2008-9 Annual Report

Parks Director, Geoff Beyer, aided by AmeriCorps member Jake Feldman and AmeriCorps VISTA members Scott Courcelle and Katie McKinstry, completed a record amount of trail work and park improvements this year. Working with eleven Department of Labor trainees and numerous volunteers and community groups, the Parks Department was able to:

• Undertake extensive invasive species management efforts;
• Present the Enchanted Forest, our largest community event and fundraiser;
  
• Repair North Branch Park trails after torrential summer rains;
  
• Leverage over 2,400 hours of volunteer service in the parks;
  
• Supervise 11 Department of Labor trainees working in the parks;
  
• Publish the first ever Hubbard Park Calendar benefiting the Tower Restoration Fund.
  

Invasive Species Management
In an ongoing effort to control invasive plant species along the banks of Winooski River and particularly in North Branch Park, Parks staff along with University of Vermont intern, Greg Turner, organized volunteers who removed between 800 and 1000 invasive honeysuckle plants, as well as countless Japanese Knotweed, Chervil, and goutweed plants. In the removal process, the workers took care not to disturb the landscape and were able to beautify and protect the biodiversity of our river banks. In addition, hundreds of native plants and trees were planted to displace the invasive species. We would like to thank the International Volunteers for Peace, Vermont Youth Conservation Corps, and Norwich University volunteers who helped with this work.

Storm Trail Damage
This summer, we experienced the worst trail damage in Montpelier Parks' history. Long periods of rain followed by flash flooding led to over 30 culverts being overwhelmed, numerous trails being washed out, and trees being blown over. The Parks crew devoted several weeks of work to repairing the damage. In addition, the staff hosted FEMA representatives who surveyed the damage in anticipation of receiving some funding to help with the cost of the current cleanup and future control.

Enchanted Forest
In late October, the Parks Department presented the Enchanted Forest, a magical evening and special community event featuring pumpkin lined trails, trolls, fairies, dancing, and storytelling. The event provided a wonderful opportunity for families to enjoy the beauty of Hubbard Park at night, and provided an alternative to the standard Halloween fare of scary entertainment. Janice Walrafen and Ellen Leonard recruited and managed over 20 artists who shared their talents and hosted stages in the Enchanted Forest tours. Area farms generously donated pumpkins, and a community pumpkin carving held at the Montpelier Farmers Market enticed over 60 volunteers to carve pumpkins for the evening event. Approximately 900 people came out to enjoy the Enchanted Forest, and the Parks raised over $3,000 towards the Tower Restoration Fund. Thank you to all who volunteered and participated to make the night a success!

VAST Trail Update
The Parks Director, Commissioners, and community members met several times with VAST representatives to discuss rerouting the VAST trail that had been temporarily routed through the North Branch River Park. An agreement was reached that allowed VAST to direct a short portion of their trail network through the upper corner of North Branch Park and connect to existing East Montpelier trails. Work on the new trail began this fall. Unfortunately, the work was not carried out in compliance with the Parks Department guidelines and resulted in adverse impacts to the North Branch Park environment. The Parks Department is continuing to work with VAST to remediate this damage and avoid future occurrence of such incidents.

Sabin's Pasture
The Sabin's Pasture Working Group, convened by the Trust for Public Lands, has been developing a conservation and affordable housing plan for Sabin's Pasture since October 2007. In June, the Working Group released its Recommended Conservation and Development Plan. This plan calls for the conservation of approximately 80 acres, including the upper pasture, sledding hill, Blanchard Brook and associated wetlands, to be set aside as a public park and for the creation of a residential neighborhood, consisting of between 175 and Montpelier 2009 / Annual Report / 39. 225 housing units, on the remaining acres. The Trust for Public Land is currently engaged in an Act 250 Master Plan process to get approval for this conservation and development plan. In December, the City Council approved $56,000 to support this effort, with funds drawn from the $188,000 approved by voters in 2005 for conservation of Sabin's Pasture. More information, reports, and maps can be found on the City's website under "Works in Progress".

Hubbard Park Tower Preservation
The Park Commission has officially launched its campaign for the restoration of the Hubbard Park tower. The tower is a historic Montpelier landmark enjoyed by visitors and residents alike. The tower, completed in 1930, is in need of significant maintenance to both protect the inside metal stair case and to maintain the mortar joints that are now 80 years old. Given the importance of the Hubbard Park tower, the Park Commission established a Tower Preservation Fund in 2006 with the goal of building up a permanent maintenance fund using local and state funds, as well as private grants. In addition to the money raised by the Enchanted Forest event, the Parks Department has published a Hubbard Park Calendar to raise money and awareness of the Hubbard Park Tower Restoration Fund. Calendars are available at City Hall and local stores. Tax deductible contributions to the restoration fund may be made to the City of Montpelier. To assist in this fundraising effort, or for further information, please contact Geoff Beyer at the Park office 223-7335 or speak with a Park Commissioner.

Parks Commission
In November, the Montpelier Parks Commission appointed Aaron Brondyke to fill the remaining term of former Commissioner Don Grabowski. The Commission would like to thank Don for his service to Montpelier Parks. The Commission would also like to thank the many volunteers that helped us accomplish so much this year, giving an impressive 2,400 hours of community volunteer time. These included Norwich University students, a crew from Vermont Youth Conservation Corps that worked for two weeks, our annual group from the International Volunteers for Peace, all the Enchanted Forest volunteers, and numerous individual citizens who contributed their time in many valuable ways.

The Park Commission would also appreciate comments or suggestions from residents as we continue our work of protecting and improving Montpelier's park and trail system.

Leigh Seddon, Chair
Stephen Bosserman, Commissioner
Aaron Brondyke, Commissioner
Ethan Parke, Commissioner
Cara Robechek, Commissioner