path is a 2.2-mile paved multi-use extension connecting Cranmore Mountain Resort in North Conway to the state’s Scenic Vista in Intervale.
Has funding been secured for Phase 2 of the Rec Path?
Phase 2 of the Rec Path received $2.2 million from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) and $1 million from the Connie Davis Watson Foundation, announced in September 2022, and was considered fully funded at that time.
What was the earlier decision by the Board of Selectmen regarding Phase 2?
At a November 25, 2025, Conway Board of Selectmen’s meeting, the Board voted unanimously not to sign an EDA Application Amendment, which had reportedly brought this project to a standstill.
What is the purpose of the Mt. Washington Valley Rec Path?
The Rec Path is heavily used by a broad range of community members and is a greatly appreciated community asset, suitable for walking, biking, running, and other non-motorized uses. It is designed to provide opportunities for physical activity to improve fitness, mental health, and safe transportation alternatives.
When was Phase 1 of the Mt. Washington Valley Rec Path completed?
The first phase of the Mount Washington Valley Rec Path was completed in the summer of 2023.
Key Features of Mt. Washington Valley Rec Path Phase 2
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Conway, New Hampshire |
| Project Stage | Subject to voter decision via petitioned warrant article in April 2026 |
| Selectmen’s Vote Date (for Warrant Article) | February 10, 2026 |
| Selectmen’s Vote Result (for Warrant Article) | 3-2 in favor of supporting the article |
| Phase 2 Length | 2.2 miles |
| Phase 2 Connection Points | From Cranmore Mountain Resort to the state’s Scenic Vista in Intervale |
| Primary Use | Multi-use paved path for non-motorized recreation and transportation (walking, biking, running) |
| Accessibility | Wheelchair accessible |
| Secured Funding (as of Sept 2022) | $2.2 million from U.S. Economic Development Administration; $1 million from Connie Davis Watson Foundation |
| Phase 1 Status | Completed in Summer 2023, 2.9 miles long |
| Previous Selectmen Action (Nov 2025) | Unanimous vote not to sign an EDA Application Amendment, halting project at that time |
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