March 30th, 2009 Trails Trails Trails

* Tell Board Members what you are passionate about for community projects
* Tell the program committee about interesting speakers/topics you would like to listen to
* Be involved, join a committee
* Be active
* Be positive

Janet Parkhurst is happy about the great turnout that they had at a Business After Hours at the Manchester store.

Karen Heck shared a great experience she had this past week end with Hardy Girls which was in the paper. Specifically they took a group of 9-10 year olds on an adventure outing and taught them some of the basics of welding. Actually, according to Karen, the girls outperformed her in the process. Nonetheless, it was a fun time for all!

Glenn Leavitt had 3 Happy Dollars. He shared that he's very happy for life and the things he is now doing. He's also glad to be back with the Club. Finally, he announced that their family just welcomed their first grandchild, Michaela Marie who weighed in at 7lbs 11oz. Congratulations, Glenn!

Dan Bickford offered to trade welding lessons with Karen for dance lessons. He also shared that his daughter is back from Boston and he's giving her lessons on (her) tax preparation.

Mark Ford shared that tomorrow (3/31) is the last day for anyone interested in doing a Paul Harris Fellowship to make their commitment. The recognitions will take place at the May 18th meeting.

Peter Garrett informed the group that several years ago we gave $4000 for a water project in Ethiopia and noted that he received word 2 weeks ago that this project is now complete. A good reminder of the good work we have done on the international front.

Ally Karter offered Happy Dollars for the Rotarians who were recognized at the Chamber Dinner last week: Nicki Desjardins (Rising Star); Paula Mitchell (representing the Humane Society); and Eric Haley (Business Person of the Year). Congratulations to these award recipients!

There will be a Board of Director's meeting this Thursday (4/2) ad PFBF.

Regarding the Golf Tournament, Nicki Desjardins announced that she will be sending out information next week to the membership.

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Peter Garrett introduced the program by giving a brief history of the land parcel where the trail is now being developed, noting that it was originally identified in 2003 and subsequently acquired by the City. Peter then introduced Mike Roy, John Koons, DMD, and Matt Skehan.

Mike provided a history of the property and a detailed account of how the city acquired the property. Quarry road was the primary route to Fairfield Center from the 1700's- 1800's. In the late 1800's it served as a quarry and much of the construction in the area included stones hewn from that quarry. The road subsequently fell into disrepair and the quarry operation was discontinued.

Colby then used the area for skiing in the 1930's & 40's and discontinued this use until the 1960's & 70's. Since the late 1970's, the property has been unused. About 2 years ago the city learned that Colby might be interested in selling the land and Mike recounted the transactions that took place in order for the city to make the purchase of the 115 acres. It also became readily apparent that this coincides with Peter's work on trails in the region.

John, a local dentist, then shared how his vision for the property came about noting that he began to craft the idea after learning of the city's acquisition of the property. He then described the property in greater detail, sharing through a PowerPoint presentation (attached) and charts, how the property and the 4.5 K loop, might be used in the future. The architect of the trail system (Quarry Road) is a person named John Morton who has much experience in this area of development. He shared that this time is right and that there are myriad uses for it during all 4 seasons. There is also a potential for night skiing with low level lighting. In general the development of this property for recreational use will most certainly add to the development of the area, the trail system, and, as people use the facilities, improve the health of the region's population.

Regarding the status of the project, John indicated that everything is in place and that the project can proceed once they receive Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) approval. A logger has been engaged for the trail clearing this year. They hope to add snow-making next year.

The "stretch" cost of developing the area is going to be about $1M and they expect to secure funding through grants and donations. $750,000 would be able to get the operation off the ground in Year 1. RE funding, they have over $200,000 in pledges. The capital needs include grooming and snow making equipment and lighting. Ongoing needs include maintenance costs.

John concluded by suggesting that this is a project he and others would hope Rotary could support in a meaningful way, either through equipment (grooming/snow making) or lighting acquisition. For those interested in becoming involved, he told the club members that they are developing an Advisory Group to assist with the planning and implementation of this exciting project.

He and Matt, Director of Parks and Recreation for the city, then presented a slide show of pictures of the area through the years and opened the discussion to questions.

Questions:

The plan is that there will be no charge for using the facility. John added that he expects there will be an equipment loan program for those who don't have skis or snowshoes.

The security for the area will evolve over time. There will be room for everyone who wants to use the area and, hopefully having lighting at night will make it a safe place for night time skiing.

Water will come from the Messalonskee Stream, where Colby got it for their snowmaking equipment in the 1970's. The impact on the water supply will be minimal. John did note that power sources lines for the equipment and lights are still there.

Not much.

Low impact lights and snow making and grooming equipment are currently on the list. John shared that he's seen other areas where they use a manure spreader to drop snow that has been brought in from municipal snow removal efforts spread onto trails, noting that the experts ay making a "bed" of man-made snow is an excellent way start the season because it is much denser than new show. The manure spreader technique might be a good substitute until actual snow making can occur.

Very close to approval.

Yes. There is also an opportunity to get access to other land for competition. John added that he foresees the area being used by local colleges and schools and also by the kids at the Alfond Center.

Yes, but not immediately. The nice thing is that the trail system is somewhat away from the ski slope, so, if there was interest (and funding), it could open again.

Currently, in terms of the trail clearing, that will be left to the logger. John is sure, however, there will be a need for volunteers to help out as this project evolves.

John noted that there is room for an open air ice rink as well.

Ally then presented john and Matt with a Four Way Test Keychain as a token of our appreciation. The next meeting will be on Monday, April 6th.