OUR HISTORY
In 2013, inspired by the accomplishments of public/private partnerships in municipalities across the country, the Parks Foundation of Burlington was established. Its stated mission is to increase awareness of the importance of parks and recreational programming. Since its founding, the Parks Foundation of Burlington has encouraged philanthropic support and broad financial commitment from the community to care for its parks.
In the years since, and in partnership with the City of Burlington and community organizations, the Foundation has raised $4.3 million, funding and transforming parks and recreational areas across the city. These efforts have contributed to the total rehabilitation of the Burlington Greenway and City Hall Park, construction of A_Dog Skatepark, permanent preservation and access to Arms Forest and Rock Point, and many other important assets across Burlington.
TIMELINE.
2013
The Parks Foundation of Burlington is established as the philanthropic arm of the Burlington Department of Parks, Recreation, and Waterfront.
2014
The Foundation sets a goal of raising $1 million for the improvement and complete rehabilitation of Burlington's Bike Path along Lake Champlain.
2015
The Foundation provides substantial support for several projects including resurfacing the tennis courts at Roosevelt Park, replacing the gym floor at the Miller Center, and rebuilding the Skatepark.
2016
The Foundation exceeds its goal of raising $1 million for the Burlington Bike Path. The organization announces completion of the Bike Path improvements and rehabilitation between the Skatepark and North Beach.
2017
The Foundation forms a partnership with the Episcopal Diocese of Burlington, Lake Champlain Land Trust, and Burlington Department of Parks, Recreation, and Waterfront to conserve the land bisected by the Burlington Bike Path, including the shoreline of Rock Point to the west and the Arms Forest to the east.
2018
Burlington Greenway is fully rehabilitated from the Boathouse to the Winooski River Bridge, with financial support from the Foundation to enhance pause place points along the route.
2019
The Foundation supports additional pause places to enhance the Burlington Bike Path and provide further enjoyment to those who recreate along Lake Champlain. Planning gets underway for new trails, signage, and kiosks in the Arms Forest and throughout Rock Point.
2020
The Parks Foundation, in partnership with the Rock Point and Arms Forest Coalition, opens a dramatically improved trail network in Rock Point. The Foundation launches the Legacy Circle, accepting contributions to the Vermont Community Foundation-managed Opportunity Fund.
2021
The Foundation partners with Oakledge for All (OFA) to support their efforts to create Burlington’s first Universally Accessible playground. The Foundation acts as OFA’s fiscal agent in order to facilitate fundraising for the project.
2022
The Foundation continues to raise funds to enhance park assets and recreation programs.
2023
Oakledge for All celebrates the grand opening of Burlington's first Universally Accessible playground in November.
2024
The Foundation launches Playgrounds for All Forever to raise funds to create more opportunities for universally accessible play in Burlington’s parks.