March 29 — The Internal Revenue Service recognizes Friends of the Merrimack River Greenway Trail as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, strengthening its ability to raise funds and build partnerships.

March 28 — Representatives of the City of Concord, VHB Engineers, and Friends of the MRGT walk the Terrill Park wetlands to evaluate possible alignments for a future boardwalk connection.

September 11 — U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen and Interior Secretary Sally Jewell visit Terrill Park to announce a $100,000 Land and Water Conservation Fund grant supporting trail improvements in the park.

September 2 — Pan Am Railways files formal notice with the Surface Transportation Board to abandon the remaining 5.8-mile rail corridor in Concord, creating a once-in-a-generation opportunity for future trail development.

March 1 — The federal rail abandonment process is completed, clearing the way for future efforts to preserve the corridor for public transportation and recreation use.

July 10 — Friends of the MRGT launches a public petition encouraging the State of New Hampshire to preserve the abandoned rail corridor for future trail use. More than 1,650 people sign within two months.

April 25 — Construction bids for a proposed 100-foot long section of boardwalk in Terrill Park come in significantly higher than expected, forcing the City and project partners to delay the project and reconsider next steps.

April 1 — The City of Concord begins negotiations with Pan Am Railways regarding possible acquisition of the abandoned 5.8-mile rail corridor through Concord.

June 8 — City and state officials and project partners gather in Terrill Park to break ground for the first section of the MRGT, funded by a Land and Water Conservation Fund grant with matching support from Friends of the MRGT.

August 18 — The Terrill Park section of the MRGT officially opens to the public, marking completion of the first major off-road segment. Friends of the MRGT contributes $62,300, half the project cost.

June 13 — Following years of advocacy and public support, the Concord City Council votes to move forward with acquisition of the abandoned rail corridor and appropriates funding for purchase, due diligence, and contingencies.

October 1 — The City of Concord is awarded a $1-million Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant, providing major federal support for construction of the Penacook Rail Trail.

February 7 — Private donations supporting development of the Merrimack River Greenway Trail reach half a million dollars, reflecting years of sustained community support for the project.

October 22 — The City of Concord secures a $275,000 Land and Water Conservation Fund grant supporting construction of the Sunflower Section on City-owned land south of Loudon Road.

June 13 — Supporters, City officials, and project partners gather to celebrate groundbreaking for the Sunflower Section, extending the MRGT south of Loudon Road.

September 27 — The Sunflower Section of the MRGT officially opens to the public, extending Concord’s completed off-road trail network to about one mile. Friends of the MRGT contributes more than $300,000.

July 1 — The City of Concord secures a major federal Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant supporting construction of an approximately 1,400-foot boardwalk in Terrill Park.

February 15 — The City of Concord completes its acquisition of the former rail corridor, preserving 5.8 miles for future trail and transportation use.

May 11 — The Concord City Council appropriates funding for construction of the 1.8-mile Penacook Rail Trail, advancing plans to connect Concord with the 58-mile Northern Rail Trail.