VERMONT STATE PARKS – May 1 marked the one-hundred year anniversary of the Vermont State Parks. State parks are an opportunity for the Vermont community to experience the outdoors. They offer a variety of hiking, swimming, camping and picnicking opportunities.
Mount Philo State Park in Charlotte, was the first state park, established May 1, 1924, after Frances Humphreys deeded the 150 acres that encompass Mount Philo. It is one of 55 currently operating state parks.
The Hardwick Area is neighbored by Green River Reservoir, Elmore State Park and seven parks in Groton State Forest.
Elmore State Park was established in 1936, when local citizens donated 30 acres of land to the state. The park now covers 700 acres after a 1938 expansion added Elmore Mountain and campsites. The park offers camping with 44 tent sites and 15 lean-to’s, as well as swimming, hiking, boating, cold snack food and fishing.
Groton is the home to New Discovery and Boulder Beach State Parks established in 1933, Stillwater and Ricker Pond in 1938, Big Deer also in the 1930’s and Kettle Pond in 1962. Boulder Beach notably won park of the year for its cleanliness and operations which were voted by the district managers.
Green River Reservoir State Park was established more recently, in March of 1999, when 5,503 acres were purchased from the Morrisville Water and Light Department. The park offers swimming, fishing, boating, hiking and 27 remote campsites.
Elmore State Park Manager Jason Bashaw gave more insight into the hundred-year anniversary, saying state parks are important because, “They get people outdoors and interacting with nature.” He reported the number of people visiting the park this season was up 10%, likely due to the anniversary.
The anniversary year was celebrated throughout all state parks with an anniversary flag to fly at each park’s entrance. Specialty merchandise to help remember a visit is available to purchase at parks or online at Vermontstateparks.com
A flag commemorating the one hundredth anniversary of the Vermont State parks hangs in the welcome center at Elmore State Park.
One of the more unique and interactive pieces of merchandise is the 100th Anniversary Passport book. It provides a great opportunity to explore other parks while receiving a unique stamped design for each park visited.
Vermont State Parks are open seasonally from Memorial Day through Indigenous People’s Day.
Olivia Saras is an intern in her senior year at People’s Academy in Morrisville.
