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In 1998, the Rotary Club of Lebanon pledged its commitment to the String of Pearls as a community service project and gift to the citizens of Lebanon in honor of the club's 75th Anniversary.
The String of Pearls concept emerged after citizens and public officials, through a series of forums conducted by the club, revealed a deep desire and need for preserving and utilizing Lebanon's remaining open space along the Connecticut and Mascoma Rivers for a variety of mixed public uses and to honor Lebanon's historic past.
To support the city's and Rotary's common goals, the Rotary Club of Lebanon has pledged to dedicate a substantial portion of the proceeds from each Annual Lebanon Rotary Radio Auction for at least ten years (1998–2008) to the String of Pearls project. The club aims to catalyze action among city residents and officials, partly by building a coalition of public officials and civic-minded citizens and organizations.
Our vision is this: to return Lebanon's rivers to the forefront of the city's consciousness through creation of a series of beautiful and significant, natural and improved public spaces along our rivers and rail trails. It was inspired in part by what other communities have done with their riverfronts. Like pearls, some of these properties are hidden, neglected and almost forgotten. Yet, upon closer examination, one finds priceless river frontage with views, lush woodlands and open fields, along with vivid reminders of Lebanon's rich history of rivers and rails. The String of Pearls project is an ambitious, long-term initiative to reclaim, preserve and utilize these sites for a multitude of public purposes.
With nearly 27 acres of land, most of which is relatively flat, the Lower Meadows pearl may be Lebanon's last remaining riverside possibility for a multi-use community gathering place including several badly-needed athletic fields, picnic areas, preservation areas and trails, access to the Rail Trail and entry to and exit from the Mascoma River for fishing, swimming, canoeing and kayaking.
Thanks to the generosity of Timken Aerospace, owners of the property, the city is about to acquire a 99-year lease at a total cost of $1.00. A city-owned tract at the eastern end of the Lower Meadows pearl (see below) would be merged into it for recreation, picnicking and river enjoyment. Access to the Lower Meadows recreation area is being worked out directly from Route 4 between the P&C parking lot and the movie theatres. The city already has received permission from NH's Department of Transportation to create a grade crossing over the former railroad tracks which were removed years ago.
The Westboro Rail Yard, occupying 24 acres of prime riverfront real estate between West Lebanon's Main Street and the Connecticut River, is slated to become an important cornerstone for downtown West Lebanon's revitalization. The Rail Yard could also become the keystone of a growing regional network of trails and parks along the Connecticut and Mascoma Rivers, through the Boston Lot and along the Northern Rail Trail, connecting Mascoma Lake, downtown Lebanon and White River Junction in the near future. The Westboro Rail Yard and Roundhouse have both been designated historic landmarks by the City of Lebanon Historic District Commission.
In conjunction with profitable, active rail use at the yard, The City of Lebanon hopes to activate a wide range of recreational and mixed-use opportunities, including preservation of historic buildings for the use and appreciation of this and future generations. Managed public access to the Connecticut River as well as thoughtful development to attract thriving shops and small businesses will help foster a unique community identity for West Lebanon. Completed three years ago, an early independent landuse study covering the entire 24 acres envisions a public river park with gardens, an historic complex, youth center and a magnificent river view trail along the east bank of the Connecticut River. The park might also include an open pavilion for a future Farmer's Market or other uses as well as buildings for retail and office space.
Early in 2004, the Lebanon Rotary Club pitched in to help the city fund The Interim Westboro Riverfront Design Study for the 6 acres of land along the Connecticut River and the areas surrounding the Crew (Bunk) House and Sand House. Presented to the city council about one year ago, the study proposed a mixed use, park-like area with an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible boat ramp and riverfront trail.
The trail will begin at an interpretative kiosk and overlook, and additional loops are planned for later phases to bring walkers closer to the river for more scenic views. The plan also includes plans for car and boat trailer parking, landscaping, lighting, park benches, picnic tables, and an assessment of the two historic structures. This plan has now been completed and will form the basis of a land transfer from the state to our city.
With future restoration of the historic railroad buildings (the Crew House, Sand House and Roundhouse), public access to the river and views of the working rail yard, Westboro Rail Yard can become a pivotal change agent for West Lebanon, a place of enjoyment and pride for the entire city, and a regional attraction offering a unique experience and understanding of the roles played by river and rail in our region's life.
The String of Pearls cannot happen without strong support of the citizens of the City of Lebanon as well as from its public officials, private landowners, civic-minded individuals, businesses and other organizations. The Rotary Club of Lebanon wishes to thank the following for their foresight, expertise, and contributions to date: our city councilors, the conservation committee, the city's special Westboro committee (a sub-committee of the city council), the Lebanon Recreation Department, the Lebanon Historical Society and Lebanon-Riverside Rotary Club. Other organizations that have participated in String of Pearls efforts to date include the Upper Valley Trails Alliance, local Boy Scouts, the White River Junction Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society, and many individual citizens.
If you would like a copy of the proposed plans for Westboro Rail Yard and Lower Meadows, or would like to volunteer your support, please send your name and address to
E-Mail: rotarylebanonnh@yahoo.com
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The first completed pearl is Baker's Crossing Conservation Area (right). The popular Rotary Riverside Park is a continuing project of the Lebanon-Riverside Rotary Club. Other pearls will include Twin Rivers Park at the confluence of our rivers, the Lower Meadows area, and the Westboro Rail Yard.
