Parks & Recreation

Effective May 4, 2020 – COVID-19

Parks and Recreation Reduced Services

The Department of Parks and Recreation is temporarily operating with reduced staff and other resources due to COVID-19, resulting in the reduction or suspension of some Town services. This is necessary due to the impact of Federal and State COVID-19 related work rules on service delivery, higher Town expenses related to COVID-19, and reductions in Town fee revenues due to the evolving public health emergency and related economic and regulatory climate.

Colchester’s Parks will remain open, not as a gathering place, but as a place to recreate responsibly according to State of Vermont guidelines.  Due to Park staff reductions, during our busiest time a year, there will be a profound impact on the maintenance and upkeep of the Town’s 14 parks, beaches, trails, cemeteries, and municipal grounds. Waste/recycling receptacles will not be available for the remainder of 2020.  Please pack out all litter and trash. Help keep your Parks clean. The park playgrounds are closed.  Other amenities such as tennis/pickleball courts, basketball courts and skate board park may be used with proper physical distancing.  We encourage everyone to continue enjoying the open spaces, recreational paths and beaches but please be aware of physical distancing protocol when encountering occurs—including carrying and then wearing a mask if you come within 6’ of people who do not live in your home.  Your support, patience and understanding are greatly appreciated as we work through these unprecedented times. 

Details about each park and event:

AIRPORT PARK AND BAYSIDE PARK

Playgrounds are closed. Other park amenities such as tennis/pickleball courts, basketball courts and skate park may be used with proper physical distancing. Tennis court windscreens will not be installed in 2020.   Restrooms are closed until May 23rd.  No trash/recycling receptacles will be available in 2020.  

Organized Sport Leagues:  Not allowed at this time due to State orders.  

HERITAGE, VALLEYFIELD AND BONANZA PARKS

Playgrounds are closed. Other park amenities such as tennis/pickleball courts, basketball courts and skate park may be used with proper physical distancing.  Tennis court windscreens will not be installed in 2020.  No trash/recycling receptacles will be available in 2020. Frequency of mowing/trimming will be reduced.

BAYSIDE PARK WATERFRONT

We are currently evaluating the waterfront operations and relationship with group size limitations, physical distancing and safety of users and staff. The Bayside Inflatable Water Park will not be open in 2020. Swim Area ropes will be installed. Bayside dinghy dock will be installed. Public restrooms are closed until June 20^th, the normal annual opening time. No trash/recycling receptacles will be available in 2020.

ROSSETTI NATURAL AREA

Swim area will be installed along with swim area buoys.  A portolet will be located in typical area and the 6 yard dumpster.  No trash/recycling receptacles will be available in 2020.  This area will have limited maintenance due to park staffing reductions.

FORT ETHAN ALLEN

The playground is closed. Park amenities such as tennis/pickleball courts and basketball courts may be used with physical distancing.  Tennis court windscreens will not be installed in 2020.  No trash/recycling receptacles will be available in 2020. There will not be a portolet on site in 2020.

 COLCHESTER CAUSEWAY

The Causeway is currently closed for major repairs and was shut down due to Covid-19.  We are working with the contractor to restart the project and will identify a completion date when possible.

HEINEBERG/BILLADO FISHING ACCESS

This facility is open to the public.  No trash/recycling receptacles will be available in 2020.

RECREATIONAL PATHS

Doggie bags will be filled up once a week.  We will not be mowing greenbelts this year.

ANNUAL COMMUNITY EVENTS

Touch A Truck:  This event has been cancelled for 2020.

Colchester Causeway 5/10/15K Race:  Has been postponed to September 27, 2020

July 4^th Parade and Fireworks:  No decision has been made at this time. We will reassess in late-May to June.

Colchester Triathlon:  No decision has been made at this time.

Summer Concert Series:  No decision has been made at this time.

Movies in the Park:  No decision has been made at this time.

SUMMER PROGRAMS

Summer Camps:  (Explorer Camps) At this time, we are planning to hold Explorer Camps scheduled for June 22^nd until August 14^th, if it can be managed within State guidelines that reasonable match available resources.  Capacity of campers in each group may need to be reduced and reorganized to limit exposure and physical distancing for participants and staff.  This is highly subject to change based on State orders and guidelines.

Specialty Camps:  At this time we are adjusting and evaluating each individual camp and awaiting State guidance as noted with Summer Camps above.

Counselor in Training:  At this time we have cancelled this program offering.

Vermont has stayed ahead of the curve and slowed the communal spread of COVID-19 by following Governor Scott’s Stay-Home, Stay-Safe order implemented on March 24, 2020.  Guidelines by the State of Vermont are updated frequently.  Constant changes require us to adapt quickly to new operational criteria and have prompted many inquiries from clients about reservations at our facilities and the availability of summer programming and events. 

If you have any questions, please contact, Glen Cuttitta, Director of Parks and Recreation by email at gcuttitta@colchestervt.gov or call 802-264-5641.

Register for Parks & Recreation Programs Online! If you need help with setting up your account for online registrations, view this document: Parks & Rec Online Account Instructions (PDF) View the Program Registration Page for details and to view the current seasonal Activity Guide.

FULL PROGRAMS & CAMPS: The following programs and summer camps are full and now taking waitlists: Bone Builders [6/15 - 7/22] Mission (almost) Impossible Camp [6/29 - 7/3] Tremendous Tinkerers [7/20 - 7/24] Discovering Drama A [7/20 - 7/24] Out of the World: Space Camp [8/3 - 8/7] Cooking Cadets A [8/3 - 8/7] Cooking Cadets B [8/10 - 8/14] Just Add H2O Camp [8/17 - 8/21]

Mission Statement

"Optimizing the Experience of Living"

To enhance the life of all Colchester residents by providing a variety of leisure time activities through exceptional programs, facilities, customer service, and leadership that exceeds community expectations.