Whetstone River Access
Brattleboro, Vermont
Whetstone Brook
- 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
