OUR HISTORY
In 2013, inspired by the accomplishments of public/private partnerships in municipalities across the country, 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 dollars, funding and transforming parks and recreational areas across the city including contributing to the total rehabilitation of the Burlington Greenway, City Hall Park, A_Dog Skatepark, permanent preservation and access to Arms Forest and Rock Point, and many other important assets across Burlington.
TIMELINE.
2013
Parks Foundation of Burlington is established as the philanthropic arm of the Burlington Parks, Recreation, and Waterfront Department.
2014
Sets goal of raising $1 million for the improvement and complete rehabilitation of Burlington's Bike Path along Lake Champlain.
2015
Provides substantial support for several projects including; Resurfacing the tennis courts at Roosevelt Park, Replacing the gym floor at the Mill Center & Rebuilding the Skatepark.
2016
Exceeds its goal of raising $1 million for the Bike Path. Announces completion of the Bike Path improvements and rehabilitation between the Skate Park and North Beach.
2017
Forms a partnership with the Episcopal Diocese of Burlington, the Lake Champlain Land Trust, and the Burlington Parks, Recreation and Waterfront Department 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 to enhance pause place points along the route coming from the Foundation.
2019
Additional pause places are added 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
Parks Foundation, in partnership with the Rock Point and Arms Forest Coalition, opened a dramatically improved trail network in Rock Point. Parks Foundation of Burlington launches Legacy Circle, accepting contributions to the Opportunity Fund managed by the Vermont Community Foundation.
2021
Partners with Oakledge for ALL to support their efforts to create Burlington’s first Universally Accessible playground. BPF acts as OFA’s fiscal agent in order to facilitate fundraising for the project.
2022
The Parks Foundation of Burlington 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
Launches Playgrounds for All Forever to raise funds to create more opportunities for universally accessible play in Burlington’s parks.