Unique partnership to create covered bridge, walkway at Gunstock pond

J. Douglas Irving, former Director of Operations, Gunstock Mountain Resort (Courtesy photo)

GILFORD - In a unique partnership with Gunstock Mountain Resort, the Live Like Doug Educational Center organization is announcing an exciting new project enhancing the existing waterfront area near the main lodge at Gunstock Mountain Resort.

The proposed project will incorporate features that were part of a former Gunstock Master Plan. These features included an accessible pedestrian covered bridge, a walking path, picnic tables and landscaping. Funding for the project will come from private contributions, grants and in-kind donations of time, labor and materials and not from the Gunstock Area Commission's budget.

Enjoying the outdoors and respecting the areas natural resources are big draws to life in the Lakes Region and merging these aspects and assets were Doug Irving's passion during his 40-year tenure with Gunstock. To honor Doug's legacy and his vision, a group of friends decided this project would be a fitting tribute to Doug's memory.

They established the Live Like Doug Educational Center, a registered nonprofit 501c3 organization, to complete these projects. A proposal for implementing this project was presented to the GAC and senior Gunstock management who endorsed and approved it. Fundraising for the project is moving forward.

"This would be a nice addition aesthetically and the management team would be in favor of the project," noted Tom Day, President and General Manager of Gunstock. "An accessible walkway around the entire pond provides access to anyone wanting to enjoy the outside and have on-site views of the mountain."

"We've had a lot of great feedback from the community and already have begun securing donations of both materials and dollars," said Dick Tapply, Chairperson of LLDEC. "We are excited to get this project underway." Organizers are preparing for the process and steps have launched to move the project to reality. For anyone looking to help or donate, please reach out to Live Like Doug EC via the website, www.livelikedougnh.org or email at info@livelikedougnh.org.

The Live like Doug Education Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering interest in people in environmental awareness, conservation, stewardship and the use of the outdoor environment for healthy mental and physical enjoyment. For more information, go to www.livelikedougnh.org or email to info@livelikedougnh.com.