The Atkinson Conservation Commission is excited to announce that we are developing a new “Accessible to All” trail system, located in the tranquil and scenic Slade Town Forest. It will provide a variety of immersive forest experiences, featuring some of the oldest trees in town. When completed, the new trails will be ADA compliant for wheelchair access. For those of us lucky enough to travel on foot, the gentle grades and smooth, 6-foot-wide compacted gravel surface should provide safe going and secure footing.
Let’s introduce the Slade Town Forest with a slideshow.
Wetlands
Did we forget to mention Stewart Farm Pond? It’s out there, beyond the big trees. It’s the Prime Wetland you saw in the photos. And the picture of the Mute Swans is not an April Fools joke – they visited for a few weeks in the Spring of 2022. Take a look at the concept trail map below. Note where the “Pink” trail extension ends near the shore. Our plan is to build an accessible observation platform in that general location. We will need State DES permits and local zoning variances. We are confident that making this scenic resource accessible to people of all abilities, while promoting wetlands awareness and education, will positively influence these approval processes.
What’s been done so far?
- A gifted Landscape Architect laid out nearly a mile of diverse trails as shown on the map.
- Members and friends of the Conservation Commission “roughed-in” the trails, and they are walkable.
- We’ve flagged all trails to match the colors on the map.
- The Engineering/Construction Drawings were completed in February, 2023.
Trail Map
What will be done during “Phase 1” in 2023?
- First, fundraising. We need private donations to complete this modest first phase. (If you can contribute, please see the “Donation Form” below).
- We will upgrade approximately 1,000 feet of these trails to accessible standards, as shown within the “Phase 1” shaded area on the map.
- This includes the first 650 feet of the “Pink” trail along the stone wall.
- This also includes the entire Green trail, AKA “The Grove”.
- We will grade and “rough-in” our parking lot at Pope Road, providing accessible parking.
When will the rest of the trails and features be completed?
- If everything goes right, the rest of the project will be completed as “Phase 2”, in the Fall of 2024.
- This includes all trails that were not surfaced in Phase 1, both bridges across the stream, the observation platform, a kiosk and signs, and an upgraded parking lot.
- This assumes that we receive the needed grant money and matching donations specific to Phase 2.
- It also assumes that a qualified contractor can complete the work on this schedule.
How can you help?
1. Donate to 2023 Phase 1 construction
Please download this form and mail it in with your check if you are able to donate to our Phase 1 construction fund. Our goal is to receive $25,000 in private donations before the end of June, 2023.
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