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Bike-Walk Alliance of NH ==
Hooksett, NH Rail Trails sponsored by Kiwanis Club
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Hooksett Rail Trail along old Concord to Portsmouth line
Introduction:
The Club's newest project is developing walking and biking trails in Hooksett. The Hooksett Town Council recently designated Hooksett Kiwanis as the entity to develop and maintain trails in our community. This is a challenging multi-year service project.
The Kiwanis Club of Hooksett meets for dinner on the first Wednesday of each month at 6:00 PM at Southern New Hampshire University. We also meet on the third Wednesday evening at 6:00 PM for light fare (snacks, pizza, hors d'ouevres, etc.) at Southern New Hampshire University. Guests and those interested in exploring Kiwanis Membership are always welcome to join us at either of our monthly meetings.
October 25, 2008 trail dedication:
On Saturday, October 25, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. a new section of the rail trail was dedicated with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Friends, family, and representatives of the Kiwanis Club of Hooksett, Town of Hooksett, Manchester Sand Gravel & Cement Company, and others joined in dedicating the newest section of the recreational trail system in Hooksett. Details about the project history and future direction were provided via a flyer available to all guests, likewise the hot chocolate, coffee, and snacks were appreciated on a cool but dry morning.
The new section begins on Pleasant Street and proceeds .28 mi. easterly on the abandoned Concord to Portsmouth rail bed. It connects to the recreational trail from Route 3 east to Head's Pond that was dedicated in October 2007.
Construction of this new section was completed with the help of a grant from the New Hampshire Department of Resources and Economic Development and collaboration with the Town of Hooksett, Richcor Construction, and volunteers. Land for the trail was donated by Manchester Sand, Gravel and Cement Company. Work volunteers included Hooksett Kiwanis Club members, Central High Key Club members, Hooksett Boy Scouts, NH John Sununu Youth Services Center residents, and others.
The dedication took place at the site of the marker and entrance to the trail located just north of Post Road across from Green's Marine on Route 3. After the event, everyone was invited to walk or bike the new section as well as the trail to the Great Pond and back, a round-trip distance of about 2.75 miles. Comfortable walking shoes and clothing are recommended. For cyclists, either a mountain bike or a hybrid with 700x35 or larger tires is suggested as parts of the original trail are quite rocky. Photos as taken on October 25 may be viewed here.
Hooksett Boy Scout Troop 292 member Ken Scott is currently working on his Eagle rank project to provide four trail benches, identification markers, and a trailhead kiosk. We enjoyed having such an enthusiastic group join us for this exciting milestone of creating hiking and biking trails in Hooksett.
Sincerely,
Ronald Dion, President
Frank
Kotowski, President Elect
Heather Rainier, Past President
Kiwanis Club of Hooksett
(Edits by D.T.)
Web site:
http://www.hooksettkiwanis.org
Contacts:
KIWANIS CLUB OF
HOOKSETT, NH
P.O. Box 16443 Hooksett, NH 03106
Officers and Directors
2008-2009
President: Ronald Dion
President-elect: Frank Kotowski, 603-485-9579
Vice President: David Pearl
Secretary: Fred Bishop
Treasurer: Raymond Prouty
Immediate Past President: Heather Rainier