The Mad River Valley has a long, rich history of communities working together to make life better.
MISSION
To facilitate, enhance, and create recreational opportunities throughout the Mad River Valley that promote community vitality, physical fitness, appreciation for the outdoors, and a high quality of life. As a Union Municipal District, the Mad River Valley Recreation District is authorized to serve a variety of roles, including planning, administration, programming, land acquisition, facility development and maintenance.
ORGANIZATION
We are led by a volunteer board, with representatives from member towns of Warren, Waitsfield and Fayston. For many years, the primary focus was the operation of a Recreation Grant Program, in which it allocated municipal funds towards recreation initiatives and projects. In 2017, the MRVRD purchased Mad River Park, a 10 acre site in Waitsfield with recreation fields used by the community. At that time, the organization developed a Strategic Plan, to define its mission and expand its efforts in focus areas.
HISTORY
In 1994, the Mad River Valley Recreation District was established by the Towns of Fayston, Waitsfield and Warren, Vermont. It recognizes their shared interest in providing recreation programs and facilities for residents of the Mad River Valley.
Mad River Valley Recreation District Board & Staff Members
The Mad River Valley Recreation District Board is now composed of ten members: two appointed from each full-member town (Fayston, Waitsfield and Warren), one appointed from each partial-member town (Moretown) and up to three additional at large representatives. Appointed Board members hold three-year terms. At-large Board members hold one-year terms and are not eligible to be officers. For more information on Board terms, appointments or Mad River Valley Recreation District organizational structure & procedures see our Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). PLEASE NOTE: Moretown voted to join MRVRD as of 1/1/2026. As a partial-member Moretown has one seat on the MRVRD Board. Mike DeBonis was appointed by the Moretown Select Board as of 1/1/2026. The dates below indicate the ends of terms:
Executive Director: Laura Arnesen
Chair/Appointed: Alice Rodgers, Warren VT 3/2027
Vice Chair & Mad River Fields Committee Chair/Appointed: Mary Simmons, Waitsfield VT 3/2026
Treasurer/Appointed: Doug Bergstein, Waitsfield VT 3/2026
Secretary/Appointed: Molly Bagnato, Fayston VT 3/2027
Appointed: Corey Ayotte, Fayston VT 3/2026
Appointed: Mike DeBonis, Moretown, VT 3/2029
Appointed: OPEN Warren VT 3/2026
At-Large: Luke Foley, Waitsfield VT 3/2026
At-Large: Leah St. Martin, Fayston VT 3/2026
At-Large: OPEN 3/2026