The city, in partnership with the Land Trust of West Haven, has announced that construction of Eco Park will start in September.
Formerly known as the Shoreline Resilience and Eco-Restoration Project, Eco Park spans 1 ½ acres of public shoreline adjacent to the boardwalk at Old Grove Park on Palace Street. It is the result of a collaborative effort led by the Land Trust with the city, a committee of dedicated volunteers, and local environmental agencies working together over the past four years.
In June, the state finalized the last set of approvals for funding, which provided a green light for the project.
Eco Park was designed to create ecological balance and resilience at the site to benefit people, wildlife and the environment. It also seeks to engage and educate the public about the shoreline’s ecosystem, why restoration and resilience efforts are important, and what can be done to help mitigate the impact of climate change.
Eco Park’s design was guided by a meticulous native plant selection process to ensure each plant met stringent environmental criteria while also achieving aesthetic harmony. Eco Park will not only restore ecological balance over time but also stand out as a visually stunning space, revitalizing what was once an area full of invasive plants into an inviting haven for people and wildlife.
Supported by grants from the state Department of Economic and Community Development and the American Rescue Plan Act secured by Mayor Dorinda Borer, the project will be planted and maintained by Ivy League Landscaping, a West Haven-based company.
Borer expressed her enthusiasm for the project.
“Eco Park represents West Haven’s dedication to environmental sustainability and community well-being. It will be a place where people can appreciate our coastline’s beauty while learning how to preserve it for future generations,” she said.
Officials say the Eco Park is more than an eco-restoration project; it is a commitment to building a resilient and sustainable future. They point to several factors. The project will:
Restore a native coastal habitat with native plants to support wildlife.
Provide a long-term invasive plant control and maintenance plan.
Serve as a living classroom with interpretive signage online linking by QR code to in-depth online educational resources.
Host free educational events for diverse audiences.
Establish a replicable model for coastal restoration in other communities.
Designed to integrate natural beauty, sustainability and environmental education, Eco Park will include:
- Native Plant Habitats: A variety of native trees, shrubs and flowers to attract pollinators and wildlife.
- Sustainable Practices: Environmentally friendly methods for planting and maintenance.
- Interpretive Signs: Visitors can explore 13 interpretive signs along the boardwalk and pathways that provide insights into the surrounding environment. Each sign links by QR code to a website with more in-depth information about each sign topic.
- Community Access: Spaces for reflection, passive recreation, and learning about why coastal resilience and sustainability are important.
Project co-leaders Marilyn Wilkes, the Land Trust’s vice president, and Mark E. Paine, Jr., the director of the city Department of Parks and Recreation, shared their perspective.
“Eco Park is a vital step toward protecting our environment while creating a space that showcases how we are connected to nature and how important native plants are for the environment and, in turn, for people and wildlife. By restoring native habitats, we not only support biodiversity but also hope to inspire our community to become active stewards of the coastal landscape,” said Wilkes.
“This project has been a labor of love for us and the many knowledgeable volunteers who helped bring it to fruition,” agreed Paine.
The city and the Land Trust invite the community to participate in upcoming events. Details will be available on the Eco Park website and its Facebook page, which will both launch this fall.