History of the Trail
January 2016
The 2010 Transportation Enhancement (TE) project is completed. The project included crossing realignment and Pedestrian Hybrid Beacons (PHB) at two Mast Road crossings, and a Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) at the Henry Bridge Road crossing. A break in the trail due to an old road gully has been filled, eliminating an on-road detour for trail users.
October 2015
On the 26th the Piscataquog River Trail Bridge, a Manchester project linking the Goffstown Rail Trail with Manchester's Piscataquog River Trail, is dedicated.
May 2015
The town awards a contract for the construction of the 2010 Transportation Enhancement project. Completion is scheduled for November. See the TE project page for more information.
April 2014
Completion of the Goffstown Rail Trail is identified as a recommended Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) project by the Southern and Central NH Regional Planning Commissions and the Economic Development Administration of the US Department of Commerce. Unfortunately, this recognition does not come with any funding.
July 2013
Work is completed on the 2012 Recreational Trails Program grant project, which constructed a small parking area at Moose Club Park Road, and trail crossing improvements there and at three other low volume roads.
April 2013
An agreement was reached on how FGRT can assist Goffstown Parks & Rec in their responsibility for rail trail maintenance. The two will coordinate with each other on trail work to be done, and FGRT will be allowed to use certain Parks & Rec equipment for trail maintenance.
September 2012
A Bicycle Transportation Review of the Rail Trail was held on September 10. See the report from NH-DOT here.
FGRT Wins $200 in PSNH's 85th birthday celebration drawings. Thanks PSNH!
Work is completed on the 2011 Recreational Trails Program grant project, which constructed trail between Danis Park and Lynchville Park Roads.
August 2012
The Town of Goffstown receives preliminary approval for a sixth NH Recreational Trails Program grant. See the press release here.
February 2012
The Friends of the Goffstown Rail Trail is awarded the Parks & Recreation Department's Robinson/Cullerot award, which is given to the person or group that best exemplifies the spirit of volunteerism for the community
September 2011
The Eagle Scout project of Christopher Maloney is completed, a trail kiosk and landscaping at the Moose Club Park trailhead.
August 2011
The Town of Goffstown selects Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc. (VHB) to perform the design and oversight for the Transportation Enhancement grant, which will fund four projects on the Goffstown Rail Trail. Construction is expected in 2012.
May 2011
Work is completed on the 2009 Recreational Trails Program grant project, which fills a large gully between East Union Street and Shirley Park Road. See the press release here.
Work is completed on the 2010 Recreational Trails Program grant project, which adds access to the trail through Sarette field, and completes the 300-yard trail portion to the Manchester border. See the press release here.
Bike the Rail Trail Day is held by the Friends of the Goffstown Rail Trail on May 21, 2011. See event information here.
April 2011
The Town of Goffstown receives preliminary approval for a fifth NH Recreational Trails Program grant. See the press release here.
February 2011
The Friends of the Goffstown Rail Trail is named Volunteer Organization of the Year by the Goffstown Board of Selectmen. (See the announcement here.) Photos of the trail are on the front and back covers of the town's 2010 annual report.
October 2010
The Friends of the Goffstown Rail Trail conducts a Goffstown Rail Trail Fall Foliage Tour on October 2, 2010. See event information here.
August 2010
The Eagle Scout project of Henry MacGibbon is completed, a trail kiosk and bridge near the Parks & Rec building.
July 2010
The Friends of the Goffstown Rail Trail conducts a Goffstown Community Rail Trail Day. See event information here and photos of the event here.
The Friends of the Goffstown Rail Trail receives a grant from the Granite State Wheelmen (GSW). The funds will be used to make drainage and surface improvements along a short segment between the Villa ballfields and Tatro Drive. See the press release here.
May 2010
The Town of Goffstown and the Friends of the Goffstown Rail Trail receive preliminary approval for a fourth NH Recreational Trails Program grant. See the press release here.
The Town of Goffstown receives notice of selection for Transportation Enhancement funding of four projects on the Goffstown Rail Trail. See the press release here.
March 2010
In a town vote, proposals to allow snowmobile access to portions of the rail trail were voted down. This means that the prohibition of all motorized vehicles, including snowmobiles, will continue. (These results will not affect the crossing of the rail trail by the existing snowmobile trail, which has always been part of the town's plan.)
November 2009
The Eagle Scout project of Tanner Kantargis is completed.
September 2009
The town submits an application for the Transportation Enhancement (TE) program. If won, the grant will be used to replace a missing bridge and construct major road crossings.
May 2009
The Friends of the Goffstown Rail Trail is awarded 501(c)(3) federal tax exempt status. Contributions are now tax deductible. See the FGRT membership page here.
The Friends of the Goffstown Rail Trail raises money to purchase signs for road crossings, and donates them to the town.
April 2009
The Town of Goffstown and the Friends of the Goffstown Rail Trail receive preliminary approval for a third NH Recreational Trails Program grant.
November 2008
Work is completed on the 2007 and 2008 Recreational Trails Program projects. See photos here.
The Friends of the Goffstown Rail Trail constructs a small trail bridge to wrap up the year's trail construction projects. See photos here.
October 2008
A groundbreaking ceremony is held for the first major construction on the Goffstown Rail Trail. See the press release and photo)
Work begins on the two trail construction projects, funded primarily by the 2007 and 2008 Recreational Trails Program grants.
The Eagle Scout project of Andrew Angione is completed. See photos here.
September 2008
The town awards a contract to John Neville Excavating for the first major trail construction project. This includes work on phase 1 of the First Mile project near Parks & Rec, and additional work east of Moose Club Park.
The Friends of the Goffstown Rail Trail launches a new membership plan. Information can be found on the support page.
June 2008
The Friends of the Goffstown Rail Trail has been awarded a $990 grant from the Environmental Community Grant Program of Northeast Utilities (parent company of PSNH). This grant will be used to construct a small trail bridge in the fall. (photo)
May 2008
The Goffstown Main Street Program agrees to serve as the fiscal sponsor for the Friends of the Goffstown Rail Trail while the the group seeks federal 501(c)(3) tax exempt status.
April 2008
The Town of Goffstown and the Friends of the Goffstown Rail Trail receive preliminary approval for a second NH Recreational Trails Program grant.
January 2008
The Rails to Trails Conservancy awards a $2400 grant to the Friends of the Goffstown Rail Trail. Read the press release. See photos of their visit here.
December 2007
The town's trail survey is completed.
August 2007
The town awards a contract for an engineering design study of certain aspects of the trail.
First Mile project trail clearing begins - see photos.
July 2007
The "Friends of the Greenway" changes its name to "Friends of the Goffstown Rail Trail". The purpose and goals of the group remain unchanged.
June 2007
The town awards a contract for surveying the bounds of the entire trail corridor.
Tour of the Northern Rail Trail in Merrimack county (see photos). This trail has been primarily financed by NH Recreational Trails Program grants like the one recently received for the Goffstown Rail Trail.
Trail building work day - see photos.
April 2007
The Town of Goffstown and the Friends of the Greenway receive preliminary approval for a NH Recreational Trails Program grant. This money will be used for the "First Mile" project.
January 2007
The Town of Goffstown and the Friends of the Greenway submit a joint application for a NH Recreational Trails Program grant, to be used to improve a portion of the trail.
October 2006
The Rail Trail is selected to receive technical assistance from the Rivers and Trails Program of the National Park Service. Read the press release and read more about the program. Watch a video introduction.
May 2006
Goffstown is not chosen to receive a CMAQ grant, despite being identified as the highest priority for the program by the Southern NH Regional Planning Commission.
April 2006
Trail building and cleanup work day - see photos.
September 2005
Trail signs installed - see photos.
July 2005
The town submits an application for the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) grant program. This grant would be used for trail design and construction.
June 2005
The Selectmen establish a new trail use ordinance.
April 2005
The town's new Rail Trail Steering Committee is formed.
Trail cleanup - see photos.
February 2005
Trail Design Charrette report (3 MB) presented to Selectmen.
August 2004
Trail cleanup with St. Anselm College's Brian Maguire Freshmen Day of Service.
May 2004
Trail Design Charrette held on Saturday May 15th - see photos. A report on the charrette's findings has been prepared. (3 MB)
April 2004
Trail cleanup - see photos.
March 2004
Goffstown Board of Selectmen announce agreement with Boston and Maine Railroad for purchase of the railroad corridor.
The Governor's Executive Council votes to authorize purchase of the railroad corridor.
November 2003
PRLAC announces collaboration on trail - see press release.
October 2003
Trail cleanup - see photos and press release.
March 2003
Reauthorization of funding for land acquisition passes.
August 2002
Acquisition of railroad corridor listed in Regional Transportation Plan and Transportation Improvement Program FY2003-2005 (Southern NH Planning Commission).
March 2001
The Friends of the Greenway officially becomes a New Hampshire corporation.
Article 9 passes! —March 13th, 2001
Shall the Town raise and appropriate Three Hundred Ninety Thousand Dollars and no cents ($390,000) for property acquisition and master plan development for an alternative transportation path (non-motorized) in the Town of Goffstown? This project will be funded 20% ($78,000) by local property taxes, and 80% ($312,000) by the Federal Transportation Enhance-ment Program. The path will follow along the abandoned B&M rail line (98-48 TE), from the former town dump site and future athletic fields site in Pinardville, paralleling both the Piscataquog River and Mast Road, to Goffstown Village approximately 5.7 miles. When the design is complete, then the construction project, and its costs will be presented as a Special Article to the taxpayers for vote at an annual town meeting.
(Not recommended by the Budget Committee)
December 2000
Friends of the Greenway formed to advocate for the conversion of the rail corridor into a trail for the town.
1997
Goffstown Master Plan states the objective: Develop a "Rails-to-Trails" system which would extend Manchester's existing rail trail, through Goffstown, to the Weare town line.
Planning Department submits application for the Transportation Enhancement Program for land acquisition and trail design.
1995
Planning Department contacts Guilford Transportation for information on purchasing the railroad corridor.
1993
Goffstown railroad corridor identified in Southern NH Planning Commission's Regional Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan .