Winooski Valley Park District Acquires Charlie's Boathouse Property for Public Park Conversion
The Winooski Valley Park District has purchased the 2.7-acre Auer Family Boathouse property in Burlington's far north end for $960,000. This acquisition aims to conserve the waterfront parcel and convert it into public parkland for recreational use. The property, historically known as 'Charlie's Boathouse,' was run by Charlie Auer Jr. and Christine Auer Hebert as a seasonal bait shop, snack bar, and boat rental store for decades. The shop closed after Charlie Auer Jr.'s death in 2021, and Christine Auer Hebert passed away in 2024. The Auer and Hebert families had previously put the property on the market for $2.5 million, considering development potential. The closing of the sale occurred recently, but the district advises the public to stay off the land until it is safely opened, likely in the spring. The purchase includes the site, a fleet of kayaks, and historic photos, which the district acknowledges hold significant meaning for many people.
