Deer Run All-Accessible Trail:

Now Open

Deer Run Viewing Turnaround Platform

Thanks to incredible support from our community, donors, and grantmakers, we’re thrilled to announce that FCPO raised the full $207,000 needed to restore the Deer Run Boardwalk Trail—and construction began in Spring 2025 and was completed in October 2025.

Fully Accessible

Once ADA-compliant in 1995, this beloved .23-mile trail winds through lush woodlands and wetlands and leads to a rare public view of Ossipee Lake, the sixth largest lake in New Hampshire. Over time, the trail became overgrown and unsafe.

Now, with a new vision and full funding, Deer Run has been reborn as a fully accessible, all-ages trail that meets Forest Service Accessibility Guidelines and ADA standards.

Mission & Values

Project Overview

While there is much to celebrate at Constitution Park, our proudest accomplishment this year was the completion of the Deer Run Boardwalk All Accessible Trail project. The aging boardwalk was fully replaced and upgraded to be US Forest Service ADA accessible. Additional improvements included a kiosk designed and built by Tim Otterbach shortly before his passing, new benches, and a lakeside viewing platform dedicated to Jacob McConkey, who generously shared his expertise on the project and had a deep love for Ossipee.

The trail now provides a safe, welcoming experience for people of all ages and abilities. Its completion ensures that more residents and visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of Constitution Park and experience the physical, mental and social benefits of being outdoors.

The project was celebrated on October 18, 2025 with more than 100 attendees.
Remarks were offered by Executive Councilor Joseph Kenney, who spoke about Jacob McConkey’s dedication to his community, and by William Abbott of the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, who noted that the trail exemplifies the foundation’s mission to improve access to the outdoors.

Letters from Senator Maggie Hassan and Congressman Chris Pappas were received acknowledging the importance of this remarkable space that is now accessible for all.

Beyond its physical improvements, the Deer Run Trail represents something deeper for Ossipee and the surrounding community. It reflects a collective belief that access to nature should be inclusive, and that public spaces are strongest when they serve everyone. The project stands as a testament to what can be accomplished when volunteers, donors, local organizations, and town leadership work together toward a common goal. We invite everyone to visit Constitution Park, enjoy the trail, and share in the pride of this remarkable community accomplishment.

We have begun planning to add nature interpretive trails to the Deer Run Trail. The students at Ossipee Central School will be taking on this project and hope to have it completed by the end of 2026.

“Our family and friends are so pleased that the Friends of Constitution Park
chose to honor Jacob’s memory in this special way. I hope that passersby that happen upon this bench, will reflect on the magnificent view before them, read the inscription on the placard, and choose to make a diﬀerence tomorrow by also volunteering in their
community.”

— State Senator Mark McConkey

Vist Us

Everyday

Dawn to Dusk

Physical Address

505 Route 25
Ossipee, NH 03814

Contact Us

Mail

fcpossipee@gmail.com

Mailing Address

PO Box 880
Ossipee, NH 03814

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