DO NOT SWIM! Vermont waters are currently unsafe.
Due to significant rain and flooding in most of Vermont on July 10th, with rains continuing on July 11th, currents are very strong. Also, most rivers are filled with debris, effluent, chemicals, fertilizers, etc. and are unsafe for swimming.
Whetstone River Access
Brattleboro, Vermont
Whetstone Brook
Coming soon! A new 12-acre community park with trails and river access
!
Special considerations: The site will be under construction through 2023.
- Public access: Yes
- Activities: walking, swimming, birding, fishing
- Caretaker: Vermont River Conservancy
Whetstone River Access
Coming soon! A new 12-acre park in downtown Brattleboro, set to be open to the public beginning in 2023.
More than a decade ago, Tropical Storm Irene devastated downtown Brattleboro. Waters rushed down the Whetstone Brook, dangerously eroding riverbanks below homes and businesses, and flooding downbown Brattleboro.
Post-Irene, Brattleboro identified this 12-acre property as one of the best chances to slow future floodwaters. But there was one key problem: Centuries of industrial development had added more and more sand, gravel, and waste to the site, lifting up the land well above the river. As a result, when the Whetstone Brook floods, its waters couldn’t reach the land, and the land couldn’t help the waters spread-out and slow their crash course into downtown Brattleboro.
Vermont River Conservancy stepped-up to help. We bought the 12-acre land from Cersosimo Lumber in 2017. After years of working with engineers, archaeologists, and city planners, in 2023 we’ll be ready to break ground as we work towards a new community park for Brattleboro.
Local Businesses
Grab a coffee and chai donut at Duchess Coffee Co. on your way to the park. Or, finish your day with dinner on the outdoor patio at Peter Havens.
Conservation Details
- River: Whetstone Brook
- Acreage: 12.00
- River frontage (ft): 2,350
