The Greatwood Project: A New Chapter For Goddard College's Campus?

The closure of Goddard College, an institution long celebrated for its experimental liberal arts approach, sent ripples of concern through its community and the wider educational landscape. After years of persistent turmoil, the Plainfield institution announced in April that it would be closing its doors and selling its campus, marking what many observers considered the final scene in a long and often dramatic narrative of dissolution. This pivotal moment left a void, but also opened a unique opportunity for a local initiative to step forward and reimagine the future of this historic property.

Into this uncertainty stepped a beacon of hope: The Greatwood Project. This community group, deeply rooted in Plainfield and East Montpelier, emerged with an ambitious vision to acquire the sprawling campus. Their plan? To transform the former estate into a vibrant hub for both education and housing, ensuring its legacy of learning continued while addressing critical community needs. What followed was a complex saga of bids, negotiations, financial hurdles, and unwavering determination, all centered around the future of a cherished Vermont landmark, a narrative that speaks volumes about community resilience and the pursuit of a shared vision.

The Closure of Goddard College: A Community's Loss

For many decades, Goddard College stood as a truly unique institution within the landscape of higher education. Its experimental liberal arts curriculum, commitment to social justice, and emphasis on student-directed learning attracted a diverse array of individuals seeking an alternative to conventional academic paths. However, beneath its progressive exterior, the college faced persistent and mounting financial difficulties, coupled with declining enrollment figures. These challenges culminated in the painful announcement earlier this spring that the school would be closing its doors permanently at the end of the term, with the Plainfield campus slated for sale. This news marked what many saw as the final act in a long and tumultuous drama surrounding Goddard's future.

The closure of Goddard College was far more than just the end of an academic institution; it represented a profound loss for the tight-knit Plainfield community. The college was a significant employer, a cultural hub, and an integral part of the town's identity. Its departure meant job losses, a reduction in local economic activity, and the unsettling prospect of a large, historic campus sitting vacant and underutilized. The question of what would become of the sprawling former agricultural estate, with its rich history and immense potential, became a pressing concern for residents. It was in this atmosphere of uncertainty and a shared desire to preserve a vital community asset that local groups began to explore proactive solutions, hoping to breathe new life into the beloved property.

The Birth of The Greatwood Project: A Vision for the Future

Amidst the widespread concern surrounding Goddard’s impending closure, a beacon of hope emerged from within the community itself: The Greatwood Project. This initiative was not merely a spontaneous gathering of concerned citizens; it was deeply rooted in Goddard’s own legacy. The group was founded by former Goddard alumni and faculty, individuals who possessed an intimate understanding of the campus's unique character, its historical significance, and its inherent potential for continued educational and community engagement. Their vision was both clear and ambitious: to acquire the Plainfield campus and transform it into a vibrant, multi-faceted center dedicated to both education and housing.

The concept put forth by The Greatwood Project resonated profoundly with the local populace. The idea of keeping the campus alive, albeit under new stewardship and