Educational, Cultural, and Recreational Resources

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The Windham Region is fortunate to have access to a variety of educational resources, a rich and vibrant arts and cultural heritage, and a wealth of natural recreational resources. These resources are foundational to fostering strong local ties to the community, creating a high quality of life for residents, and improving the economic prosperity of our communities.

Educational resources encompass child care, elementary and secondary schools, higher education institutions, continuing education opportunities, and community libraries. A quality educational system is critical for achieving social and economic goals, including the availability of high-quality child care to support working parents and local businesses. Libraries play an important role in serving learning and information needs and providing a community center space. 

Nationally recognized musicians, artists, writers, and craftspeople have chosen to make the region their home. The presence of the arts community enriches the lives of residents and visitors, and enhances the region's economic vitality and appeal as a place to live and do business. The region has an abundance of historic resources as well. Historic structures and sites are an integral part of the region’s character and quality of life. They serve as a link to the past and help strengthen the local economy by promoting investment as well as tourism.

Recreational resources in the region take many forms. Some communities have municipal recreation departments and provide a wide range of activities for various age groups. Ski resorts play an important role by providing recreation to residents and tourists, and increasingly through all four seasons. Hiking, road biking, mountain biking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and hunting are just some of the recreational activities that also take place throughout the region’s vast forest resource areas. Residents and visitors utilize the many rivers, streams, lakes, reservoirs, and ponds for water recreation such as swimming, boating, and fishing.