Tucked into a picturesque hillside just minutes from downtown Brattleboro lies a local treasure that has served the community since 1955. Living Memorial Park stands as a testament to Vermont’s commitment to outdoor recreation and community spaces—a four-season destination offering something for everyone, regardless of the time of year.

Living Memorial Park is located at 61 Guilford Street, Brattleboro, VT 05301. For current hours and seasonal facility operations, please check the Brattleboro Parks and Recreation Department website.

A Community-Powered Space

What makes Living Memorial Park truly special is the heart behind it. The park thrives thanks to dedicated volunteers and a multitude of community organizations who ensure this expansive recreational area remains accessible to all. This community spirit is evident in everything from the meticulously groomed ski slopes to the recently expanded disc golf course.

Winter Sports

When snow blankets southern Vermont, Living Memorial Park transforms into an affordable winter sports haven. The park features a community ski hill with a T-bar lift—offering $5 lift tickets that make skiing accessible to families who might be priced out of larger resorts. Even better? Volunteer for a shift and ski for free!

The Nelson Withington Skating Facility provides a complete indoor ice skating rink where both casual skaters and hockey enthusiasts can enjoy the ice during the coldest months. Between runs on the ski slope and skating sessions, visitors can warm up while watching the activity from multiple vantage points along the hillside.

For those just learning winter sports, the park even offers a practice ski jump—continuing Brattleboro’s long tradition of ski jumping that dates back generations.

Summer Splash

As temperatures rise, Living Memorial Park shifts gears completely. The Olympic-size swimming pool becomes a refreshing retreat on hot summer days, available to everyone for a nominal fee ($3 for Brattleboro residents; $4 for non-residents). Local swim teams practice here, but there’s plenty of room for families looking to cool off.

Sports enthusiasts will find two softball fields, tennis and pickleball courts, basketball courts, and volleyball courts—all free to use on a first-come, first-served basis from dawn to dusk. The tennis courts have recently been upgraded to accommodate the growing popularity of pickleball, making them multi-use facilities that serve diverse interests.

Year-Round Recreation

Some of the park’s most beloved features know no season. The 5,000-square-foot Perseverance Skatepark offers a free, safe, and legal space for skateboarders, inline skaters, scooter riders, and BMX bikers to practice their skills against a backdrop of stunning mountain views. The park’s carefully designed features include bowls, ramps, rails, and obstacles suitable for various skill levels.

The Rotary Disc Golf Course has become a regional draw, expanding recently from 18 to 26 holes. This PDGA-rated course winds throughout the property, offering challenging yet enjoyable play with diverse hole lengths and natural obstacles. Best of all? It’s completely free to play, making it accessible to newcomers and seasoned players alike.

For hikers and mountain bikers, a network of trails crisscrosses the property, providing options for both casual strolls and more challenging terrain. The trails offer beautiful views of the surrounding landscape while connecting various areas of the park.

Families with young children gravitate toward the playground, while dog owners appreciate the designated dog-friendly areas where their four-legged companions can socialize and play.

Cultural Hub

Living Memorial Park isn’t just about sports and recreation—it’s also a cultural gathering place. During July and August, the natural amphitheater three-quarters of the way up the hill hosts “Shakespeare in the Park” performances, bringing classic theater to an idyllic outdoor setting.

The park’s pavilion and Kiwanis shelter include grilling areas and picnic spaces that can accommodate groups of up to 150 people, making them perfect venues for community gatherings, family reunions, and celebrations.

Planning Your Visit

Part of what makes Living Memorial Park so valuable to the community is its convenient location. It’s within walking distance of Brattleboro’s historic Creamery Covered Bridge and the popular summer Farmers Market held on Saturdays. The park’s hillside location provides ample parking at various elevations, ensuring that visitors can access different areas of the park with ease.

Whether you’re a local looking for daily recreation or a visitor seeking to experience the best of Brattleboro’s outdoor offerings, Living Memorial Park deserves a spot on your itinerary. The thoughtful way recreational spaces are integrated throughout the hillside landscape showcases Vermont’s commitment to maximizing natural resources while creating community spaces that serve everyone.

From winter skiing to summer swimming, spring hiking to fall disc golf—Living Memorial Park truly lives up to its name as a living, breathing memorial to community recreation in all seasons. Visit any time of year and discover why this park has remained at the heart of Brattleboro’s outdoor lifestyle for nearly seven decades.

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Park Amenities at a Glance:

• Ski hill with T-bar lift (winter)
• Practice ski jump
• Indoor ice skating rink
• Olympic-size swimming pool (summer)
• Two softball fields
• Tennis/pickleball courts
• Basketball and volleyball courts
• Perseverance Skatepark (5,000 sq ft)
• 26-hole disc golf course
• Mountain biking and hiking trails
• Children’s playground
• Dog-friendly areas
• Natural amphitheater for performances
• Pavilion and shelter with picnic areas for up to 150 people
• Ample parking throughout