Help Us Plan the Future of Muckross State Park

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Do you live near Springfield, Vermont or have ideas about the construction of our newest state park?

Here is your chance!

In July of 2016, the Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation acquired the estate of the late State Senator, Edgar May, who had donated former home property. Mr. May, a Pulitzer-prize winning journalist and local politician, made Muckross his home for over 50 years, and it was his desire to see his home become a state park open for all for recreation and learning. In keeping with Mr. May's wishes, planning is underway to incorporate nature education and dispersed recreation on the property. The goal is to create opportunities for all, including local residents, children from all economic backgrounds, and elders. Muckross will be the first new Vermont State Park developed in many years.

Over the next year, the Muckross State Park Master Plan (MSPMP) will develop a conceptual design for the park focusing on site and architectural design, educational programming, and rehabilitating existing structures. Community feedback will be sought through a series of public engagement events designed to gather ideas and input.

Other important elements of this project include implementing dispersed recreation, sustainable trails, events, and meeting LEED sustainable building standards. The Muckross Environmental Educational and Outdoor Recreation Day Camp for kids was founded with this vision in mind, and is led by AmeriCorps VISTA volunteers. In the past, the camp was based at a neighbor's property, but the state would like to move it onto Muckross property in the future, as well as other educational programs.

For questions, please contact: 

Ethan Phelps, Parks Regional Manager 
Department of Forests. Parks and Recreation 
100 Mineral Street, Suite 304 
Springfield VT 05156-3168
Ethan.phelps@vermont.gov
(802) 777-0388

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