Pelham Unites to Open Virginia’s All Persons Trail
A model public-private partnership delivers Southern NH’s first universally accessible nature trail
More than one hundred people gathered on a bright autumn morning at Merriam Farm Conservation Area to celebrate something truly remarkable — the opening of Virginia’s All Persons Trail, a universally accessible nature trail built by and for the Pelham community. The celebration brought together families with young children, hikers, wheelchair users, older adults, and guests with hearing impairment; the ceremony was interpreted by Jenn Howe, who generously donated her time so that everyone could participate.
The scene was joyful from the moment people arrived — shared smiles, warm cider and donuts, conversations among neighbors, and children eager to “walk and roll” the new trail for the very first time. But what made this day extraordinary was more than the celebration — it was the story behind it.
A Trail Built the Pelham Way
Virginia’s All Persons Trail is a shining example of what a community can accomplish when people work together. The trail began with a powerful idea: nature should be accessible to everyone. Whether someone moves with a wheelchair, walker, stroller, cane, or simply wants a smooth, gentle place to reconnect with the woods, this trail was designed to welcome all.
It took public commitment, private determination, and grassroots community leadership to bring this project to life. Pelham Pathways, Inc. conceived the trail and coordinated every step of its development — from planning and fundraising to signage, permitting, education, and construction management. The Town of Pelham was a full partner in this effort, with support from the Pelham Conservation Commission, Forestry Committee, Parks & Recreation Department, and Highway Department. Together, they created a model of a public-private partnership that serves as a model for other towns.
Leadership at the State Level — The Role of Executive Councilor Janet Stevens
One of the most critical steps in building the trail was securing wetland permitting approval from the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services — a complex process that required coordination across multiple agencies. When the project encountered delays, it was Executive Councilor Janet Stevens who stepped forward to help move the process across the finish line.
Councilor Stevens represents 266,000 residents across 32 towns and cities in District Three and has built a career grounded in public service, transparency, and strengthening community resources. She has championed clean water investments, environmental preservation, school safety, and equitable access for underserved communities. In the case of Virginia’s All Persons Trail, she ensured that accessibility and conservation could work hand in hand — helping clear the path both literally and figuratively.
Her support reflects a core belief shared across this project: that New Hampshire’s outdoors should be inclusive and open to all.
Built by Many Hands and Many Hearts
A project of this scope could never have been accomplished alone. It happened because Pelham showed up — with time, talent, funding, and deep community care.
- 110 individual donors contributed to the project.
- 35 volunteers put in more than 3,000 hours — researching, clearing brush, narrating the audio tour, walking the trail in every season, and refining every detail.
- Local businesses and organizations donated materials, professional services, and craftsmanship — from surveying and trail building to signage, benches, and the handcrafted steel trail kiosk.
Everyone who participated left something meaningful behind.
Honoring Land and Legacy
The trail is named in honor of Virginia Cutter Merriam, whose love of nature inspired generations. Her grandson Fred Merriam preserved this land by selling it to the Town of Pelham for permanent conservation — and provided additional philanthropic support to help make the trail possible.
During the ceremony, a letter from U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan was read, recognizing Pelham’s leadership in ensuring that people of all abilities can share in the beauty of New Hampshire’s outdoors. Her message underscored what many felt standing in the crisp fall air: this trail represents dignity, inclusion, and belonging.
Walking Forward Together
After the ribbon was cut, the crowd followed Alan Roy — a passionate advocate for accessible recreation — as he led the very first group walk. Wheels rolled beside footsteps. Friends chatted. People paused to listen to the mobile audio tour, which shares the history, wildlife, and voices connected to the land. And everywhere, there were smiles — the kind that appear when something good and meaningful has taken root.
At 11:30, the cheerful bells of the Timeless Treats Ice Cream Truck arrived, offering complimentary ice cream as a sweet finish to a sweet day.
A Legacy for Generations
Virginia’s All Persons Trail is more than a path through the woods.
It is:
- A classroom for children
- A sanctuary for reflection
- A lifeline to nature for those who have been left out
- A testament to what can happen when a town refuses to give up on its values
It is also a reminder — especially in times when the world feels divided — that community is still possible. Collaboration is still possible. And joy is still possible.
In Pelham, we built more than a trail.
We built a legacy of welcome.
Take the Trail With You
Visitors are encouraged to explore Virginia’s All Persons Trail using the free mobile audio tour and the educational signs along the way.
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