Robert H. Gibson River Garden
“The Centerpiece of Downtown Brattleboro”
The Robert H. Gibson River Garden located at 153 Main Street in Brattleboro, at the intersection of Main and High Streets, is currently a work in progress. Just one year ago it was under contract for impending private sale when the community spoke up and asked that BaBB retain ownership of the facility and work to maintain this space as a community resource. Taking feedback from the community to heart, the BaBB board resolved to develop a formal plan where by the Robert H. Gibson River Garden would become a working asset in the pursuit of the organizational vision, "a vibrant downtown that thrives socially, economically and culturally".Since that time a work plan has evolved to do just that.
Based on what we know, the community at large has an active interest in using this centrally located facility. In the past two years 93 separate groups, many repeat users both private and public, have capitalized on this tremendous resource hosting anniversary parties to annual meetings to musical performances at the River Garden. And in discussion with a group committed to the Connecticut River Byways, we find sincere interest in the River Garden serving as the southern most Connecticut River Waypoint Center, offering hospitality and informing visitors and local people alike about the benefits and offerings of our Vermont Byway Communities. We are looking to develop a "Story of Brattleboro" exhibit to feature the uniqueness of our community and to offer businesses the opportunity to showcase their support through exhibit sponsorship.
So look to the intersection of Main and High Streets over the next months and see the transformation of a quiet window to the river into a center for hospitality to visitors and a bustling hub for community life. The following outlines our vision and ideas.
Vision and Purpose
A centrally located space in the heart of downtown Brattleboro where the public, comprised of both local people and destination visitors alike, can gather informally, enjoy views of the Connecticut River and Mt. Wantastiquet and experience the heart and soul of Brattleboro through permanent and revolving exhibits and other local and regional information. Serving as Vermont’s southernmost Interpretive Waypoint Center, located at the intersection of the Molly Stark and Connecticut River Byways, the River Garden will offer hospitality and convenience services that support tourism and the local economy. Additionally, the River Garden will host both public and private events that contribute to the richness of community life.
Potential Features
BaBB office location.
Public indoor park atmosphere. An informal gathering place for people to stop in and take a break, have lunch or meet informally with friends, colleagues or hold small informal, gatherings.
Ability to hold small, informal public gatherings on a first come first serve basis during open hours.
Space rental available for private events during day and evening hours. Mission driven priority for public use will be demonstrated through the funding structure.
Space rental is available for organized events that will be open to the public during day and evening hours.
A potential site for a limited number of “street food” vendors in various seasons.
Area information distribution. A Brattleboro Waypoint Center. The River Garden’s central location will invite visitors to inquire about the region and its offerings. An ideal place to feature the downtown.
Internet Café capacity.
Public restrooms available to downtown visitors and shoppers.
Exhibit space. Ongoing permanent exhibit that features “The Story of Brattleboro”. Who is Brattleboro? How are we unique? What’s here? What’s to do? Exhibits might be hung on the walls and/or through mobile kiosks.
Rotating exhibits featuring community art. Juried by a volunteer committee. Monthly rotation. Sponsored exhibits generating a revenue stream.Potential Support
Rental fee revenue.
Basement space rental as a revenue source.
Annual major fundraising event, endorsed by the community in support of this downtown resource.
Sponsorship of exhibits by local businesses.
DID funding support
Donation Tower (with requirement that encouragement of donations be part of the rental agreement).
In-Kind Partnerships, like shared service contracts and collaborative activities
In-kind contributions (plantings, volunteer staffing of the Waypoint Center by Coop volunteers or RSVP volunteers)List of River Garden Events 2006 to present
The following activities have occurred at the Robert H Gibson River Garden since January 1, 2006. Many are types of activities that have taken place multiple times. Most offered access to any and all who were interested. The facility does and has offered capacity to hold private functions as well. This list is intended to illustrate the diversity of use provided by this “center piece” of downtown Brattleboro. Ninety three different individuals and groups have used the River Garden in the past two years.
* Break-dance Class
* Volunteer Training Corrections Dept.
* Children's String Concert
* Key into Jazz – 2 Series
* Senior Orchestra Rehearsal
* All Student Orchestra
* Take Back the Night
* Press event and reception BCTV
* Scudder Parker Forum
* Emergency Preparedness Training
* Music Fund raiser- Heifer International
* Organizational Meeting Recovery House
* Award for holiday window decoration contest
* Public Forum on River Garden
* Month-long Children’s Art Exhibit
* Orchestra Rehearsal
* Sports Banquet BUHS
* Malian Food & Crafts
* Take Back the Night Event
* Summer Camp Fair for Families
* Chili Cook off
* Private Wedding Shower
* Kickoff event Early Childhood Council
* Orientation Recovery House VT
* Earth Day celebration
* SIT benefit art show
* Display of child care playhouse
* Cover the Uninsured
* Race for Reason Kick Off
* Music School Performathon
* Harvey Wasserman Presentation
* AARP Info session
* Poetry Slam
* May Magic Down Town Promotion
* March of Dimes Education
* Meeting with Select board
* Town Recreation Department Breakfast
* Austine School Open House
* Private Social
* Green Street School Choir rehearsal and performance
* Strolling of the Heifers set up and activities
* Display Green Street School 4th grade projects
* Memorial Remembrance
* Presentation of Windham regional plan
* Small Band Bahai community
* Meeting Town of Brattleboro and Brattleboro Area Community Land Trust
* Theater Dance Class NEYT
* Meeting of the Interfaith Initiative
* Annual Meeting NE Coalition
* Governor Candidate’s forum
* Comm. Awareness Fair
* Literary Festival –Weekend annual event
* Private Dinner Party
* Political Campaign Rally
* Community-wide Halloween Party
* Winter Farmers' Market - growing annually
* Annual Meeting – Brattleboro Food Coop
* Private Birthday Party
* New Years Eve Events
* Retirement Party Vermont State Employee
* Holiday Party Brattleboro Food Coop
* 25th Anniversary Party
* BUHS Senior Semi-formal
* Youth Performance Community Bible Chapel
* Kick off concert – Children’s Music Hall of Fame
* Book Reading – Tuesday Writers Group
* BUHS Winter Sports Banquet
* Local Sustainable Energy presentation
* Kids Playce ping pong tournament
* Student Exhibit BUHS History Department
* BUHS Prom
* Intergenerational lunchtime concert
* Strolling of the Heifers parade display space
* Concert
* Private birthday celebration
* Preview of upcoming play performance
* Sidewalk Sales accommodation for shoppers
* Youth organized dance with a DJ
* Summer Localvore Challenge
* WRC Cross Town Talks – Brown Fields
* Youth Services 35 Anniversary Celebration of Youth
* Going away party for Kate Casa
* Private wedding gathering and rehearsal party
* Community organization volunteer appreciation dinner
* Michael Singer report to community on uses of the Gas Works property
* Unveiling of Strolling of the Heifers Cookbook
* RSVP Volunteer Appreciation Event
* Local childcare center crafts fair fundraiser
* Free Thanksgiving Dinner Event
* Community Meeting – harmony neighborhood association
* DIWALI Indian New Year celebration
* Public energy hearing meeting
* December Gallery Walk Music/Kids Crafts Fair
* Green Eggs and Ham fund Raiser
* Madeline Kunin Book event
* Non profit Holiday staff party
* Brattleboro Music Center Student Concert
* New Year's Eve Celebration- private party open to the public
* Mural Project
* Art Auction fund raiser
* Chinese New Year Event.Management Documents