Burlington Recreation Commission Weighs Record $4 Million Simons Park Renovation for FY27

BURLINGTON -- December 15, 2025, Burlington Recreation Commission opens talks on a $4 million Simons Park overhaul, its largest capital request ever. The December 15 meeting featured a conceptual review of a universally accessible playground renovation, bathroom building replacement, and wading pool upgrade at Simons Park, with Recreation Director Brendan presenting a cost breakdown of roughly $2.943 million for the playground, $500,000 for bathrooms, $250,000 for the wading pool, and $250,000 for design and construction management. No vote was taken, but commissioners debated packaging all three components into a single warrant article for May town meeting to prevent voters from picking off individual items. Commissioner Nelson flagged a $750,000 gap between the $4 million ask and the $3.25 million currently on the town's 10-year capital plan, warning that the commission needs airtight answers before town meeting. Staff also presented a $25,000 sidearm mower attachment and a ceramics-room-to-teaching-kitchen conversion as smaller FY27 capital items, both pulled forward from their 2028 capital plan slots.