Leddy Park, located in Burlington's New North End, is the largest park in the city and was acquired in 1970. The park was initially called Wabianaki (Abenaki for 'Thanksgiving') and was renamed in 1972 after Judge Bernard J. Leddy, a long time park commissioner who helped to establish the park.
The park contains many recreational resources including an ice arena, lighted tennis courts, softball fields, a playground, soccerfields, walking trails, a picnic area with grill stands, public restrooms and 1800 feet of sandy beachfront with swimming and picnic areas. The Gordon H. Paquette ice arena is the most heavily used facility in the park with two skating rinks, a snack bar, and potential seating for 1,000 people. It is easily accessible through the Burlington bike path and bus routes.
Parks and open public space are valuable resources of communities which offer outlets for fitness and exercise, provide wildlife habitat, foster the human connection with nature, preserve undeveloped space, and help to build a sense of pride, place, and identity within the community.
