Dewey Park

Contemporary Park History

Dewey Park is a small community park located between Spring, Archibald and Walnut Streets. Research suggests the park may have been named for Admiral George Dewey (1837-1917), born in Montpelier in 1837 and the only person in U.S. history to have attained the rank of Navy Admiral. The park hosts the ONE Farmer’s Market on Tuesdays from 3-6 pm, June – October.

In 2013, the City of Burlington’s Department of Public Works (DPW) received a traffic calming request for the block on Spring Street between Elmwood Avenue and Walnut Street. A thirty-day closure of this neighboring area to Dewey Park was embraced by many in the area.

The following year, DPW and Burlington Parks, Recreation and Waterfront (BPRW) met with residents to discuss plans for enhancing the block, which had de facto become an annex to Dewey Park. While the strip of land, for now, had to officially remain a road, BPRW issued a Call to Artists, soliciting proposals for a pavement mural that would enhance the park and provide needed open space for the Old North End. The winning entry was Interlace, by Burlington native and part-time Brooklyn visual artist Abby Monack. After ten years of loving wear, Monack was brought back to refurbish the painting in 2023.

Monack describes Interlace as follows:

“Interlace illustrates the hub of activity and multi-use that defines Dewey Park. The composition corresponds with existing foot traffic and points of entry, the “sticks” providing the armature, while the “twine” weaves a platform for community integration. The colors are serene, yet strong, complementing the palate of the neighborhood.”

Future of the Park

A site survey and land records search on the park was filed with the Land Records Office. BPRW continues to work with DPW on officially acquiring this section of Spring Street as an annex to the exsting park. Once the legal steps are taken, BPRW will lead a public engagement process to understand the wants and desires of the community relative to the park, and especially the Spring Street Annex.