The Tree Farm Management Group (TFMG) was formed as a Vermont non-profit corporation on April 14, 2002.  The principal purpose of the organization is to facilitate the development and management of a public recreational facility for children and adults in the Chittenden County region of Vermont on a site known as the “Tree Farm.”

Background

The Tree Farm is a 99-acre parcel of land that is owned by the State of Vermont.  For many years, the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources operated a tree nursery on the site; hence, the name “Tree Farm.”  Nursery operations ceased at the Farm in 1995 and the State began exploring ways for making the property accessible and unencumbered by development.  In light of the property’s location within the Town of Essex and the Village of Essex Junction, both municipalities were also interested in seeing the property used for recreational purposes, as were several of the local youth and adult athletic clubs including the Vermont Soccer Association, the Nordic Spirit Soccer Club, Essex United Soccer Club, the Champlain Valley Youth Soccer League, and the Burlington Rugby Club all of which are tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations.

Activities – Past, Current and Future

The TFMG was formed as the vehicle for bringing all of the above-interested parties together for the purpose of developing and implementing a plan for the conversion of the Tree Farm property into a recreational facility that would satisfy the area’s demand for both passive recreation and accessible athletic fields and for the operation of the facility.  Toward that end, on June 21, 2002, the State entered into a long-term lease of the Tree Farm property to the Town and Village for nominal consideration.  The Lease specifically provided for the sub-lease of the property to the TFMG and a sublease was entered into at about the same time.

After obtaining a leasehold interest in the Tree Farm property, the TFMG turned its attention to the development stage of the project and obtaining the necessary capital for the same. In this regard, the State agreed to construct a new access road and bike path to the facility at an estimated cost of $1,500,000.  The Nordic Spirit and Essex United Soccer Clubs each pledged $50,000.  Another $50,000 commitment was obtained from the U.S. Soccer Foundation (Vermont Soccer Association).  Other individuals and entities pledged an additional $200,000.  With a good start on the required funding, the TFMG commenced construction of the new athletic fields in the fall of 2002.  The facility was to be completed for use in 2004 but construction issues pushed the start date to May 2005. 2005 was our inaugural year with over 80,000 visits to the Tree Farm site.

Now that the facility is open, TFMG over-sees the day-to-day operation of the facility.  This includes scheduling, field and facility maintenance and program enhancements all of which are intended to provide local youth and adults with access to a much-needed recreational facility.  In addition to soccer, the fields are available for lacrosse, field hockey, rugby and youth football.  The facility also has footpaths and hiking trails.  Given its proximity to local schools it is available for school-related programs and activities.  Fees will be charged for use of the athletic fields.  Footpaths and hiking trails will be open to the general public without charge.  The fees are intended to cover the cost of maintaining the facility and making needed capital improvements.

Sources of Financial Support

Initially, the TFMG’s sources of financial support came from in-kind contributions and cash contributions from other tax-exempt organizations, businesses and individuals.  User fees are the primary source of support, the balance of operational cost being funded with in-kind and cash donations.

In 2006 the TFMG has embarked on a $200,000 capital campaign. The purpose of the campaign is to raise money to finish improvements to the site, principally the 1700 square ft outbuilding (pole barn) located in the middle of the site. Currently it is used for storage. When it is retrofitted it will house bathrooms, concession area and general meeting space. In particular the concession area is needed to help generate operational revenues.