Crowell Park

(C) 2026 Dale DiMauro

There is a lovely park, walking distance from my house. I have actually written about this park in the past but perhaps it needs more publicity. Most Vermonters would't want it to get any more attention, though. It is the name or lack thereof which I find perplexing. 

Most parks are named and have large signs stating where you are in the world - giving identity or history to it's origins. The only reason I know this is called Crowell Park is because it is on the Brattleboro, VT bus line. There is an actual bus stop and shelter on the edge of the property with the bus route posted.

Back to the park. This a well-used and beloved park. It sits adjacent to the Green Street School and many people use it and it's paths in warmer weather to bypass walking along Green Street or Western Avenue. Parents of young children frequently bring their children to the playground while young men are often seen running up and down the basketball court. Also, dog walkers often use the park. In addition, there is a little used softball field.

When it is a hot and humid day I walk home from downtown through it's lovely shaded trails and inviting open spaces which are more pleasant than the noise and hustle of the pavement. I do not know the actual size of the park but it is larger than meets the eye or at least feels larger than one would suspect.

I have painted in the park numerous times from various vantage points. Late last fall I liked to set-up my painting equipment on the perimeter retaining wall which was a good height as I didn't need to lug an easel to this location.

Earlier this week I set-up to paint on one of the picnic tables in the park by the basketball court which is sheltered by a dense hedge and lovely young tree bursting forth with new foliage. While a young asian man was shooting baskets by himself he became curious what I was doing. Eventually his basketball ball rolled over by me and we struck up a conversation. He was impressed by my use of color and handling of the paint at my disposal. It made him think of the park differently and why I focused on the area I did.

I think the Brattleboro Historical Society should do a feature on the Crowell Park in the local paper if it hasn't done one recently. It is certainly a vital part of the town.