The newest ADA-accessible playground in Burlington’s Old North End features a range of exciting play experiences

Today, Burlington Parks, Recreation and Waterfront (BPRW), Mayor Emma Mulvaney Stanak, and members of the Burlington Parks Foundation celebrated the replacement of the playground at Pomeroy Park in Burlington’s Old North End neighborhood. The new playground is ADA accessible and utilizes universal design concepts, allowing more accessibility and safety for young children at play. Outreach and planning for the playground overhaul began in 2024. Construction was completed in July 2026 with the support of donors and community partners. 

“Pomeroy Park has always been a valued community space in our Old North End, and this renovation honors that legacy,” said Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak. “As we celebrate the opening of this new playground, we’re also celebrating the care, creativity, and collaboration that brought it to life. Together, we’re continuing to invest in public spaces that strengthen our city, support our families, and ensure every child has a place to play, learn, and thrive.”   

“This project allowed us to increase the accessibility and play options for children and families who use this important neighborhood resource,” said BPRW Director Phil Lewis. “We are excited to highlight the power of parks in our communities this July for National Parks and Recreation month. Pomeroy’s new playground is a great example of how play is essential to the health, wellbeing, and development of children in our communities.” 

In addition to funds allocated in the City’s capital plan, this project was made possible thanks to a generous contribution from the Parks Foundation of Burlington. Pomeroy Park is the latest milestone in the Foundation’s Playgrounds for All Forever campaign, launched in partnership with the City of Burlington, to create welcoming and inclusive playgrounds throughout the city. With Pomeroy playground now complete, work will continue at Baird Park, Smalley Park, and Ethan Allen Park, with plans for a future destination playground at Leddy Park. Together, these projects will help ensure that every Burlington neighborhood has a place where children of all abilities can play, explore, and belong.    

“This playground reflects what’s possible when a community comes together around a shared vision. We’re thankful to every donor and partner who invested in creating a space where children of all abilities can play side by side,” said Becky Holt of the Parks Foundation.  

Pomeroy Park’s newly renovated playground offers an exciting array of features designed for children of all ages and abilities. The space includes a dome‑shaped net climber that invites younger children to explore both above and below, complemented by musical and tactile panels and a small slide. Larger elements, such as the six‑foot Cliff Rider and the rotating Supernova, provide playful challenges that help children build coordination and offer engaging experiences for adventurous tweens and teens. 

The entire play area is surfaced with pour‑in‑place rubber, creating safe, comfortable pathways that support accessibility, including a playful track guiding visitors through the playground. Swings are available for all ages and abilities, from multi‑person options to supportive harness swings. Additional inclusive features include a multi‑person see‑saw with backed seats for easy transfer and a spinning carousel with an open, ground‑level entry that allows users to roll or step directly onto the platform. Together, these improvements reflect the City’s commitment to providing welcoming, joyful spaces where every member of the community can play.