CONWAY — It’s a lollipop access road for the off and on loading area for kayakers and canoeists near First Bridge in North Conway this summer, after Conway officials met last week with state Department of Transportation personnel and were told the plan presented was a no-go.

It’s still seen as a temporary solution to the lack of infrastructure for a boat launch on the Saco River off of River Road, but at their June 5 meeting Conway selectmen agreed to go ahead with a plan that puts vehicles out farther into Hussey Field in the summer.

The latest proposal, presented by Conway public works director Paul DegliAngeli, would give the board, and the Saco River Advisory Committee, two years to come up with a more permanent solution.

The new plan takes vehicles off the road, through the boulders where there is now a chain link fence, down into the field where there will be space to circle around to head out. The plan presented last week called for a U-shaped drop-off road, with an entrance and an exit off of River Road for a one-way drive-through around the small parking area by the North Conway Water Precinct’s water spicket.

Commercial liveries and private groups and individuals will need to portage their boats about 200 feet to the river bank. The designated spot will be north of the swimming beach, made possible this year because Tropical Storm Irene extended the length of the sand up the river on the eastern side of Hussey Field.

The town has applied to a local foundation for a grant to cover the materials, such as grass pavers, for the access road, but the amount requested did not include funds for labor costs. DegliAngeli said that town workers would not be able to get to the project this summer, as other maintenance work and projects take priority, so the grass pavers will not be in place this year.

The area will be marked off with posts and cables, and include directional signs. Earl Sires, town manager, said that a “no boats” sign should be put up at the swimming beach by the First Bridge so that those boating from up river don’t bring their boats out on to that small beach.

River Road resident Steve Hartmann expressed concern about boats and trash on that beach. Boaters coming from upstream have been leaving their boats on the beach while they wait for their rides.

There will likely be a Conway police presence during the high-traffic times, with the livery companies paying for the special detail. Peter Gagne, owner of Saco Canoe Rentals Company, said there are about eight busy Saturdays.

Gagne serves on the Saco River Advisory Committee, which was established last year after the access road used for decades by boaters was temporarily blocked off by the water precinct, due to a new well house on the site.

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Sara Young-Knox may be reached at syoungknox@newstote.com.syoungknox@newstote.com