Stories, Gear, and Outdoor Culture

On a hot weekday, Marty Parichand nonchalantly strolled alongside a local carwash. He passed some concrete barriers and a “no camping” sign. As he tromped into an overgrown, litter-covered trailhead, he dove into his vision for a new outdoor adventure park.

Since 2001 paddling has been a part of my life. It has been one of my longest relationships outside of family, and like any relationship has had some high highs and some low lows.

I have come to realize that every paddler paddles for a different reason. 

I participated in an ACA Certification Course on the Winnipesaukee River. The outing clubs of both the University of Vermont and the University of Massachusetts were well represented with solid boaters.

A new downtown business coordinator and a year-old four-way partnership are continuing the push to liven Franklin’s downtown.

Franklin Savings Bank has donated $30,000 to PermaCityLife, an organization working to revitalize Franklin’s downtown.

My passion is paddling. It has been since the first time I rafted as a customer. It then adapted as I progressed. First as an extremely novice kayaker, to a raft guide, then on to a kayaker who is “in between swims.” As a New England paddler, I cherished the early education in rolling I received from then Suncook River Canoe & Kayak, as well as, the Merrimack Valley Paddlers, who continue to support local paddlers.

Splashing in icy river water on a chilly winter day isn’t necessarily a popular way to attract people to a place. But in Franklin, it works.

TODAY OUTDOOR NEW ENGLAND OPENED