Like no
place else.

A new vision
for Manresa Island

Overview

Manresa Island will become a thriving, publicly accessible park that reconnects the community to the waterfront for the first time in nearly 75 years.

Anchored by a decommissioned power plant, the new Manresa Island park will be activated with programming and natural spaces for people of all ages, abilities and interests. Visitors can explore a revived ecological habitat with multiple access points to the water and year-round spaces for events and education.

The project is led by the non-profit Manresa Island Corporation and supported by private philanthropic investment.

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PARK HIGHLIGHTS

  • 1.75 miles of new public waterfront access in Norwalk
  • A public amenity with a variety of dynamic programming centered around water
  • Partnering with local and national institutions and community organizations to activate the park
  • Industrial site turned activated regional attraction for people of all ages
  • Adaptive Reuse model to transform a 20th century decommissioned coal-fired power plant into a resilient publicly accessible park that supports new and restored ecology

Mission

An island
for all.

Manresa Island Corporation’s mission is to inspire engagement with the waterfront through abundant public access, top-tier programming and activities centered around water and opportunities to research and learn about the region’s ecology.

Location
Norwalk, CT
Area
125 Acres
New Shoreline Access
1.75 Miles
Coordinates
41.072982, -73.410092
Aerial view of Manresa IslandAerial view of Manresa Island
Manresa Island
Private Shoreline
Public Shoreline

VISION

A resilient and welcoming space.

The Manresa Island park will be a first-of-its-kind community hub that offers visitors of all ages, abilities and interests a place to enjoy the waterfront. With the first phase projected to open by 2030, the park will transform the abandoned power plant site into a vibrant and sustainable space for Norwalk and the region.

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A community TREASURE

The park will offer year-round programming including water access, play areas, ecological experiences, education and event spaces and university-led research. A community engagement process will begin in early 2025 to receive feedback and hear from locals what they want to see in the new publicly accessible park.

An ecological marvel

The park will reopen the waterfront and revive Manresa’s coastal ecosystems through extensive brownfield remediation. It will heal and enhance Manresa's coastal ecosystems and post-industrial wilds in order to cultivate a landscape that is healthy, safe and vibrant.

A civic model

The park will be an adaptive reuse model for post-industrial infrastructure that revitalizes communities, unlocks waterfront access and brings more quality public space to the region.

Awe-inspiring scale waiting to be discovered.

HISTORY

Historical image of Manresa Island

Pre-1700

Manresa Island is located at the crossroads of historic Schaghticoke, Munsee Lenape and Wappinger territories.

Historical image of Manresa Island

1860

John H. Keyser builds a causeway connecting the island to the mainland. He farms on the site and it becomes known as Keyser Island.

Historical image of Manresa Island

1889 - 1911

The Jesuits establish and run the Manresa Institute, a spiritual retreat center.

Historical image of Manresa Island

1953 - 1999

Connecticut Light & Power builds a coal-fired power plant on the site. CL&P expands the site's footprint with coal ash fill. In 1972, the plant converts from coal to oil-powered.

Historical image of Manresa Island

1997

Manresa is named one of Connecticut's "filthy five" by CT Coalition for Clean Air.

Historical image of Manresa Island

1999 - 2013

NRG Energy acquires the facility in 1999 and continues operating it until its permanent closure in 2013.

Historical image of Manresa Island

2013 - Present

The site, now 125 acres due to industrial fill, sits vacant for 10 years.

Pre-1700

Manresa Island is located at the crossroads of historic Schaghticoke, Munsee Lenape and Wappinger territories.

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PRESS

“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.”

Jessica Vonashek

Executive Director of Manresa Island Corporation

“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.”

Ned Lamont

Governor of Connecticut

“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.”

Harry Rilling

Mayor of Norwalk

“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.”

Bob Duff

Connecticut Senate Majority Leader

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PARTNERS

A new hub for learning and recreation.

The park will partner with national institutions and community organizations to activate the site with top-tier programming for Norwalk and the surrounding region.

Partner with Manresa
Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk logo

Partner

The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk

Manresa Island Corporation is pleased to announce that The Maritime Aquarium is the first institution to become a partner.

Meet the team reviving the shores of Norwalk.

The world renowned design teams at SCAPE and Bjarke Ingels Group are shaping the new park in collaboration with expert partners across disciplines. Together they’re transforming legacy fossil fuel infrastructure into vibrant social infrastructure.

FAQ

Learn more in our FAQ.

Who is this park intended for?

The park is intended for all residents and visitors with an emphasis on accessibility and inclusivity for people of all ages and abilities.

What is the programming in and around the power plant buildings?

What educational opportunities will the Manresa Island park provide?

When can we expect the project to be completed?

What does the community engagement process look like for the project?

Does the site require remediation to be turned into a publicly accessible park?

Who owns Manresa Island?

Who will fund the Manresa Island project?

Get involved to share your perspective.

Join our community engagement process to help us advance a park design that is sustainable, resilient and dynamic. Manresa Island Corporation and SCAPE will hold community engagement meetings in early 2025.

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Community engagement illustration