Waterville Valley Planning Board Reviews Outdoor Adventure Zone Proposal

On July 8, 2025, the Waterville Valley Planning Board held a public hearing to gather community input on the proposed Outdoor Adventure Zone, submitted by the Tyrell Development Company. The project, planned near Corcoran Pond, includes an aerial adventure course, a miniature golf course, a maze, and a supporting building with a patio. The hearing focused on public comments regarding the application’s alignment with the town’s zoning ordinances, site plan regulations, and master plan, with no deliberations or decisions made during the session (link).

Project Overview and Updates

The Tyrell Development Company presented updates to the initial plan, addressing feedback from the planning board and town staff. Key changes include a shift from the originally proposed aerial course to a three-level “Sky Trail” with zip rails, designed to optimize scale and safety. The building, described as a post-and-timber structure with a metal roof, will feature a lower level for the relocated Nordic and mountain biking center, a main level for a snack bar and retail, and an upper level. The plan also incorporates ADA-compliant paths from existing parking lots, which are underutilized in summer, to the adventure zone. Additional revisions involve water and sewer connections coordinated with the Department of Public Works and enhanced landscaping to mitigate visual impacts (link).

Public Concerns: Aesthetics and Environmental Impact

A significant portion of the hearing centered on the project’s potential impact on the scenic beauty of Corcoran Pond, a focal point of Waterville Valley’s charm. Residents expressed concerns that the development, particularly the aerial course and maze, could disrupt the natural forest and iconic views of the pond and surrounding mountains. One speaker highlighted the risk of removing mature trees, urging the developer to preserve the area’s aesthetic integrity. Suggestions included relocating the project to the mountain to minimize visual disruption and maintain the valley’s character (link).

Maintenance and Economic Viability

Several residents questioned the long-term maintenance of the proposed facilities, citing past examples of neglected infrastructure, such as the town’s skate park, which was removed due to disrepair. Concerns were raised about the adventure zone becoming an eyesore if not properly maintained, especially given its seasonal use from May to October. Others doubted the project’s ability to attract visitors from neighboring towns, comparing it to similar attractions in Lincoln that offer more comprehensive activities. One resident requested a land reclamation provision to protect the town from financial liability if the project fails (link).

Zoning and Regulatory Considerations

Speakers referenced the town’s zoning ordinances, emphasizing the planning board’s responsibility to protect Waterville Valley’s natural and scenic beauty. Questions arose about the height of the aerial course, with the developer confirming the structure’s peak at 48 feet, potentially exceeding the 45-foot maximum outlined in some regulations. Residents also requested clearer documentation of plan revisions and suggested staking out the site with balloons to visualize the project’s scale. The planning board was encouraged to consider independent traffic and engineering studies to assess impacts on town services (link).

Developer’s Response

The Tyrell Development Company defended the project’s alignment with the town’s conceptual master plan, noting that the adventure zone was always intended for the Corcoran Pond area. They emphasized significant investments in the resort since 2010, countering claims of neglect, and argued that the project would enhance summer tourism by offering family-friendly activities. The developer also clarified that operating hours would comply with noise and light ordinances, with the aerial course closing at sunset and the miniature golf course potentially open later with ground-level lighting (link).

Written Submissions

Three letters were read during the hearing. Two expressed opposition, citing the project’s potential to detract from the valley’s natural appeal and questioning its competitive edge against nearby attractions like Hobo Hills and Alpine Adventures in Lincoln. The third letter supported the proposal, suggesting it could draw families during non-winter months and recommending a clear path to the town center to boost local businesses (link).

Next Steps

The planning board will begin deliberations on the application at its next meeting on July 10, 2025, at 8 a.m. at the town office. A decision to approve the project with conditions or reject it must be made within 65 days of the application’s acceptance as complete on June 19, 2025. The meeting will be open to the public, streamed via Zoom, and available on YouTube (link).

The public hearing underscored a divide in the community, with some residents advocating for economic growth through new attractions and others prioritizing the preservation of Waterville Valley’s natural beauty. The planning board faces the challenge of balancing these perspectives while ensuring compliance with town regulations.