For Immediate Release

WOW TRAIL MOVES FORWARD

Laconia, NH (February 22, 2007) – The Winnisquam-Opechee-Winnipesaukee (WOW) Recreation Trail is another step closer to reality. Members of the Laconia Trails with Rails Exploratory Committee (LTREC) recently met with state officials from Department of Transportation, Environmental Services, and Historical Resources. The group walked the railroad tracks to assess the route for the WOW Trail’s Phase I—the 1.1 mile segment linking downtown Laconia to Lakeport.

“We are currently gathering input from all relevant state agencies regarding the proposed location of Phase I of the WOW Trail,” explained LTREC member Diane Hanley. “The next step will be to contact abutters of Phase I and give them the opportunity to review the proposed location and provide their input. We also need to present the plan to the City of Laconia’s Planning Board and obtain their approval.” This will be the process followed for each phase of the WOW Trail.

Phase 1 of the WOW Trail will be located within the railroad right of way. This route will allow trail users to travel between Lakeport and downtown Laconia without having to encounter automobile traffic on Union Avenue, and it will provide a safer route for walking in the Messer Street area. Phase I will also offer attractive views across Lake Opechee and the Winnipesaukee River.

“We elected to build the first section of the WOW Trail between the downtown Laconia library and Lakeport because it is the easiest section to build. This section is also where everyone in the city can see it, and where a large number of residents and local employees can take advantage of the trail” emphasized Hanley.

The mission of the WOW Trail is to promote, design, build and maintain a multi-use recreational trail along side the active railroad bed. The trail will be a 10-mile multiple use trail gong through the heart of Laconia, primarily running along the existing railroad corridor. The WOW Trail will ultimately be part of a regional recreational trail system that will span New Hampshire from Lebanon to Meredith.

More information about the WOW Trail can be obtained at www.wowtrail.org or by calling the Greater Laconia-Weirs Beach Chamber of Commerce at 603-524-5531.

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The Lakes Region Association is a non-profit tourism marketing organization that promotes the entire region. The association publishes the Where to! Lakes Region of New Hampshire, a comprehensive guide to the area, and Lakes Region Map and Guide. For a free vacation package call 1-800-60-LAKES.