In 2019, a long-held dream of the residents of Saxtons River Village was realized in the grand opening of the Saxtons River Park. Originally a decommissioned gas station and brownfield, this small parcel of land, anchoring one end of a quintessentially Vermont downtown village Main Street, now features ADA-accessible walking paths, multipurpose play lawn, performance space, shade trees, and an outdoor amphitheater built from locally reclaimed granite bridge abutments. It is now a well-used amenity in the greater Saxtons River community as a space for outdoor concerts and presentations, social gatherings, kids’ play groups, birdwatchers, and exercise classes.

Unique reclaimed granite stone pieces frame an informal performance space at the bottom of the amphitheater.

Cobblestone edges the main walking path, adding a timeless touch to this new park.

Reclaimed granite curbing forms the amphitheater stairs.

Reclaimed granite blocks from an old railroad abutment form the amphitheater seating.

A summer sweet shrub sits next to the reclaimed granite stone wall.

Native screening plantings provide multi-season interest along the forest border.

The custom wrought-iron hand rail was fabricated by a local artisan.

This unique granite block was reclaimed for informal seating.

Fall color fills the native garden beds.

Fragrant sumac fills low-maintenance garden beds around the amphitheater.

New and existing vegetation blend seamlessly, creating a naturalized border garden

The amphitheater hosts performances by local musicians and entertainers, as well as informal gatherings by social groups and daycare centers.

An accessible walking path winds through the upper level of the park.

Timeless building materials immediately instill a sense of history in the new park.

A Vermont Symphony Orchestra performance in the park.

The community-developed mission of the park was written on a banner that was displayed during construction.

Awards and Recognition

VT-ASLA 2021 Public Places Award

Photography

JMMDS
Susan Teare, where noted

Collaborators

LE Environmental LLC, Project Manager and Environmental Professional
Green Mountain Engineering, Civil Engineer
Adams Trucking and Excavation, General Contractor
Terrigenous Landscape Architecture, Masonry
Allen Brothers Farms, Garden Installation
Springfield Fence Co., Handrails

Featured In

“Growing Together with Landscape Architecture” , Interactive map of public landscapes designed by Landscape Architects,
in celebration of World Landscape Architecture Month.
“JMMDS Design for Public Spaces: Saxtons River Park“, JMMDS blog post.
“New Park Officially Opened in Saxtons River“, local newspaper article about the Park.