Newfound’s Newest Park — A Diamond in the Rough
Do you remember the Mill Stream Ice Cream stand just north of Bristol on the way to the Lake? Ever park across from the Bristol Spring to walk or ride your bike over the Newfound River pedestrian bridge? If so, then you have been at the future Mill Stream Park, a parcel of great beauty, rich local history, and easy public access that is owned by the Town of Bristol. This very special place is also the future location of a new welcome and information kiosk, a project spearheaded by the Newfound Lake Region Association.
Inspired by a long-time member’s vision of greater public awareness for the NLRA, we proposed a joint project with the Town of Bristol to build a welcoming stop for people looking for things to do around Newfound. A January 2018 presentation to the Select Board yielded enthusiastic support for the idea, which was then embraced by the Planning Board and Town Planner Liz Kelley. NLRA communications partner Sullivan Creative prepared a draft concept sketch of the kiosk and welcome sign (shown above) that was presented to the Select Board at their March 1, 2018 meeting. The Select Board’s approval and subsequent discussion of additional, new ideas energized the room, and Bristol’s Economic Development Committee and Historical Society volunteered to serve on the project team.
The new kiosk is one of several possible steps to improve the Mill Stream Park. Other possibilities include: moving the information booth from the Church Corner to the Park; landscaping to control stormwater runoff; and a “permaculture”, or low-impact, approach to site development. People can stop at the Park to sit by the river, walk or bike to Newfound Lake along the pedestrian pathway, and learn about the Town and the natural wonders of Newfound. With the seasonal Farmer’s Market and food trucks already part of the Park, a little bit of work will go a long way!
We are proud that the NLRA Board of Directors committed $3,000 to start this project, and that the Town has promised labor and materials for site preparation. We applied for a grant from the NH Charitable Foundation to fund design and printing costs, and will be reaching out to local contractors and building suppliers to donate labor and materials.
Our goal is to have the kiosk ready by Memorial Day, although it may take a bit longer. If you are interested in being part of this project, please contact NLRA Executive Director Boyd Smith.
Your Favorite Things to Do in Newfound
Thinking of summer and how to help protect Newfound Lake, we asked you early last month about your interests and passions for things to do in the Newfound Region. Your survey responses indicate that we all like similar outdoor activities, such as hiking, water boating, and enjoying nature, so that will make planning easier. See the survey results below. Thanks to everyone who participated!
We also want to know what connects you to Newfound and what might inspire you to support the NLRA. We look forward to sharing activities and reveling in this marvelous place that means so much to all of us. Visit — and like — our Facebook page and website to stay informed about NLRA activities. See you around the Watershed!
Do You Love Newfound? Become a Member of the NLRA.
NLRA is the only organization working full time to protect your lake and your property now and for generations to come. Join us and support our programs to conserve and preserve our region’s natural, social and economic resources. As a member, you receive:
- Subscription to NLRA’s biannual newsletter, The Monitor (you can choose mail and/or electronic delivery)
- First notification of special events and volunteer opportunities
- EcoTour member discount – $5 off $20 Adult ticket
Become a member today and help us continue our mission. Learn more.
Upcoming Events
Check out some of these fun community events. For more details, visit the Town of Bristol Community Events page or the Tapply-Thompson Community Center (TTCC) website.
March 10, 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm: Dynamite Corned Beef Dinner at the Bristol United Church of Christ
March 16, 3:30 pm: Movie Matinee – TBD at the Minot-Sleeper Library
March 22, 7:00 pm: Presentation, The Duty to Remember, at the Minot-Sleeper Library
March 23, 3:30 pm: Flower Power Party at the Minot-Sleeper Library
March 23, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm: Mother & Son “Minute to Win It” Night at the TTCC
March 31, 1:00 pm: Easter Egg Hunt at the TTCC, featuring face painting, Easter bunny, entertainment, egg hunt, and family fun
March 31, 7:30 pm – 10:30 pm: 2nd Annual Mud Season Mixer at the Old Town Hall, with a live band and cash bar
Please Note: In the last eNewsletter, we erred in naming the owner of Gilly’s Restaurant. Jillian Reise has owned this local favorite for 15 years. We apologize for our mistake.