An Introduction to Winooski

Winooski has the unique geographic feature of being a one-mile square block north of the Winooski River. With a population exceeding 7,000, Winooski offers a small town feel yet has easy access to the rest of the Burlington VT area and all it has to offer.

HISTORY
Settled in 1722 by Ira Allen, (who later was the founder of the University of Vermont), Winooski became an important revolutionary location just north of Burlington. Later, Ira established a dam across the upper falls of the Winooski River and proceeded to build saw mills on the banks of the swiftly flowing river once called the "Onion River". The plan proved effective enough that the American Woolen Company built brick mills on the river. Employment opportunities attracted thousands of workers from the surrounding regions. Because of this inflow, Winooski had a very strong cultural influence.

This inflow of workers along with the economic vitality the mills provided, evaporated with the closing the woolen mills in 1954. Sadly, the community saw a decline the next 25 years until, in 1981, all three-mill buildings sprang to life again as they were converted into attractive residential condominiums, retail shops, restaurants, and business offices. 

In 1999, the city began a public process to engage in a major redevelopment of the city center.  Extensive public dialogue resulted in a plan that garnered $38 million in public funding and $169 million in private investment. Construction began in 2004.  Two years later, Winooski won a national award for smart growth from the EPA.  It has also been recognized as a Preserve America Community from the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation..

EDUCATION
There are three schools located in Winooski. The John F. Kennedy School educates children from kindergarten to fifth grade while the private Roman Catholic St. Francis Xavier School serves children from kindergarten to eighth grade. Winooski Middle / High School provides education to less than 1,000 students. Higher education opportunities abound with the close proximity of Burlington College, Champlain College, Community College of Vermont, Trinity College, the University of Vermont and St. Michael’s College.

RECREATION
Featuring 13 Parks, there is every kind -- from small greens to large facilities that have pools, ice rinks, tennis courts and ball fields. No matter where you are in Winooski, just walk a couple of blocks and you’ll find a quiet spot to visit.

City of Winooski

Burlington Free Press - Winooski Section