Table of Contents
The Gateways into Barton have open views of the river, lake, and hills. The density of buildings along the roadways leading into the village creates contrast to the openness of farmland and creates a sense of community formation. In order to enhance these qualities, the Gateways into the village should announce, with signage, to a traveler that they are entering Barton and through the use of attractive landscaping establish a mood for the village activity. A theme, repeated throughout the village in the form of a logo on the signs and/or certain landscaping and lighting fixtures, may help town pride, add a cohesiveness to the village structure, and call attention to the character of Barton for visitors. Well-kept and uniform signs and landscaping may also help create a sense of order and hospitality in the village which could aid in tourism. We are recommending three identifiable gateways, namely a Glover Street Gateway as one enters the village on Route #16, a Barton River Gateway as one enters on Route #5 from Orleans Village; and a Crystal Lake Gateway on Route #5.
At the southern edge of the village along Route #5 there is a dirt parking lot adjacent to Crystal Lake. This parking lot is within 1/3 of a mile of the village. Formalized parking in this lot with a rest area building providing tourist, recreational, and restroom services may encourage bikers, walkers, and x-country enthusiasts to park and walk, bike, or ski into town, as opposed to driving into the increasingly congested center. As described previously, a recreation path alongside the lake which links to the village and Barton River, would provide bikers, rollerbladers, walkers, cross-country skiers, and snowmobilers access to the village. A Barton Village entry sign posted some distance further south of the parking lot would help slow travelers down so that they can stop for the rest area. At the very least a structure providing a map of the village, accommodations, shopping, points of interest, and recreation areas should be located at the parking lot. A park and ride area for commuters may also fit into a design of the parking area.
Comments to: crs@uvm.edu Reviewed on 3/28/97