On the first day of autumn, Barrington residents gathered to discuss the future of their town center. The event started with presentations and discussions at Barrington Elementary School, followed by a walk along the new perimeter trail leading to Barrington Common, a 13-acre property intended as a community gathering space.
Local families visited booths hosted by several organizations, including UNH Cooperative Extension, Resilience Planning & Design, and the Town Center Development Committee. Over 100 people visited the Extension booth to learn about the Downtowns & Trails program and provide feedback on recommendations developed during a year-long partnership between Extension and the Town of Barrington.
Residents used this opportunity to share their priorities for connecting trails, natural areas, and the town center. Shannon Rogers, UNH Extension State Specialist, presented findings from the Downtowns & Trails process during a morning session. Some participants attended this presentation while others joined in later to discuss ideas informally.
Children contributed by drawing pictures of their favorite trail activities.
As the Downtowns & Trails program in Barrington concludes, UNH Cooperative Extension will continue to support local volunteers and town staff as they work on implementing recommendations. Organizers noted that recent accomplishments have created momentum for future efforts to meet local goals and improve community spaces.
One project already underway is bench-making at Town Center Day, aimed at adding seating around Barrington Common and trailheads.
