Like no
place else.

“This project is about more than just creating a park-it’s a catalyst for economic revitalization, community engagement, and improved quality of life for all. Its transformation is a powerful example of how we can leverage our city's unique assets to drive both economic growth and community well-being, while creating a dynamic public space that enhances daily lives. As Executive Director of the Manresa Island Corporation, I’m eager to work with local residents, businesses and stakeholders to ensure that the park is a place for all and offers a well-rounded program of recreational and educational opportunities.”

Its transformation is a powerful example of how we can leverage our city's unique assets to drive both economic growth and community well-being, while creating a dynamic public space that enhances daily lives. As Executive Director of the Manresa Island Corporation, I’m eager to work with local residents, businesses and stakeholders to ensure that the park is a place for all and offers a well-rounded program of recreational and educational opportunities.”

“Connecticut has a gorgeous coastline, and now the residents of Norwalk and of our state will have full access to a new park located on the water in an area where recreational access had been prevented for decades. This has all been made possible by the generosity of Austin and Allison McChord, who not only value preserving our natural resources but also want to make sure the people of Connecticut can enjoy this land as well. I am very grateful for the McChords’ commitment to Connecticut, and on behalf of the state I thank them for all they are doing with Manresa Island.”

This has all been made possible by the generosity of Austin and Allison McChord, who not only value preserving our natural resources but also want to make sure the people of Connecticut can enjoy this land as well. I am very grateful for the McChords’ commitment to Connecticut, and on behalf of the state I thank them for all they are doing with Manresa Island.”

“The transformation of Manresa Island into a public destination that increases access to Norwalk's shoreline and recreational and ecological experiences is an extraordinary opportunity that will enhance the quality of life for our residents and further cement Norwalk’s reputation as a city on the rise. Following the closure of the plant in 2013, residents and the City reimagined what Manresa Island could look like. The vision for this project of open space, a conservation habitat, and enhanced access to the physical beauty along the Long Island Sound aligns with the values and direction that we heard from residents. Repurposing this land into a public park is a dream come true, and I am incredibly grateful to Austin McChord, a Norwalk native, and his wife, Allison, for their vision and generosity in acquiring the site and turning it into a one-of-a-kind park emphasizing sustainability, resiliency, and ecological design. Austin and Allison are giving back to the community in a way that will benefit generations to come and serve as a model for private philanthropy in the future.”

Following the closure of the plant in 2013, residents and the City reimagined what Manresa Island could look like. The vision for this project of open space, a conservation habitat, and enhanced access to the physical beauty along the Long Island Sound aligns with the values and direction that we heard from residents. Repurposing this land into a public park is a dream come true, and I am incredibly grateful to Austin McChord, a Norwalk native, and his wife, Allison, for their vision and generosity in acquiring the site and turning it into a one-of-a-kind park emphasizing sustainability, resiliency, and ecological design. Austin and Allison are giving back to the community in a way that will benefit generations to come and serve as a model for private philanthropy in the future.”

“It’s not an understatement to say that transforming Manresa Island into a beautiful, publicly accessible park is a game changer for Norwalk and the region at large. As a Norwalk native, I know that our home is enriched when we have more open green space to enjoy – especially when it serves as a welcoming hub with valuable educational and recreational programming that will provide new opportunities for our youth. I am proud to support this project, and I look forward to working closely with Manresa Island Corporation to ensure this park is the best it can be for all Norwalk residents and visitors alike.”

As a Norwalk native, I know that our home is enriched when we have more open green space to enjoy – especially when it serves as a welcoming hub with valuable educational and recreational programming that will provide new opportunities for our youth. I am proud to support this project, and I look forward to working closely with Manresa Island Corporation to ensure this park is the best it can be for all Norwalk residents and visitors alike.”