The Ottauquechee River Trail Project is now part of the Woodstock Community Trust’s portfolio of local efforts to invest in and benefit the Woodstock community. As with all of the Woodstock Community Trust projects, the Ottauquechee River Trail Project improves the quality of life in our area. This new Project especially complements the East End Park Project, which has been in the Woodstock Community Trust portfolio since 2021.
In 2018, a group of 15 community members decided to create a flat walking trail along the Ottauquechee River near the center of Woodstock. Over several years, a team of community volunteers gained permission from property owners, secured local/state permits, raised funds, cut the trails, and created tranquil way stops for locals and visitors to enjoy.
The Ottauquechee River Trail officially opened on Labor Day 2020. Since then, the trail has attracted as many as 500 people per week. Earlier this year, the Ottauquechee River Trail volunteers altered the trail to make it universally accessible. Now everyone, regardless of mobility, can enjoy a nature experience along our beautiful river. Along with the popular East End Park, the trail provides additional incentive for retail and services to revitalize the east end of the village.
Joining the Woodstock Community Trust—with its diverse portfolio of community initiatives—aligns with the Ottauquechee River Trail Project’s intent to transition to a more formal organizational structure that can ensure the trail’s ongoing viability. Joining Woodstock Community Trust turned out to be especially fortuitous when the floods of July 2023 severely damaged the trail. The Ottauquechee River Trail Project can now utilize Woodstock Community Trust’s strong community-based resources to aid recovery.
“Rebuilding the trail after the recent flooding will be a much harder task than the original build,” said Tom Weschler, lead volunteer. “We are grateful to have the support of Woodstock Community Trust as we build out our team and seek funds for the repairs and ongoing trail maintenance.”
Woodstock Community Trust is a non-profit umbrella organization. For more information, visit: woodstockcommunitytrust.org.
