As summer begins to wind down and we head into fall, there has been a lot happening across Milton. Summer is always a busy season for Town staff, with construction projects, road and utility work, recreation programs and events, and our normal day-to-day services continuing throughout it all.
As we turn the calendar toward fall, I wanted to share a few updates on what our teams have been working on and what is coming next.
New Salt Shed Nearly Ready for Winter
One of the most visible projects nearing completion is the Town’s new Salt Shed. The building is nearly ready to be filled and put into service for the upcoming winter season.
The new facility will provide dedicated, modern storage for our winter road salt, improve operations, and better protect the material from the elements. Its additional capacity will also allow the Town to stockpile more salt ahead of the winter season, helping reduce our vulnerability to regional supply shortages like the one experienced last year and ensuring our crews have the material they need when winter weather arrives.
A special thank you goes to our Highway crew, who have put a tremendous amount of work into this project. From site work and preparation to assisting throughout construction and completing many pieces of the project themselves, their efforts have helped make the new facility a reality while keeping the project moving forward.
Winter Preparations Are Already Underway
Even though we are just coming out of summer, preparations for winter have already begun. Highway staff are beginning the annual process of getting our plow trucks and other equipment ready for the season, including maintenance, repairs, and inspections.
There is a significant amount of behind-the-scenes work that goes into having the fleet ready when the first snow arrives, and that work starts well before the temperatures begin to drop.
Keeping Milton’s Water System Running Smoothly
Our Water/Wastewater staff have also had a busy summer. Hydrant flushing is currently underway, so residents may notice crews working throughout the water system over the coming weeks.
In addition to the day-to-day work required to keep Milton’s water and wastewater systems operating safely and reliably, staff have played an important role in several larger projects over the past few months. They assisted with hydrant relocations and other water system work associated with the ongoing Hourglass Project and worked closely with the Champlain Water District to prepare for and minimize the impacts of a planned water storage tank shutdown for CWD maintenance.
Both efforts required significant coordination and planning to keep our system operating and minimize disruptions to residents.
New Perimeter Path and StoryWalk Open at Bombardier Park
One of the highlights of the summer was the official opening of the new Bombardier Park West Perimeter Path and StoryWalk.
The project was made possible in part through Vermont Outdoor Recreation Economic Collaborative (VOREC) grant funding and provides another accessible opportunity for walking, running, recreation, and enjoying the park. The StoryWalk, developed in partnership with the Milton Public Library and Friends of the Milton Public Library, adds another way for families to enjoy the space together.
The new path continues the Town’s efforts to expand accessible recreational opportunities at Bombardier Park.
Summer Recreation Winds Down as Fall Programs Begin
It was another full summer of camps, programs, community events, the Milton Farmers Market, and plenty of activity throughout our parks and facilities.
As summer programming wraps up, the Recreation & Parks Department is already moving into its fall schedule. The Fall Program Guide is now available, featuring programs and events for all ages, youth sports, community information, and more. Registration is open, and I encourage residents to take a look and see what is being offered this season.
Thank you to our Recreation & Parks Department staff, Buildings & Grounds staff, seasonal employees, volunteers, sponsors, and community partners who helped make another successful summer of programs and events possible.
Featured Upcoming Events:
Touch A Truck: Saturday, September 12, 12-3PM, Don Turner Jr. Milton Public Works Facility (160 Public Works Way), View Facebook Event >
Milton Activities Fair: September 17, 5:30-7:30PM, Milton High School, View Facebook Event >
After more than two years, Milton Rescue is anxiously awaiting the arrival of its new ambulance.
The Selectboard authorized the purchase on February 26, 2024, following a competitive bid process. At the time, the anticipated manufacturing timeline was approximately 910 days. The new Type I ambulance will replace an older Rescue unit and will closely mirror our existing ambulance, providing consistency for crews and equipment placement when responding to emergencies. Needless to say, we are looking forward to finally seeing it pull into the station.
Public Safety Teams Stay Connected with the Community
Our Police, Fire, and Rescue personnel had another busy summer responding to emergencies, supporting community events, participating in joint-training opportunities, and carrying out the everyday work that often happens without much public attention.
National Night Out on August 4th was another great opportunity for residents to interact with our emergency response personnel outside of an emergency setting and strengthen the relationships between our public safety departments and the community.
Back to School Means Sharing the Road
The end of summer also means school is back in session. With students returning to classrooms, school buses are once again making their morning and afternoon routes, and there will be more pedestrian and vehicle activity around our schools and neighborhoods.
Please give yourself a little extra time during the morning and afternoon commutes, keep an eye out for children walking or biking to school, and remember to stop for school buses when their red lights are flashing.
Thank you to everyone who helped make this another successful summer in Milton. There is a tremendous amount of work happening throughout the Town, and much of it is accomplished through the everyday efforts of employees who take great pride in the community they serve.
As we head into fall, I look forward to keeping everyone updated on the projects, programs, and work happening around Milton.
New Salt Shed Nearly Ready for Winter
New Perimeter Path and StoryWalk Open at Bombardier Park
Back to School Means Sharing the Road