Recreation Planning

Kingdom Trails Network Capacity Study Selected as VPA Project of the Year


We are proud to announce that the Kingdom Trails Network Capacity Study has taken home another award: the Vermont Planner’s Association 2023 Project of the Year!

This Network Capacity Study stands out as one of our favorite recent projects because its unique challenges were so well suited for SE Group’s strengths and services: recreation planning, visitation/use analysis, economic development, land planning, and community engagement.

Kingdom Trails are a premiere mountain biking destination that attracts over a hundred thousand visitors annually and generates millions of dollars in economic spending in adjacent communities. 

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Two SE Group Articles featured in May edition of SAM Magazine


The May issue of Ski Area Management magazine is out and we are pleased to report that it features not one but two articles from SE Group authors.

Director of Resort Planning Claire Humber‘s piece is titled “Investing in Retention of Interest.” Leaning on her deep expertise in strategic planning, Claire encourages ski area owners and operators to look beyond the traditional ROI (return on investment) to consider another ROI when planning capital expenditures: retention of interest.

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SE Group Wins Three Vermont Public Places Awards


SE Group had a strong showing at the 2023 Vermont Public Places Awards ceremony in May, taking home 3 of the 7 awards available.

Creating public spaces that enrich communities through connections to the outdoors is the foundation of SE Group’s work. That’s why we are particularly proud of these awards, which recognize a wide variety of project-types that promote public uses and benefits here in the backyard of our Burlington office.

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Capital Suggestions


Ski Area Management January 2022

Capital investments are a critical aspect of master planning for any resort – and the amount of data that can inform these decisions has dramatically risen in the last 10 years. So where does one begin?

SE Group has been guiding ski areas and resorts through capital planning since its inception in 1958. And in this article for Ski Area Management, CEO Kent Sharp joins a panel of experts to talk about growth and maintenance capital in this ever-changing environment.

Read the full article.

Unpack Your Assumptions


Ski Area Management November 2021

COVID has forced a broad rethinking of resort operations, the guest experience, and the use of space. In this article for Ski Area Management, Carolyn McShea and Claire Humber examine the operational assumptions that COVID disproved – and how resorts can continue to turn last year’s challenges into this year’s opportunities.

Read the full article.

Lift-Served Mountain Biking


NSAA Journal  Summer 2021

SE Group’s  Patrick Olstad and Drew Pollck-Bruce co-authored an article about the potential for lift-served mountain biking growth opportunities at ski areas and mountain resorts. Their findings are based on the insights and trends identified in a national survey of current riders and guests.

Click here to read the full article.

Montpelier Elementary School Playground


Advocate, Vermont Recreation and Parks Association Newsletter Summer 2020

SE Group’s Tom Hand and Drew Pollak-Bruce provide insight to the recently completed Montpelier Union Elementary School Playground project, and how the new design achieves key upgrades to the school facilities and grounds while providing education and play opportunities for students and the community at large.

 

Click here to read the full article.

 

SE Group Presenting at the 2019 Northern New England APA Conference


Mark Kane, APA ASLA and Ellie Wachtel are presenting at this year’s NNECAPA Annual Conference at Mount Washington Resort in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire. “The Town Forest Planning Toolkit: Supporting recreation planning in small towns” will focus on the planning process undertaken by 10 Town Forests in Vermont to develop action-based forest recreation plans.

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SE Group Hosts the Rail Trail Roundup


SE Group’s Recreation Planning team is working in partnership with The Path Less Pedaled on the Missisquoi Valley Rail Trail Wayfinding, Marketing and Branding Project.

Watch a video created by The Path Less Pedaled of the recent Rail Trail Roundup, which takes a behind the scenes look at the planning and public engagement process.

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SE Group Projects Receive 2019 Vermont Public Places Awards


The Vermont Town Forest Recreation Planning project and the Underwood Park Master Plan have both been recognized with Vermont Public Places Awards.

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