About Constitution Park
In 1979, 100+ acres of land was deeded to the Town of Ossipee by Walter and Estella White. The property consisted of woodlands and wetlands and bordered Ossipee Lake. Over the years, volunteer groups with the help from State and local grants, and UNH Cooperative Ext. of Carroll County helped to develop the conservation area into two miles of walking trails, one which has an elevated walkway. At one time, the trails had an interpretive trail system installed that was also made possible with the effort of volunteers, local schools, conservation commission and UNH Cooperative Ext.
In addition to the woodlands and wetlands, the park has ball fields, soccer fields, tennis courts, a playground and a dog park. The 4th of July fireworks are also held in the park.
In 2021 an all volunteer non-profit organization, The Friends of Constitution Park, Ossipee was formed. In the Spring of 2022, with the financial and in-kind support from citizens, and local businesses, a 9 hole disc golf course was installed.
Our Progress So Far
How it Started
The restoration of Constitution Park in Ossipee NH began in the Fall of 2021 as an effort to recover 2 miles of scenic walking trails which had been neglected over the years. Many residents did not know the trails existed. Many did not even know the park existed.
Under the leadership of the Mount Washington Valley Age-Friendly Outdoor Spaces chairman Edwina Boose, community members reached out to the Parks and Recreation Director, the Town Manager and Public Works crew. They went before the Selectmen and Conservation Commission to get approval to restore the trails. A small grant from NHAARP was given to the group for supplies. Eighteen volunteers, from 5 towns, cleared the trails, installed new signage, and created viewing spots overlooking a bog and Ossipee lake. They updated the 25 year- old map of the trails. Two kiosks were built and installed.
As a result of this effort, a non-profit 501c3 organization was formed, led by an all volunteer board. In the first 6 months of 2022, an energetic group of 17 volunteers provided over 1600 hours of in-kind labor to build a 9 hole disc golf course. The generous donations from businesses and people in the community made it possible to open the course to the public at a celebration during Old Home Week.
Our Vision
The FCPO hope to create a space that enhances the health of local citizens and provides social, economic and educational benefits for the region.
Our Board
Chris Elliot, Vice Chair
Alison Hayford, Secretary
Pat Pustell
Alicia Cushing
Karolina Brzozowska
Duain Cook
Robert Levey
Emily O’Blenes
Next Steps
In addition to the work that has been done, the FCPO has received a community challenge grant to build a pavilion in the Fall. Long range plans include refurbishing the wetlands boardwalk as an ADA compliant trail to the edge of Ossipee Lake. We are in discussions with Green Mountain Conservation Center and the Ossipee Library for interpretive nature and story trails.
We also hope for a flat lap track with exercise stations for all ages around the interior of the park. These measures will enhance the existing structures and lure more people back so that Constitution Park will be a welcoming, active, vibrant place to play and gather for people of all ages.
Upcoming Events
Stay Connected
Our Mission
To develop, promote and sustain the age-friendly recreational opportunities of Constitution Park for Ossipee and the surrounding towns.
To support this Mission we endeavor to:
- Act as liaison between the Community and the Park,
- Increase public awareness and stimulate use of the Park,
- Provide time, talent, and treasure (financial support) to assist with the care and maintenance of the facilities, grounds, and trails,
- Work in an inclusive manner to facilitate multi-purpose programs for all.
Support Us
Donations enable us to be good stewards of Constitution Park, as well as keep us imagining new accessible features that will provide family friendly, year round activities for all ages.
You may also send a check to:
FCPO
PO Box 880
Center Ossipee, NH 03814
Deer Run All Accessible Trail Campaign
We are now embarking on our largest and most ambitious project to date, The Deer Run All Accessible Trail Campaign. Deer Run is a .23 mile boardwalk trail that begins at the lower parking area and ends at Ossipee Lake. Meandering through woodlands and wetlands, this trail features a large number of flora and fauna, glacial eskers, bogs and rare plants, and a wide variety of animals and wildlife. Decades ago this trail was considered ADA compliant. It has now fallen into disrepair and is no longer safe.
The goals of the Deer Run Boardwalk Trail Campaign include:
1) Restore Deer Run as an accessible trail for all people, including those with mobility issues, and
2) Provide the only public access by land to view Ossipee Lake, NH’s 6th largest lake, for those with mobility issues.
This project will cost about $300,000. We hope to begin work on the trail in the summer of 2024 with completion late fall 2025. The FCPO is committed to raising $75,000 towards the costs of the project. At Town meeting in March of 2024 we will ask for $50,000. We plan on applying for grants to help with the balance.
LISTEN TO FCPO ON THE RADIO!
Ours Thanks
In addition to contributions from many generous individuals, FCPO would like to acknowledge the following for supporting our mission:
Goodhue Boat Marina
Surefire Property Management
Skehan Home Center
Costantino Real Estate LLC
Hobbs Tavern and Brewery
Sap House Meadery
Indian Mound Golf Club
Eastern Propane
Bank of New Hampshire
The Rusty Tank
Ossipee Tailor
Ossipee Valley Rotary
Ossipee Concerned Citizens
The Groleau Financial Group
Strott Holdings
Thank you to all of our supporters!
Visit Us!
Everyday
Dawn to Dusk
Physical Address
505 Route 25
Ossipee, NH 03814
© Friends of Constitution Park, Ossipee 2023