Group proposes ‘Enjoy Woodstock NH’ paver project and hiking festival; selectmen ask for detailed plan

Randy Rutherford, who said he recently formed Enjoy Woodstock NH, presented a concept to the Town of Woodstock Selectboard to install granite pavers on Main Street honoring New Hampshire’s 48 four‑thousand‑foot peaks and to host a hikers’ festival in 2026.

Rutherford said the organization is registered with the state and has filed 501(c)(3) paperwork. The concept would place 2‑by‑3‑foot granite pavers along sidewalks on Main Street, sponsored by individuals or businesses, and use fundraising to support installation and related promotional work. Rutherford described the idea as both a tourism draw and a fundraising tool for downtown improvements: “The mission of it is is is to enhance the experience of Woodstock for visitors, for residents, and for businesses,” he said.

Why it matters

The proposal seeks to connect Woodstock to the region’s hiking economy by creating a visible downtown draw and a festival aimed at hikers, outdoor vendors and hiking organizations. Selectboard members supported the general idea but stressed the need for details addressing durability, site selection, plowing and long‑term maintenance before the town grants formal approval.

Details and concerns discussed

Rutherford’s plan envisions 48 granite pavers—one for each of New Hampshire’s 4,000‑foot peaks—along a stretch of Main Street. Possible locations discussed included areas from near 5 Main up toward Route 32, and several speakers suggested starting with a pilot (four or five pavers) to test how the pavers perform under freeze/thaw, plowing and salt exposure.

Town staff and selectmen raised practical concerns: street plowing and winter maintenance could damage inlaid pavers; salt and freeze/thaw cycles may cause chipping; weed growth and ongoing cleaning or sealing would create a maintenance obligation. The public‑works staff and contractor Bruce (who works with town granite and sidewalks) were cited as resources to review technical feasibility and maintenance approaches.

Festival proposal and partnerships

Rutherford proposed a hiking festival for 2026, ideally after Labor Day and before major fall events. He identified potential partners including the White Mountain National Forest, the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC), hostels and local outfitters, and suggested the festival include vendors, safety education, speakers and author events. He described the paver project as a fundraising mechanism that could dovetail with the festival.

Board response and next steps

Selectboard members expressed support for the concept but asked Enjoy Woodstock NH to return with a detailed plan that addresses maintenance, funding, site permissions and a rollout schedule. The board suggested consulting town public‑works staff and the project engineer for technical guidance and recommended pursuing a limited pilot before wider installation.

Ending

Enjoy Woodstock NH will refine its concept and return with technical details and a maintenance plan for selectboard review; the board signaled it is open to supporting the idea pending those details.