About

Philanthropy, Stewardship & Partnership: for the Love of Our Parks

The Parks Foundation of Burlington seeks to inspire the spirit of stewardship and philanthropy for our community’s treasured parks and recreation assets for our residents and visitors.

The Foundation seeks opportunities for self-sustaining support that will not impose a burden on the City of Burlington’s Parks & Recreation Department’s annual operating budget.

The Parks Foundation of Burlington is an independent, 501(c)3 nonprofit organization formed in 2013 with the purpose to seek opportunities to enhance park assets and recreation programs in Burlington, Vermont through specific initiatives.

Foundation Updates

Parks Foundation of Burlington FY22 990 Form

Parks Foundation 2020 Annual Report

Parks Foundation 2019 Annual Report

The Rock Point and Arms Forest Coalition Overview

See More

The Foundation

• Is a separate entity, independent from the City of Burlington and the Parks & Recreation Department, formed as a tax-exempt non-profit charity governed by its Board of Directors.

• Applies for grants for which government agencies are not eligible.

• Solicits and accepts planned gifts that provide support for future improvements to our city’s recreational resources.

• Acts as the umbrella fundraising organization for all Parks & Recreation philanthropy. This allows the great work of current friends and volunteer groups to continue to raise funds in support of their particular projects.

• Prides itself on being the fiscal agent for the proper stewardship of those funds while maintaining the relationship with the City to assure the money raised is spent on appropriate projects.

• Focuses on partnerships throughout the community to advance its mission.

History

Inspiration for the establishment of a dedicated parks foundation comes from many other municipalities and states across the country that have successfully accomplished the mission of increasing awareness of the importance of parks and recreational programming while at the same time increasing philanthropic support.

Board of Directors

Additional Support

The City of Burlington Parks & Recreation staff, led by Director and Ex-Officio Board Member Cindi Wight, provides direct support to the Foundation.

Projects

The first signature project for The Foundation is the Burlington Bike Path Rehabilitation: a full renovation of the 8-mile shoreline recreational path. For more information on the multi-phase rehabilitation project and to keep current on the latest developments, please click here.

Other major initiatives include the construction of a new waterfront skate park, the permanent conservation of the Arms Forest and Rock Point, the redesign and reconstruction of City Hall Park, scholarship endowment, and other community initiatives.

Contact the Foundation for additional information on all of these projects and more

Donate

Contact Us