MRV Recreation Hub

The Chamber’s Role in
Building the MRV Recreation Hub

When you walk into the Welcome Center today, or see the work being done on the new bridge and trail connections, it’s easy to forget where this all began. The idea for the Mad River Valley Recreation Hub started with the MRV Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber not only conceptualized the Hub but also harnessed its strong relationships with community organizations to bring partners together around a shared vision. That collaboration led to the successful application for a $408,019 VOREC Community Grant, the largest grant ever awarded by the VOREC program.

Explore • Connect • Protect

The MRV Recreation Hub is more than a project; it’s a way of uniting our trails, businesses, and community. Its goals are simple but powerful:

  • Explore – Make it easy for everyone to get outside and discover the Valley’s world-class recreation.
  • Connect – Link trails, downtown Waitsfield, and local businesses into one seamless experience.
  • Protect – Build stewardship into every step, ensuring that recreation and environmental health go hand-in-hand.

The Chamber’s Ongoing Role
At the heart of the Hub is the Welcome Center, operated by the Chamber and staffed by our dedicated MRV Ambassador volunteers. From maps and trail tips to local business recommendations, the Welcome Center helps visitors and locals alike connect with the Valley’s recreational and cultural assets.

Through our leadership, the Chamber continues to:

  • Anchor the Hub at the Route 100/17 Welcome Center.
  • Support stewardship education through stewardMRV.
  • Keep businesses connected to the growing recreation economy.
  • Strengthen collaboration among trail, conservation, municipal, and business partners.

A True Community Partnership
The Hub wouldn’t be possible without the collaboration of many local partners:
MRV Recreation District, MRV Planning District, Mad River Riders, Mad River Path Association, Friends of the Mad River, Town of Waitsfield, Waitsfield Conservation Commission, Warren Conservation Commission, and of course, the Mad River Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Together, we are transforming the recreational experience in the Valley—creating stronger trail connections, new infrastructure, better access, and a culture of stewardship.

Why It Matters – The Recreation Hub will:

  • Grow businesses by bringing more trail users into the village center.
  • Increase participation in outdoor recreation for all abilities.
  • Strengthen outdoor recreation resources through better access and infrastructure.
  • Promote stewardship by linking recreation with environmental protection.
  • Encourage healthy lifestyles  by making it easier to get outside and be active.

The Bottom Line
The MRV Chamber didn’t just join this project—we helped spark it. By bringing together partners, securing funding, and continuing to anchor the Hub through our Welcome Center, the Chamber is ensuring that outdoor recreation strengthens both our community and our economy. The MRV Recreation Hub is a powerful example of how the Chamber transforms big ideas into lasting community impact.