Recommended updates to an aquatic entry point
Town/Region: Colchester, Vermont
Website: https://wvpd.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Colchester-Pond-Trail-Map-Temporary.pdf
Access Point Snapshot
| Distance to Water | Water Access | Slope at Entry Point |
|---|---|---|
| Main trail that leads from parking lot to water is 450 feet long. | The bog bridge at the end of the trail is in poor condition, and the dock may go underwater at times. | Gentle/moderate grades, but there are steps that may prove an issue for those with mobility issues. Alternative trail is more accessible. |
| Adaptive Use | Parking/Restrooms | Area Maps |
|---|---|---|
| Kayaking, canoeing and boat carts | The parking area is small and in poor condition. One designated accessible parking space that is currently obstructed by a pile of gravel. One accessible porta-potty on-site. | Pond Area map |
About the Trails
Colchester Pond is just outside of Burlington ideal for quiet, small-water fishing, canoeing, kayaking and walking along the 3.5-mile trail that circles the pong. It is owned by the Winooski Valley Park District and designated an Important Birding Area (IBA) by the Vermont Audubon.
The pond is a popular destination for anglers, bird watchers, hikers, canoeists and kayakers.
Recommended Updates
An accessibility assessment was completed in 2024 by The Northern Forest Canoe Trail (NFCT) and VT Adaptive, as part of the Accessibility Initiative, and a series of site visits to assess the current accessibility of seven different water access locations in the Winooski Valley. The goal of the site visit was to evaluate the conditions, collect information, and develop recommendations for improving accessibility for people with disabilities.
Several refinements were recommended to improve access and accommodations for people with disabilities. The recommended updates include the following areas:
- Parking Area — Clear the gravel pile from the designated accessible parking space and consider repaving the parking area to eliminate potholes and improve accessibility for vehicles and pedestrians.
- Restrooms & Kiosk — Update the informational kiosk with current and relevant information about the site. Ensure the accessible porta-potty is well-maintained and positioned conveniently.
- Trail Enhancements — Add 8-10 more timber steps to the existing trail to normalize the rise/run to a manageable slope of 6%. Cribbing the steps would help with stabilization and safety. Consider rerouting the main trail to eliminate obstacles such as narrow widths and steep slopes. The second, more accessible trail should be improved, and the trail corridor should be pruned to provide a clear, wide path for all users.
- Bog Bridge & Dock — Repair the bog bridge, replacing the rotten boards and rebuilding the final section that has become twisted. Fix the gangway and consider replacing the existing dock, as it is currently underwater and unusable. A new, accessible dock would significantly improve water access for visitors with disabilities.
- Bollards — Widen the gaps between the bollards to at least 36 inches (ideally 42 inches or more) to accommodate wheelchair users and others with mobility challenges.
View the Completed Accessibility Assessment
*Colchester Pond was one of several sites evaluated in the Winooski Valley Accessibility Assessments. The report includes all of the evaluated sites.
Partners
Vermont Trail Accessibility Hub partners:
Funding
Grant funding for the trail assessment: Vermont Trail Accessibility Hub
Key Learning: The Right Design Is Key to Improve Accessibility
NFCT plans to partner with the Parks District to replace an unstable dock and crumbling steps with a gravel ramp and a better-quality dock that will meet the needs of most users. This will also require addressing the issues with stormwater run-off that has further exacerbated issues. This will require a balancing act in determining the most critical updates and the appropriate design. The best projects solve multiple problems, such as access and environmental issues. A successful design will include NFCT and the Winooski Valley Park District (WVPD) working together to take a holistic approach.
