The Long Game: Why Vermont Needs to Invest in Recreation

Community recreation can be a lifeline in a largely rural, cold-climate state like Vermont. Getting outside in winter, connecting with neighbors year-round, moving your body, and learning skills like swimming—these things keep us mentally and physically healthy.

Much of the U.S. runs on a "pay to play" foundation, with the burden of cost on individuals and families. But Vermonters have always done things differently—we love to get outside, and Montpelier should prioritize bringing these activities to all Vermonters: snowmobiling, soccer, hunting, boating, fishing, skiing, hiking, cycling, ice hockey, paddling, camping, and more.

Seniors want to stay active as long as they can and kids need something to do year-round. That means investing in public assets that meet the demand for year-round recreation: pools, playing fields and courts, gyms, and ice rinks in weather-tolerant, well-lit facilities such as seasonal (bubble) indoor turf fields. These should involve reasonable user fees, remain open to schools and organizations such as Special Olympics and adaptive-athlete programs, and be developed in partnership with regional commissions, local teams and leagues, physical therapy and injury prevention experts, and the coaches and players who know what's needed.

Investment in recreation also means keeping Vermont's talent here. The number of Vermont athletes—especially in ice hockey and basketball—leaving the state for competitive opportunities at the high-school level is striking. Giving students space to play and compete year-round helps keep our school populations strong, which matters for funding and future planning and success of our school districts.

We already have models worth celebrating: ski-and-ride programs at Bolton Valley Resort and Cochran's Ski Area, swim lessons at public pools, and movement classes at senior centers that build strength and prevent injury. These work. We need more of them.

Vermonters are dedicated to their recreation, and support for year-round programming is strong. It's incumbent upon state leadership to encourage good ideas and help bring them to life. State-funded or subsidized recreation programs and facilities are part of the critical safety net that improves the health and well-being of Vermonters of all ages, reducing costs in mental and physical health care down the line, and giving people a reason to stay. This is the long game; it's time for Montpelier to start playing it.