We would like to share with you these stirring words from Henry David Thoreau's Wild Fruits:
"What are the natural features which make a township handsome and worth going far to dwell in? A river with its waterfalls, meadows, lakes, hills, cliffs, or individual rocks, a forest and single ancient trees. Such things are beautiful. They have a high use which dollars and cents never represent. If the inhabitants of a town were wise, they would seek to preserve these things, though at a considerable expense. For such things educate far more than any hired teachers or preachers, or any at present recognized system of school education... It would be worth the while if in each town there were a committee appointed to see that the beauty of the town received no detriment. If here is the largest boulder in the country, then it should not belong to an individual nor be made into doorsteps... I think of no natural feature which is a greater ornament and treasure to this town than the river. It is one of the things which determines whether a man will live here or in another place, and it is one of the first objects which we show to a stranger. In this respect we enjoy a great advantage over those neighboring towns which have no river..."
With your support—which will be doubled by the Right Track Foundation—we will build the bridge in 2023! We will also install new, safer steps down to the river's edge, and enhance the trails along the river. Manchester Riverwalk will become a destination for folks from near and far.
The Manchester Riverwalk all-volunteer committee is excited to be bringing this beautiful public pathway to the center of Manchester. In addition. we are so proud to bring attention and improvements to the West Branch of the Battenkill—our gem in the heart of town that has been too long neglected. That is changing with your generous help.