Middlebury Parks Department

I volunteer for Middlebury Parks on the Landscape Committee, as a Trail Steward, and by leading Krider Garden tours. I feel so fortunate to live in a small town with so many great parks and wanted to find a way to give back. My kids loved going to the parks as children and I’m a walker so I use the Pumpkinvine and Riverbend trails every day.

I’ve been volunteering for a little over four years. Wow, time flies when you’re having fun! I’ve gained such an appreciation for our park staff and the board for all the hard work and effort they put into our community. It’s a great group of likeminded people who enjoy the great outdoors, plants, and people.

As an educator of Environmental Designs at Ivy Tech (Environmental Designs incorporates Interior Design as well as Exterior Designs all with sustainable/Green practices), we have developed a partnership of sorts with Middlebury Parks Department for our advanced students. They have designed potential future nature centers, learning centers, an amphitheater, restrooms and pavilions, as well as native landscaping that requires less maintenance. Someday we hope to see some of our students’ plans implemented in Riverbend and Trestle Terrace.

Tether your Terrier, leash your Lab and hit the Trails of Middlebury! The Middlebury Parks and Recreation Department offers and maintains several miles of year-round walking trails, all dog friendly. You and your best friend will both benefit physically and mentally from a brisk morning walk or an afternoon adventure. Remember to respect your neighbors and other walkers by restraining your pet on a leash, picking up after your dog (bring your own or use the “doggie bags” available at several locations along the trail), and avoiding possible confrontations with other dogs, walkers, or bicyclists. Pack up that pooch and enjoy the blessing of the popular and growing network of the Trails of Middlebury, part of “Making Life Better”!

• A covered bridge • A sign for a bed and breakfast retreat • A small wooden bridge near the trail • A bench for resting • A rock with a plaque recognizing the donors who helped build the trail • An arboretum • Almost always—Canada geese!

Flower fund donations are still being accepted! We’re looking for anecdotes about Riverbend to celebrate its 40th anniversary. Send stories, pictures, or remembrances to chapman_ej@yahoo.com