The Elm Brook Village Cooperative Story...
Elm Brook Village opened in the early 1990s and has grown up over the years into our 36-site, resident-owned, manufactured home community. But that transition didn't happen overnight. We began the move toward controlling our own destiny in 2001. That's when, with the help of the NH Community Loan Fund and ROC USA, LLC, we formed a cooperative that would, on Feb 14, 2002, take control of our community.
Now, Elm Brook Village Cooperative is not only a successful business, but also a thriving neighborhood. The process of the cooperative buying the land beneath our community brought this neighborhood closer together. Not only do we know far more of our neighbors than ever before, but we look out for one another, too. And with no outside landlord to report to, we're the envy of other nearby manufactured home communities.
Our member households elect our board of directors which, with the help of member volunteers, implements special projects, celebrations, community improvements and more. The board submits a budget every year, and the entire membership votes on it and any changes to the rent before the budget becomes official. We're running the multi-million dollar business that is our community, on our terms, by our rules, for the betterment of ourselves and our neighbors.
The Rowell's Bridge, one of two covered bridges in town.
And Elm Brook Village Coopeative couldn't be better situated. Contoocook is a charming village in the town of Hopkinton located along the Contoocook River, and is the hub of the town's activity. As home to two historic covered bridges including the oldest covered railroad bridge in the United States (the Contoocook Railroad Bridge), and Rowell's Bridge (shown), as well as one of the finest preserved railroad stations you'll find (the Contoocook Railroad Depot), our village offers a wonderful mix of history and community. The Depot, now a museum, is located in Contoocook Village and provides a home for our summer Farmers' Market.
Contoocook is the heart of Hopkinton – our beautiful Main Street provides access to the things you need every day in the style of small-town New Hampshire. With a few eateries, pharmacies, a market and more, you'll find the basics you need in our small, yet lively downtown. Take a ride from the Village heading south for a glimpse of some of the most beautifully restored historic buildings in our state.
Contoocook is the heart of Hopkinton – our beautiful Main Street provides access to the things you need every day in the style of small-town New Hampshire. With a few eateries, pharmacies, a market and more, you'll find the basics you need in our small, yet lively downtown. Take a ride from the Village heading south for a glimpse of some of the most beautifully restored historic buildings in our state.
Elm Brook Park is just a short walk from the Cooperative and offers boating, fishing, swimming, hiking and much more.
For a century, Hopkinton has hosted the annual Hopkinton State Fair (formerly the Contoocook Valley Fair). This three-day event celebrates our region's agriculture, equestrian skills, local crafts and concessions, and offers a festival atmosphere that brings smiles to all ages. The Fair has become a major event in town attended by our local residents and beyond. However, the Fair isn't the only game in town – the Hopkinton Recreation Department is very active and offers many classes, activities and trips for all to enjoy. Yoga, dancing and fitness classes are regular events as are adult volleyball games. There are weekly knitting groups, Scrabble games and more! There is also a special Senior Calendar with games, health clinics and lunches – most of which happen at the Slusser Senior Center. From right here in town, we can join our neighbors for day-trips coordinated by the Rec Department to such places as Boston Red Sox games, the Mohegan Sun Resort, and Manchester's Verizon Center. And for the children there is even more with sports, summer camps, free movies and more.
Literally around the corner from our cooperative is Elm Brook Park, a 10,000-acre park on Everett Lake. This family recreation area offers swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, picnic shelters, horseshoes and much more. It has pavilions for rent, and more than 100 free picnic areas to enjoy. It's a family treasure just a short walk from home.
While all the events and activities here in Contoocook will keep you busy –you're not far from both Concord and Manchester – the big cities of New Hampshire. Concord, our state capital, is less than 20 minutes. There you'll find many restaurants, shopping choices and entertainment. Save yourself a trip to Boston and visit the Capitol Center for the Arts for world-class theater. And the city of Manchester is a 30-minute drive from home, with sports, shopping and the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport.
Since we voted to become a resident-owned community in 2001, we have worked hard to improve it. We take pride in our village and strive to maintain our utilities and roads to ensure the safety of our residents and to preserve the appearance of our neighborhood, while also being mindful of our finances and protecting the environment. It is a fine balance, but we understand the importance of each component. We plan community events such as clean-up day, an annual summer meeting and a holiday gathering. We also publish a monthly newsletter.
Ask anyone who lives in Elm Brook Village, and we're sure they'll tell you it's a little slice of heaven.
Literally around the corner from our cooperative is Elm Brook Park, a 10,000-acre park on Everett Lake. This family recreation area offers swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, picnic shelters, horseshoes and much more. It has pavilions for rent, and more than 100 free picnic areas to enjoy. It's a family treasure just a short walk from home.
While all the events and activities here in Contoocook will keep you busy –you're not far from both Concord and Manchester – the big cities of New Hampshire. Concord, our state capital, is less than 20 minutes. There you'll find many restaurants, shopping choices and entertainment. Save yourself a trip to Boston and visit the Capitol Center for the Arts for world-class theater. And the city of Manchester is a 30-minute drive from home, with sports, shopping and the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport.
Since we voted to become a resident-owned community in 2001, we have worked hard to improve it. We take pride in our village and strive to maintain our utilities and roads to ensure the safety of our residents and to preserve the appearance of our neighborhood, while also being mindful of our finances and protecting the environment. It is a fine balance, but we understand the importance of each component. We plan community events such as clean-up day, an annual summer meeting and a holiday gathering. We also publish a monthly newsletter.
Ask anyone who lives in Elm Brook Village, and we're sure they'll tell you it's a little slice of heaven.
