A park renewed: Woodstock gives new life to Teagle’s Landing

At left, John Wiggin speaks at the official unveiling of the revitalized Teagle’s Landing in Woodstock, Vt., on Monday. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

"This little triangle of flood zone would be a nice place to tidy up," Frank Teagle declared years ago, about the land that holds the small Woodstock Village park bearing his name. 

Now, over two decades after Teagle’s Landing was so named, commemorating Frank’s tireless stewardship, it has received the ultimate upgrade in 2021. It's sporting a revamped design, fresh landscaping, new steps and tables, and an entirely new look to welcome the public into the space.

The project was spearheaded and funded by the Woodstock Economic Development Commission (EDC). On Monday, local officials and community members gathered to formally unveil the new Teagle’s Landing, remember the man it’s named for, and honor the team that revitalized it.

Opening remarks came from John Wiggin, a longtime local forester. He worked often with Teagle, who was an active and well-known community member in Woodstock. Among his many roles in town, Teagle was the village tree warden when he told Wiggin the quote at the start of this article. At the time, there was a substantial amount of litter on this small property by the Kedron Brook. But Teagle saw its potential, and over the years, he and others worked hard to improve it and maintain it as open space for the public. After Teagle passed away in January 1997, this land was named Teagle’s Landing, and at Monday’s event, Wiggin said Frank would be pleased with the park’s new design.

“Folks wondered about the size of the hole that would be left after Frank’s passing,” Wiggin said, before the crowd of several dozen. “This dedication demonstrates how others do step up.”

From left, Village Trustees Chair Jeff Kahn, EDC Vice Chair Joe DiNatale, and Beth Finlayson, executive director of the Woodstock Area Chamber of Commerce, take part in the ribbon-cutting at Teagle’s Landing on Monday. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

In his remarks, EDC Vice Chair Joe DiNatale thanked Beth Finlayson, executive director of the Woodstock Area Chamber of Commerce, and Jon Spector, EDC chair, for their work on the Teagle Landing project. He also recognized those who made the plan come to life, after it was first discussed a couple of years ago. 

“There was a collaborative of us that had a vision, but I have to say, the vision was put down on paper by Jack Rossi, and the plan that Jack Rossi drew up became a reality because of the talents of Cy Benoit and his group,” DiNatale said. “I think we’re very, very fortunate to have both these guys on our team.”

Rossi, a Woodstock-based landscape architect, also crafted the design for the East End Park in the Village. Benoit, who owns his company Cy Benoit ArborScape, started the work in April and subcontracted the stone work out to Olde World Masonry. 

Rossi has enjoyed playing a role in the revitalization of these two parks. 

“It's been super exciting to be involved, but also to see the renewal in interest and effort put into the open spaces in town,” he said in a Wednesday interview.  

At Monday’s dedication, Finlayson recognized the importance of Teagle’s Landing in the life of the village. 

“We are so happy that the EDC funded this project … It’s a wonderful place for locals and visitors alike,” she said. 

In a Monday interview at the park, Spector noted that a number of residents visit Woodstock before deciding to move here. By improving local outdoor spaces, he said, it not only helps the visitor experience, but can also attract them to relocate here. 

“I think it helps to give people a good experience, and they go back home and they tell other people Woodstock is a great place to come to, or they begin to think about whether or not they want to spend more time here,” Spector said.

— Gareth Henderson

A view of Kedron Brook from the edge of Teagle’s Landing. (Gareth Henderson Photo)