The Town proactively manages the provision of public facilities and services to meet the demands of projected residential, commercial, and economic growth.
Chapter 8
Recreation, Programming, Parks & Library
Introduction
The Recreation & Parks Department stewards public spaces and provides programming to create a dynamic and inclusive environment that inspires lifelong wellness. This work fosters community engagement and enhances the quality of life for residents and visitors of all ages and abilities by promoting physical activity and social interaction.
Over the life of the last Town Plan, Recreation & Parks has grown by expanding their program offerings, adding a Recreation Program Coordinator position, opening the R.E.C. Zone facility, conducting a Recreation Needs Assessment, and adding several facilities at existing parks such as pickleball courts, a basketball court, and a climbing structure.
Recreation & Parks currently faces challenges of limited recreation space and equitable access. Field, court, and indoor space for programming is a major constraint. Additionally, the department also strives to provide a higher level of accessibility to all members of the town. By increasing the number of parks and public spaces in Town, increasing multimodal transportation connections to recreation spaces, and developing a year-round Recreation Center, the Town can increase the accessibility of the programming it provides.
At the time of adoption for this Town Plan, Recreation & Parks is working on a Master Plan that will guide the department over the next 15 years. Concurrently, the Town continues to work on the Community Center Scoping Study1 to address the challenges Williston is facing in providing indoor recreation programs.
The Recreation and Parks department's efforts are guided by the Recreation and Parks Committee.
Report of Scoping and Feasibility Study Community Center and Library Spaces for the Town of Williston October 26, 2023. Accessed at https://www.town.williston.vt.us/vertical/sites/%7BF506B13C-605B-4878-8062-87E5927E49F0%7D/uploads/WLCC_Feasibility_Report_2023.10.26_-_compressed.pdf
Goals: In 2050, Williston is...
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Livable
... because all people -- residents, workers, and visitors – have access to a variety of active and passive recreation facilities. Access to nature and green spaces reduces stress, improves mood, and increases overall happiness. Williston's parks give kids safe places to play, learn, and grow, while giving parents opportunities to connect with other families. Williston's Rec programs offer after-school activities, mentorship, and skill-building that keep kids engaged and safe. Williston's parks are well-connected to neighborhoods by a network of paths and sidewalks, which promotes walking, biking, and outdoor recreation. Williston's strong park system fosters a high quality of life that attracts residents and businesses alike.
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Resilient
...because developed parks and country parks provide opportunities for stormwater management and habitat restoration. Green spaces help with climate adaptation by reducing urban heat islands and improving air quality. Williston's parks promote physical activity, stress relief, and mental well-being, helping people stay healthier, as well as strengthening social connections that are critical during times of need. During emergencies (like heatwaves or pandemics), parks can serve as safer outdoor spaces for socializing, aid distribution, or even medical response setups. Parks – for example, the Catamount Community Forest and Outdoor Center - attract tourism, increase nearby property values, and create jobs through maintenance, programming, and events.
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Equitable
...because the Recreation & Parks Department continues and expands offerings that serve people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. All people are welcome and included. Urban, suburban, and country parks are equally important and managed equitably. Community parks and indoor facilities are close to dense populations and accessible without a car. Natural areas and trails are equitably distributed throughout the Town.
Three Things to Know
1
THERE IS A NEED FOR ADDITIONAL DEVELOPED PARKS AND OUTDOOR RECREATION FACILITIES, BUT SPACE IS LIMITED BY WETLANDS
The Allen Brook Park Master Plan was completed in 2022, but plans cannot be fully realized due to wetland constraints. The Town has begun to take steps to pivot to a different site or sites for these needed facilities.
2
THE TOWN IS MOVING FORWARD WITH A LIBRARY EXPANSION
The Williston Library and Community Center Scoping Study was completed in 2023 and set the direction for library expansion and siting search for a community center location of approximately 7-10 acres. In the spring of 2025, the Library Trustees endorsed concepts presented by Black River Design and the Town hired CPG Enterprises to study private fundraising options for the expansion.
3
THROUGH ITS RECREATION AND PARKS DEPARTMENT AND LIBRARY COMBINED, WILLISTON PROVIDES A WIDE VARIETY OF PROGRAMMING THAT ENGAGES MANY OF ITS CITIZENS.
In fiscal year 2024, the Dorothy Alling Memorial Library conducted over 750 program sessions, with a collective attendance count of over 11,000 attendees. Williston Recreation and Parks offered more than 250 activities and had over 2,500 registrations for those activities².
Three Things Public Engagement Told Us
1
THE #1 PRIORITY FOR THE TOWN'S FACILITIES IS A NEW COMMUNITY CENTER AND EXPANDED LIBRARY
29% of respondents thought that the biggest challenge facing Williston's public parks and recreation programs was a lack of community amenities. Requests included a dog park, pool, and more playgrounds.
2
THE TOWN WILL NEED TO PLAN FOR SENIOR-SPECIFIC PROGRAMMING AND SPACES.
Survey responses highlighted the lack of ADA accessibility and the need for a senior center. Williston's median age (43.6 in 2024) is higher than the Chittenden County median of 36.7, and Vermont is an aging state.
3
PEOPLE VALUE THE OUTDOOR SPACES MAINTAINED BY THE RECREATION & PARKS DEPARTMENT.
72% of respondents said that there was a park or open space within a 10-minute walk of where they live. However, community engagement found a need for more connectivity and maintenance of existing trails.
Dorothy Alling Memorial Library
Dorothy Alling Memorial Library ("DAML" or the "Library") serves the Williston and St. George communities with exemplary library service, circulating books and audiobooks in all formats alongside non-traditional materials. As part of the library's mission to provide a safe and welcoming environment for our dynamic community to connect with each other and explore the world, we also provide cultural and educational programs for adults and youth. The outreach program serves homebound patrons and a growing senior community with year-round visits and programs. The bookmobile operates year-round, visiting childcare centers, special community events and neighborhoods in the summer.
During fiscal year 2024, there were over 60,470 patron visits to the Library and over 134,000 items circulated. Program attendance was 11,470.
The Scoping and Feasibility Study for a Community Center and Library Spaces (Scoping Study), as facilitated by Black River Design, Architects, laid important groundwork for DAML space planning as well as overall library strategic planning. A clear message was expressed during the community engagement phases of the Study in which respondents expressed a desire for an expanded library space. The Scoping Study process concluded in October 2023 with the Williston Selectboard endorsement of the Report's recommendation to undertake schematic design of a renovated and expanded Library on the current site. Planning started in June with the formation of the Schematic Design Advisory Committee, comprised of community members and trustees, which will advise the
Architect's design team during the schematic design and budget development process.
The Library also began working on the next iteration of its strategic plan. DAML used the opportunity
to link the design and strategic planning processes explicitly to create a blueprint for Williston's
future library.
Existing Recreation Programming
Recreation programming is fundamental to the quality of life for the community. The mission statement of the Recreation and Parks Department reflects this, stating "to enhance the lives of our citizens and visitors, by providing a variety of leisure opportunities that are safe and enjoyable, and in maintaining the parks so they are safe and physically attractive, while preserving and enhancing the natural resources".
The current offering of recreation programs ranges in age from pre-school to seniors. Currently over 150 programs are offered annually, in the areas of preschool, youth and teen programs, family programs, adult programs, senior programs, camps and special events. In fiscal year 2024, Williston Recreation and Parks offered more than 250 activities and had over 2,500 registrations for those activities3.
In addition, the Town works with area community groups, nonprofits, businesses, and the school district to enhance the program offerings.
Williston, Vermont, 2024 Annual Report July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024, accessed at https://www.town.williston.vt.us/vertical/sites/%7BF506B13C-605B-4878-8062-87E5927E49F0%7D/uploads/2024_Annual_Town_Report.pdf
Existing Recreation Facilities
The Town of Williston provides a variety of active and passive recreational facilities. Williston's recreational facilities include Community Parks, Country Parks, and Williston's primitive trail network that includes Allen Brook Nature Trail and Oak View Hill Trail. The Lake Iroquois Recreation District, managed collectively by the Towns of Williston, Richmond, Hinesburg and St. George, also provides an important recreational opportunity for residents.
Community Parks are public open spaces. They are developed for intensive recreational uses that serve the entire town. They include playgrounds, tennis and basketball courts, soccer/multi-use fields, baseball/softball diamonds, sand volleyball courts, pickleball courts and skating rink/skate park. Support facilities may include benches, picnic tables, water fountains, emergency phones, outdoor lighting, equipment storage, picnic shelters, public restrooms, and parking lots.
Williston's existing community parks are described in Table 9.A and shown on Map 15. The trail system is also shown on Map 15. The parks are managed and maintained by the Recreation & Parks Department with the exception of the Lake Iroquois Recreation District.
Park Name | Location | Acres | Recreational Uses/Facilities |
Rossignol Park | Industrial Ave and North Brownell Rd | 9 | 2 tennis courts, 1 little league baseball field, basketball court, playground |
Brennan Park | Brennan Woods Dr. off Mt. View Rd | 5 | 3 little league baseball/softball fields, toddler playground, community gardens |
Williston Community Park | Williston Road, in the Village, behind Williston Central School | 21 | 2 full-size multi-use fields, 3 small soccer fields, 1 full-size baseball field, 1 little league baseball field, 1 softball field, basketball court, 2 tennis courts, 4 volleyball courts, a multi-use skating rink/skate park, 12-hole disc golf course, multi-age and toddler playground, public bathrooms w/concession area and warming hut. Allen Brook Nature Trail (0.5 mi), Village Bike Path (1.3 mi) |
Allen Brook Park | Talcott Drive off Rte. 2 | 2 | 2 full size irrigated multi-use fields |
Lake Iroquois Recreational District | Beebe Lane off Oak Hill Rd | 1 | playground, beach, swimming, snack bar and changing building, primitive hiking loop (1.5 mi) |
Conservation Areas, such as Brownell Mountain and the Mud Pond Conservation Area, are publicly owned open space landscapes that are used recreationally but are primarily managed to conserve the natural ecosystem. Information about Williston's Conservation Areas is found in Chapter 13 – Land Based Conservation Resources.
Country Parks are publicly owned open space landscapes that are primarily used for passive recreation but can have more intensive uses like mountain biking. Williston's Country Parks include Sucker Brook Hollow, Five Tree Hill and Mud Pond Country Park. In 2017, the Town acquired by donation a 29-acre parcel of land adjacent to the Winooski River in the northwest part of town. The Town is working with Winooski Valley Park District to develop this parcel as a new Country Park.
**Catamount Community Forest4** is a permanently conserved 393-acre parcel acquired by the Town in 2019. The Town has an agreement with the non-profit Catamount Outdoor Family Center to manage the trail system, camps and programming they have developed over the years. It is unique for its variety of landscapes and uses of the property. The CCF is open for pedestrian access (walking, running, snowshoeing, birding) at no charge. Cross-country skiing and mountain biking require a purchased trail pass.
Neighborhood and Urban Parks are privately-owned parks. Urban Parks include plazas, greens, and other spaces that provide shoppers and workers an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors in commercial areas. Neighborhood Parks are privately-owned parks that provide outdoor recreation in residential neighborhoods. The Town encourages and, in some cases, requires the provision of urban parks and neighborhood parks in new residential, commercial, and mixed-use developments.
Sidewalks and Paths are used recreationally and for active transportation purposes. Sidewalks are typically constructed as part of neighborhoods and are designed for pedestrian uses such as walking and jogging. Paths link neighborhoods and are designed to accommodate a broad range of non-motorized uses such as walking, jogging and biking. Information about Williston's sidewalks and paths is found in Chapter 10 – Transportation.
Town of Williston. Catamount Community Forest. Accessed 4/15/2025 at https://www.town.williston.vt.us/index.asp?SEC=B641ADD2-B781-484C-8D1F-320550C9B5B7&DE=EF3C40B2-04CA-40F8-A4EA-7FC338D2F978.
Future Recreation Needs
Community Parks
While the Town now has a variety of outdoor recreational facilities like ball fields and sports courts, there remains a need for additional playing fields. The increase of youth and adult leagues has placed a huge demand on field spaces. In addition, many are used for multi-sports events, not allowing for proper maintenance and rehabilitation time.
The Allen Brook Park Master Plan was completed in 2022, but plans cannot be fully realized due to wetland constraints. The Town has begun to take steps to pivot to a different site or sites for these needed facilities.
This chapter calls for the Town to develop a Recreation Masterplan (currently in progress) to identify additional parks needed to achieve the goal of having a park within walking distance of anywhere in the Sewer Service Area. This chapter calls for the Town to evaluate the need for additional amenities for existing parks such as pavilions, benches, water fountains, etc. The Town should prioritize park scoping and development in the capital planning process.
Community Gardens
The Town manages one community garden area at Brennan Community Park off of Mountain View Rd. The Town should evaluate other potential locations and prioritize the expansion of community gardens. Community gardens should be established near densely developed residential areas for ease of access.
Indoor Recreation
The Town currently does not own any indoor recreation facilities. In 2023, it established a leased indoor space in Taft Corners called the REC Zone, which accommodates a variety of programming such as Senior Meals, yoga, exercise classes and educational offerings.
A taskforce was appointed by the Select Board in 2007 to study the need for a community center. That taskforce reported in October of 2007 that there would definitely be a need for an indoor recreation facility within 5-10 years. Beyond accommodating recreation activities for senior citizens, teens, and preschoolers, the taskforce found that a facility was needed for other indoor structured recreation programs and cultural events.
The Town hired Black River Design Architects in December of 2022 to study community, recreation and library programming space needs and to evaluate the feasibility of new building(s) and/or expansion of the existing library to meet those needs. The Williston Library and Community Center Scoping Study was completed in 2023 and set the direction for library expansion and search for a community center location of approximately 7-10 acres. In the spring of 2025, the Library Trustees endorsed concepts presented by Black River Design and the Town hired CPG Enterprises to study private fundraising options for the expansion.
This chapter calls for the Town to continue to evaluate potential sites for a Community Center and study the cost and feasibility of establishing one.
Country Parks and Conservation Areas
Williston's Country Parks and Conservation Areas are shown on Map 15. The Conservation Commission has developed management plans that establish the levels of recreational use and development appropriate for these areas. The Conservation Commission will continue to develop and update management plans. The goal of these plans will be to strike a balance between recreational use and conservation values.
This chapter calls for the Town to develop a more robust system to maintain existing Country Parks and Conservation Areas, and to develop new country parks and trails, prioritizing connections to underserved and under connected residential neighborhoods and employment nodes.
Primitive Trails
The Town currently maintains over twelve miles of unpaved primitive trails. These trails are used primarily for recreational activities such as hiking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and in some cases, mountain biking or horseback riding. Over sixteen additional primitive trail easements exist through private properties in Williston but have yet to be built.
The Town should prioritize new trails that link discontinuous segments and provide access to underserved areas.
Objectives, Strategies and Actions
Objectives
8.A
8.B
Within the Growth Center, no household is more than a 10-minute walk to a park. Within the Sewer Service Area, no household is more than a 20-minute walk to a park. Multiuse paths provide safe access from residential developments to parks.
8.C
The town continues to offer and expand accessible, diverse, and equitable recreation programs.
8.D
This town plan is a complement to the Recreation and Parks Master Plan's 15-year outlook and the Library and Community Center Scoping Study.
Strategies
8.1
Provide community park facilities for recreational programming and other gatherings, with the goal of equitable distribution of parks throughout the Town. Within the Growth Center, no household is more than a 10-minute walk to a park and within the Sewer Service Area, no household is more than a 20-minute walk to a park.
8.1.1
Develop new Master Plan for Parks (Community) and Recreation, and identify additional park needs to meet walking distance goals specified in Objective 8.B.
8.1.2
Evaluate grant and funding alternatives and prioritize park scoping and development in the capital planning programs.
8.1.3
Evaluate potential connections from all existing and future parks to the multi-use path network. Identify gaps and create an action plan to bridge the gaps.
8.1.4
Maintain Recreation Program Scholarship Fund. Report on scholarship fund donations, utilization, and adapt utilization of the fund to meet community needs.
8.1.5
Evaluate and fund additions to existing outdoor facilities that foster activity and exercise such as outdoor workout stations, shade structures, and seating along the recreation paths.
8.1.6
Fund and develop a dog park.
8.2
Expand indoor recreation and program capacity, in alignment with national standards for adequate facility space.
8.2.1
Develop the site and design work for a community center, pool, and outdoor recreation spaces as called for in the Library and Community Center Scoping Study.
8.2.2
Support private landowners and businesses in repurposing or rehabilitating existing space for public or quasi-public use. See also 2.11 and 2.12.
8.3
Publicize and maintain the Official Map.
8.3.1
Maintain regular updates of the Official Map with new information about desired facilities, newly constructed facilities, and known constraints.
8.3.2
Develop outreach plan regarding the Official Map and inform officials and landowners on its purpose and use.
8.3.3
Maintain discussion with the Library Board of Trustees, Recreation and Parks Committee and staff in amendments of the Official Map.
8.4
Maintain and improve the Country Parks and Conservation Areas
8.4.1
Develop more robust organizational and fiscal systems for the maintenance of Country Parks.
8.4.2
Evaluate an inventory of Country Parks and develop a framework for prioritizing repairs and expansion factoring costs, equitable usage, and fiscal sustainability.
8.4.3
Develop new country parks and trails, prioritizing connections to underserved and under connected residential neighborhoods and employment nodes.
8.4.4
Evaluate improvements to the volunteer programs and adopt-a-trail style programs to supplement paid town and contracted labor.
8.5
Enhance and expand community gardens; evaluate the feasibility of establishing a tree nursery.
8.5.1
Evaluate feasibility of a town tree nursery to provide ecosystem appropriate and cost-effective plantings for street trees and private development.
8.5.2
Prioritize expansion of community gardens. Establish community gardens in close proximity to homes for ease of access.
8.6
Establish a linear park in the former Circumferential Highway right-of-way that runs south to north from 1-89 to Williston's northern boundary.
8.6.1
Evaluate process to acquire the necessary rights from the state of Vermont to develop a linear park in the CIRC right-of-way.
8.6.2
Evaluate options for a linear park including connections to trail and easements in surrounding neighborhoods, which could include a scoping study and construction plan. Evaluate possible progression from primitive trail to paved multi-use path.
8.6.3
Fund linear park construction with Circumferential Highway alternative project funding and supplement with the capital improvement program.
8.7
Continue improvement of the primitive trail program. Retain trail access and easements consistent with the Official Map as part of the development review process.
8.7.1
Maintain an inventory of publicly accessible trails and trail easements.
8.7.2
Evaluate desired future trails and the cost and feasibility of construction based on known constraints by creating an inventory.
8.7.3
Prioritize new trails that link discontinuous segments and provide access to underserved areas.
8.8
Manage parkland in a sustainable and wildlife-friendly manner.
8.8.1
Develop a management plan that limits mowing and lawn chemicals to the minimum area necessary for sports fields, enhances gathering spaces with wildlife-friendly plantings, edible plants, stormwater gardens, and shade.
8.8.2
Support the conversion of mowed lawns to wildlife, pollinators, and edible ecosystems especially in places that reconnect fragmented habitat.
8.9
Maintain productive relationships with partner organizations
8.9.1
Support Vermont Mountain Bike Association (VMBA) and Fellowship of the Wheel (FOTW) on the maintenance of existing and development of future mountain biking trails. Where reasonably feasible, design trails to accommodate adaptive bikes.
8.9.2
Maintain collaboration with the Winooski Valley Park District to complete projects in Williston.
8.9.3
Evaluate the value of returns on the investment of annual dues the town pays to the WVPD.
8.10
Monitor, evaluate, and adjust policies and programming at Catamount Community Forest.
8.10.1
Maintain a land management plan and ensure alignment with the Conservation Easement and other funding requirements.
8.10.2
Evaluate the long-term function of the Catamount Community Forest Management Committee now that the land is owned by the Town.
8.10.3
Maintain collaboration with the Catamount Outdoor Family Center on facilities and programming.
8.10.4
Evaluate improvements to multi-modal access to Catamount Community Forest.
8.11
Expand the library in the Village to meet the needs of the town, using the recommendations of the 2023 scoping study.
8.11.1
Evaluate the options presented in the scoping study. Get community input on the options proposed.
8.11.2
Develop architectural plans for expansion using a public process.
8.11.3
Develop a funding mechanism – mixture of grants, private donations and bond. Put a bond to vote.
8.11.4
Implement construction of the expansion.