Please vote to support funding a Mad River Path Association implementation coordinator.
The Mad River Path Association (MRP) has been working to fulfill its mission of connecting the villages in the Mad River Valley with a bike and pedestrian path for over 30 years. I was a path board member for about 10 years. Currently I am a member of a small Mad River Path advisory group. I can honestly say that I believe the MRP is embarking on its most exciting chapter yet. Great things are happening. And even greater things are on the cusp of happening. Waitsfield and Warren voters have an opportunity to support the MRP progress at Town Meeting.
We (the MRP) have been making steady progress and currently manage 15 miles of well-cared-for Valley floor trails; this is something to crow about. But wait, there’s more:
In 2024, we conducted an MRV Active Transportation Corridor Scoping Study in partnership with the five Valley towns. The scoping study determined that it is possible to make the bike and pedestrian connection, and that the first phase should connect Warren and Waitsfield by connecting already existing trails with sections of new path. This approach received overwhelming support from the Mad River Valley residents.
At the conclusion of the study, an implementation committee, representing five towns, identified the hiring of an implementation coordinator as a first priority. The committee recognized that the implementation of this major multi-jurisdictional project requires a dedicated effort of a professional staff member who is 100% focused on grant writing, permitting, and administration of the project on behalf of municipalities
In 2026, our first year of implementation, we will improve the Kingsbury Greenway to the adaptive standard, creating a model of what the future path will look like, and establish a backpacker and bike packer campsite along the path. We have laid out year-by-year, realistic plans that will connect Warren and Waitsfield within five years.
In addition to our primary work of path management, we organize educational programs for children, adults and families; lead collaborations with other organizations in the MRV on projects such as the Mad River Triathlon, the Attitude of Gratitude Recreational project, the design and installation of trailhead kiosks, and a myriad of other projects aimed at improving outdoor recreation and alternative transportation options for residents, while making our valley a more welcoming place for all.
Our executive director Misha Golfman, AmeriCorps Service member, and part-time communications and bookkeeping staff work hard and keep the path going. As an advisor to the organization, I recognize that we operate at capacity and need a dedicated implementation coordinator. Otherwise, the project will likely stall, and the scoping report will join many other scoping reports, in collecting dust on the shelves
It is important that the towns work together with the MRP: we are managing this major infrastructure project on behalf of municipalities, fulfilling the objectives outlined in the town plans.
When complete, the recreational and commuter path will bring millions of dollars to The Valley economy, while improving safety and quality of life for all residents and visitors. This relatively small collective investment in the implementation coordinator position will yield great benefits – not a doubt about that!
This Town Meeting Day, in Waitsfield and Warren, please join me in voting YES! Yes, we support the funding request ($15,000 per town) which will ensure the hiring of an implementation coordinator who will move this project forward.
Brines lives in Waitsfield.
