Burlington Parks, Recreation & Waterfront seeks input on open spaces

• Burlington, Vermont is updating its Open Space Plan, which aims to preserve and enhance the city’s natural areas.
• The plan will address topics such as tree canopy coverage, open space networks, and opportunities for public access to private land.
• Residents are encouraged to provide input on the plan through a survey and by attending upcoming events.

Almost 50% of Burlington’s geographic area is an open or green space, something the Parks, Recreation and Waterfront Department is looking for public input on preserving.

Burlington’s Open Space Protection Plan was adopted in 2000 and grew out of a 1997 City Council resolution calling for the creation of “a plan to protect important natural areas and open spaces.” It had a variety of goals related to identifying and preserving the city’s open spaces.

Open space consists of natural areas, urban agriculture, parklands, greenbelts, rain gardens and pocket parks.

According to the parks department, well-managed open spaces provide a range of benefits, including improved air quality, physical activity, support for biodiversity, reduced urban heat island effect, mental relaxation and a chance for social interaction.

What is the Open Space Plan?

Residents and city leaders alike have pushed to keep a balance of urban and green.

In Burlington, there is a 40% tree canopy, 50 miles of shoreline, 380 acres of wetland, 55 miles of trails, paths and greenways, and over 50 parks and urban wild areas.