Fire call
Pickleball woes
Officials warn of possible smoky summer
Let’s join forces to make Szymanski Park work
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South Burlington’s Community Newspaper Since 1977
the JULY 3, 2024
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VOLUME 48, NO. 27
SB mulls conservation easement at Hubbard LIBERTY DARR STAFF WRITER
The South Burlington City Council last week directed its staff to explore a permanent conservation easement in certain areas of the 60-acre Hubbard Recreation and Natural Area. “That parcel is a gem in the city. I believe it has some very old forest area, some of the oldest in the county,” council chair Tim Barritt said, adding that he would like to see everything in the east section of the property, to some degree, conserved. The city purchased the property, formerly known as the Underwood Property, in 2013 using $1.7 million of open space funds. The Underwood Task Force was formed a year later to develop a vision for the parcel, which involved public engagement that culminated in two reports: a 2015 Vision Framework and a 2018 Master Plan. Both council-adopted plans outlined guiding principles, areas of focus and conceptual plans for the open space. Several suggestions include maintaining a mix of natural resources and agricultural use, allowing recreational opportunities, emphasizing conservation and sustainability, developing more agricultural opportunities based on See HUBBARD PARK on page 12
COURTESY PHOTO
South Burlington resident Susan Grimes traverses the 156-mile stretch of the Marathon Des Sables in Morocco, dubbed the hardest foot race on earth.
‘Don’t let age limit you,’ says marathon racer LIBERTY DARR STAFF WRITER
For some, retirement is a time for relaxation. For others, like Susan Grimes retirement is just an opportunity for more adventure.
In her case, that includes completing the Marathon Des Sables, a 156-mile race over six days in the Western Sahara in Morocco. “It just seemed pretty intriguing,” she said. “To be able to be in the Sahara for some days at a stretch and survive, let alone be in a race.”
Dubbed the hardest footrace on earth, Grimes was one of 60 people from the U.S. and over 857 participants who completed the race. As if completing a race of that size See GRIMES on page 11
The Farmhouse Tap & Grill presents
CELEBRATION OF SUMMER TOMATOES Wednesday July 10 th 5-9pm The Beer Garden
Live Music • Tomato-Inspired Food & Drink Specials
FARMHOUSETG.COM