Burlington Parks & Recreation Receives $1M Grant for Accessibility

The Burlington Parks & Recreation Department last week announced they have received the much-anticipated federal Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant for which they applied earlier this year. This $1 million grant will offset a significant portion of the $2.3 million project to renovate and make accessible recreation upgrades to Overlook Park, which is located at the former Nike missile site at 1 Edgemere Avenue near the Burlington Players' Park Playhouse. This project was approved at May's Town Meeting.

"This project will increase outdoor recreational opportunities for residents of all abilities, by providing accessible trails throughout the park and a new playground with accessible features," says a Facebook post by the Recreation Department.

The Department says they'll be finalizing the design plan and signing contracts this year, go out to bid early next year, and begin construction next summer. They anticipate the park will open in its new form in the fall of 2026. Representatives from the Department have also been invited to speak at the State House about the impact of accessible recreation in communities at the October 3 Advocacy Day, with a specific focus on the accessible treehouse at Simonds Park, which opened in late 2022.

About the LWCF Grant

The LWCF Grant Program was established by Congress in 1964 to fulfill a bipartisan commitment to safeguard the country’s natural areas, water resources, and cultural heritage, and to provide recreational opportunities to all Americans. Using zero taxpayer dollars, the fund invests earnings from offshore oil and gas leasing to help strengthen communities, preserve local history, and protect the national endowment of lands and waters.