MRVPD is dedicated to “enhancing year-round recreation opportunities for all” and supporting an ethos of outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship that has long been a defining feature of the Mad River Valley (MRV Vision Statement).
MRVPD works to further initiatives that enable full and responsible utilization of the Mad River Valley's outdoor recreation assets and create an understanding of its history and connectedness. These efforts are fundamental for achieving the community's interconnected goals of improving human health and wellbeing, environmental health, and economic vitality.
In 2016 MRVPD supported the community in developing the MRV Moves Active Transportation Plan, a framework for a cohesive and connected system of trails, roads and sidewalks that provide a range of transportation options and recreational experiences. Shortly after, various local trail organizations came together as the MRV Trails Collaborative to put the MRV Moves Plan framework into action.
The Trails Collaborative identified the MRV Unified Trailhead Kiosk Project as the best first step for realizing the MRV Moves Plan's community recreation goals, including greater awareness of local trails and connectivity. The Kiosk Project highlights the MRV's existing active transportation network through a unified trailhead signage system. With help from Waitsfield-based Wood & Wood Sign Systems, Waitsfield resident and GIS professional Brian Voigt, Fayston resident and fabricator Seth Henry, and dozens of volunteers, trailhead kiosks were designed, fabricated, and installed (see images below).
30 trailhead kiosks have been installed as of December, 2019. In addition to trailhead kiosks, the project helped to produce updated waterproof Mad River Valley Trail Maps (1,000 of which were made available at no cost to community members) and an updated digital map through Trail Finder.
- Mad River Valley Recreation District (MRVRD) provides for the recreation needs of its three member towns, Fayston, Waitsfield, and Warren. MRVRD's mission is to facilitate, enhance, and create recreational opportunities throughout the MRV that promote community vitality, physical fitness, appreciation for the outdoors, and a high quality of life. For more information and to apply for MRVRD grants, visit their website.
- Mad River Path Association (MRPA) builds and supports a network of paths throughout the MRV. MRPA's mission is to build, maintain, and conserve a system of continuous public pathways and trails connecting Warren, Waitsfield, Fayston, and Moretown. To learn more about MRV trails and paths, visit their website.
- Find trails and networks through Trail Finder's interactive online map, here.
