An Introduction to South Burlington

South Burlington, with a population of approximately 12,500 covers 16,960 acres of the scenic Champlain Valley. Located just two miles south of Burlington, members of this community have easy access to all the amenities of The Greater Burlington area.

PAST & PRESENT
Initially, South Burlington was settled as part of the town of Burlington, which had its early beginnings when Samuel de Champlain first entered the area in 1609. In November of 1864, the state legislature passed an act incorporating the village and northern sections as the City of Burlington. The land to the south and east of the city became known as the Town of South Burlington. At this time, South Burlington was a sparsely populated farming district. These days South Burlington bustles with activity as it is home to the Burlington International Airport, the University Mall - Vermont’s largest enclosed shopping center, and has Vermont’s major highway routes leading to and through the community.

RECREATION
Residents of South Burlington have access to a number of parks and recreational activities with the community due to the ongoing efforts of many citizens and service groups over the past thirty years. Red Rocks Park - 90 acres of woodland with a mile of lakeshore frontage on Shelburne Bay, originally served as the Hatch family estate from 1888-1970. The Hatch family developed the drives, walks, and lookouts that offer excellent views of Lake Champlain and the surrounding mountains. Since its purchase in 1970, Red Rocks Park has provided the community hiking, picnicking, swimming, and cross country skiing. Another popular South Burlington destination is the Recreation Path. "The Green Ribbon To Tie South Burlington Together" serves as a safe off-road community path connecting the schools, parks and neighborhoods. In May of 1995, Dorset Street Park opened with an indoor ice rink, tennis courts, and soccer, lacrosse and baseball fields.

EDUCATION
The South Burlington School District has approximately 2,500 students enrolled in their three elementary schools, a middle and high school.  It's one of the finest school districts in the state.  For more data, see School Matters.

AN ACTIVE COMMUNITY
The residents of South Burlington do take an active role in their community - striving to keep it safe and providing many recreational areas for all to enjoy.  It has even been nominated as a Sports Illlustrated Sportstown.