What We Heard from Families
Brattleboro Littles Alliance’s mission is to advocate for families with kids 0-5 in the town of Brattleboro. The goal is to make Brattleboro a more young-family-friendly town by advocating for improvements that support young families. Based on initial survey responses, here are what parents are saying they want to see for improvements in town:
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Expanded programming and dedicated play spaces for young children (0–5): more baby-parent activities (especially weekends), after-school/weekend library programming, age-appropriate ice skating times with greater availability, dedicated recreation center time for toddlers to safely bounce and play, and an indoor nonprofit/business space (similar to Cheshire Children's Museum or Jump and Jive) where children can explore, learn, and move year-round.
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More welcoming “third spaces” for young kids: indoor/outdoor hangout spots and businesses that clearly identify as child-friendly.
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Safer, more accessible outdoor spaces: well-marked trails, stroller-friendly walking routes (with reliable sidewalk plowing and a published map), and additional safe walking paths.
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Stronger community connection for parents: a consistent parent walking/hiking group (babywearing and new-walker friendly), and a regularly updated public calendar of free playgroups and activities.
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Family-friendly infrastructure in town facilities and parks: kid-sized picnic tables, stools at sinks/fountains, changing tables in all restrooms, coat/bag storage (rack/cubbies) in Children's Room at the library, priority/wider parking for pregnant parents and caregivers, and safe stroller storage areas.
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Family support resources: a lending library of essential child gear (e.g., cribs, strollers, car seats) and reinstated community “date night” childcare options tied to local businesses/drop and shop (staffed playroom at co-op).
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Health and safety improvements: biohazard needle disposal bins in areas heavily trafficked by children.
Join Our Community
Get Involved in Our Mission
Being a member is a loose commitment. The thought is that if/when there are situations that come up that could use the support of this group, we'd call on the members for things like signing a petition, making a comment at a public meeting, or spreading the word on our efforts! You can always choose to not participate.
BLA Progress
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A survey of 44 parents in the region to get their feedback on what they'd like to see for their families
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The creation of a calendar listing events and programs appropriate for kids 0-5 years old
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An interview with Peter Case on Vermontitude sharing about BLA
Town Collaboration
BLA met with and presented to the Town of Brattleboro’s department heads in April 2026 and the town put together a list of over 30 items they are going to tackle based on our feedback.
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The creation of a Winter Stroller Walking Map with help from Brattleboro DPW
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Brooks Memorial Library is piloting an after school program in May 2026.
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Recs and Park will offer more appropriate Toddler Skate times in Winter 2026, they will reinstate Saturday AM Toddler Open Gym at the Gibson Aiken Center, they will put some kid sized picnic tables in Living Memorial Park, they will put a changing table in the gender neutral bathroom at the Living Memorial Park. More to come!
Looking Ahead
🏠 Indoor Winter Playspace
🤝 Kid-Friendly Business Program
🌟 Brattleboro as Vermont’s Most Family-Friendly Town
Progress & Future Goals
Here’s what we’ve been working on so far—and what’s next for Brattleboro’s youngest families.
Retreat Farm Partnership
BLA met with Retreat Farm leadership in April 2026 to share survey results and discuss opportunities to expand programming, improve infrastructure for young children, and create more welcoming family spaces.
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Added toddler-sized picnic tables at Retreat Farm
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“Toddler taxis” (pull carts for little ones) coming to help families travel between the parking lot and the Landing
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More kid-focused activities planned during Food Truck Roundups, including foam blocks and bubble play zones
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Barn access during Food Truck Roundups so children can visit the animals
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Planning to add community mailboxes for exchanging treasures and drawings near the Forest Playground
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Added bright new paint and playful updates to parts of the Forest Playground
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New Forest Playground additions coming by the end of June, including a magnifying glass station, slack line, updated signage, and new mud kitchen elements
