Left to right: Sam Hotham (T-Mobile), Paul Dragon (CVOEO), Cindi Wight (BPRW), Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak, Max Madalinski (BPRW), Nate Lantieri (Parks Commission). BTV photos.
Burlington's King Street neighborhood celebrates renovation of Champlain Street Park, thanks to support from T-Mobile Hometown Grant and community donations.
Vermont Business Magazine Burlington Parks, Recreation and Waterfront (BPRW) celebrated the reopening of Champlain Street Park. Outreach and planning for the park overhaul began nearly 5 years ago, but was initially delayed due to the Coronavirus Pandemic and further delayed by rising costs from inflation. By partnering with donors and community partners, construction was completed in July of 2024.
In addition to funds allocated in the City’s capital plan, the project was made possible thanks to numerous generous grants and donations. These included a $50,000 award from T-Mobile's Hometown Grant, a $25,000 donation from the King Street Neighborhood Revitalization Corporation (KSNRC), and donated landscaping and site furnishings from the Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity (CVOEO).
“Thanks to community input, careful capital planning — including multiple grants and donations — and thoughtful design, we have revitalized a valuable public space located in one of Burlington’s densest neighborhoods, and on the edge of our downtown, for future generations to enjoy,” said Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak.
"Giving back to communities is one of our largest priorities. We are invested in bridging the digital divide, enhancing our connections as well as supporting essential services throughout the community. To date, T-Mobile's Hometown Grants have donated $14 million to 325 communities across 47 states. We want to congratulate Burlington and the Parks, Recreation & Waterfront department on this amazing project," said Sam Hotham from T-Mobile.
“KSNRC was founded in the late 1970s to improve the housing conditions and affordability and upgrade the overall quality of life in the King-Maple neighborhood, and we’ve sought out opportunities like this to put our financial resources to work for the benefit of the nearby community. It is especially gratifying that our funds are going into a park that faced possible closure 25 years ago and neighborhood residents organized to save this as an asset to the community,” said Brian Pine of KSNRC.
Above, the park as seen from South Champlain Street and below from the interior end.
Enhancing Accessibility, Safety and Enjoyment in the Park
New ornamental steel and aluminum fencing, installed in 2022, encloses the quarter-acre park. Two picnic tables and three planters rest atop a concrete pad at the park entrance, providing a spot for park users to stop and enjoy lunch. From there, a concrete walkway flanked by flowering shrubs curves along the south side of the park, creating an accessible route to the playground.
The center of the park has been freshly seeded with grass providing an open space for play and picnicking. Two new benches placed on opposite sides of the park and a set of bike racks complete the space. A new light pole placed at the back of the park increases night-time visibility.
The new playground, designed primarily for children between two to five years old, features a swing set, a side-by-side spring rider, interactive play panels with games and music, a “Cozy Cocoon” where children can sit or spin in a semi-enclosed space, and a “Home Dome” climber for children to play on, around, and under.
Poured-in-place rubber surfacing provides fall-protection, while ensuring all of the playground remains accessible for everyone. Within the surfacing, a wide blue band meanders around the playground area; adding a playful touch of color and a track for children to move along. The band was intentionally integrated into the design for children who want to play but may not be ready, eager, or able to be on play structures.
Source: 9.18.2024. Burlington, VT – Burlington Parks, Recreation and Waterfront
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