Currently, the majority of users of the Trescott property are older men. In an effort to create diversity among users, and create a contingency of lifelong users, it is necessary to reach out to families and children.

The majority of families in Hanover have two working parents who put a high value on education and spending time in the outdoors. It can be difficult for parents to find time to engage their kids in outdoor activities when excursions require a lot of time and planning. Fortunately, Trescott is very accessible from Hanover. Families might be more likely to use the property if they had pre-organized excursions.

UVTA has been successful in providing printed guides and recreation programs like Passport to Winter Fun to Upper Valley families. UVTA could help bring families to Trescott by developing guides and programs at Trescott. Parents in the Hanover Area have expressed interest in using guides that could be printed or downloaded onto a smartphone.

UVTA’s ability to limit and guide people’s interaction with the lands is very valuable. Activities suggested could be at least 250 ft away from the reservoir, and on the trails. The activities will not be conducive to rule-breaking. Additionally, there could be guides that emphasize the history of the land, and others that focus on conservation.

The Hanover Parks and Recreation board already gets kids outside in the summer with programs such as the Hanover Trails Challenge. Now in its third year, the Challenge has been a huge success. Kids and parents who register receive a t-shirt and a guide to eight easy to moderate hikes in the area. Upon completion of 5 hikes, the user is entered in a raffle for prizes donated by local businesses. These hikes take people to places like Trescott, that may be close but not well known. UVTA could partner with the Hanover Parks and Recreation Board to create guides, develop programs, and provide classes for youth.

During the school year, principals of each school in the Hanover School District send out e-mails each week to a listserv of 800 families involved in the recreation department. These emails are a way to encourage use throughout the year. UVTA could advertise their events, such as the Passport to Winter Fun, through this platform.

In order for Trescott to remain open to recreation, it is necessary for UVTA to engage young people. If educated on the importance of Trescott, both with respect to conservation and historic preservation, young people will advocate for its future protection. These youth have the ability to establish a culture of community management surrounding Trescott and the residents of Hanover.

   

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(photos courtesy of Hanover Parks and Recreation Board)