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Table o ContentsT F t o t P k C tP t s p Oppo t t sT P ks Concept Plans for Bridgeports Regional, Community,
Neighborhood Parks
P ks St s o : Naturalized Landscapes
Park Elements
Maintenance Best Practices
Sustainable Maintenance
Recreation and Programming Recommendations
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What will the Park Systemlook like or the nextgeneration in Bridgeport?
The FuTure OFthe Park City
Perhaps m st imp rtantly,Bridgep rt sh uld return t itsheritage as Th Pa C ty . - Master Plan C nser ati n & De el pment
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as Conn c cu s l g s c w g o
popul on, B dg po s p s s mwill play a critical role in the future health of the Citys ecosystem, economy, and community. More than just tthe plan for Bridgeports park system represents a comprehensive understanding of the importance of green, healthcommunity and to city-wide revitalization.
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The vision for the Bridgeport Parks System creates a vehicle forengaging citizens and new partners in the parks, revitalizing theCity and the region, and reconnecting to the citys vast, but oftenhidden, waterfront. It achieves the key goals of the community:to enhance its existing parks, expand the system through creationof new parks, and provide better connections between parks andpeople.
Bridgeports expansive waterfront includes the beloved, well-used Long Island Sound, the centrally located Pequonnock River,and future restoration of the Yellow Mill Creek, and Rooster River.These diverse waterfronts provide a new legacy for Bridgeport: aninterconnected network that sustains the Park City tradition setby Frederick Law Olmsted at Beardsley and Seaside Parks, whileendowing future generations with healthier ecological, social,and economic environments in their own neighborhoods. Mostimportantly, the plan seeks to ensure all citizens and visitors haveeasy access to the parks, through a new system of hyper parksand investment in the streets and pedestrian environment thatconnect people to parks. A high-quality Parks System will helpto increase residents quality of life, attract and retain the next-generation workforce, and encourage residential and businessreinvestment as Bridgeport builds toward a future with a revitalized
downtown, thriving neighborhoods, and parks thato all.
With over forty- ve parks in the system, incluOlmsted landscapes and dozens of neighborhoodcelebrates unique places ranging from beachfrontfor hosting festivals and events to walkable playdaily enjoyment by families in the East Side. Bset out by B reen 2020, Bridgeports recent sustthe master plan envisions improved access to waresources and highly-programmed hyper-parks thathe Citys highest need neighborhoods with diveroptions.
Above and Right:Seaside Park hosts many
well attended activities, from largeevents to daily use at the skatepark.
Other high-quality parks through-out the city will help increase
residents quality of life.
D v s w f on s p ov d n w l g
B dg po : n n conn c d n wo sus ns P C d on...
The Futu
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Upland Habitats:Includes urban forest, urban shrub/scrub, and urban grassland.Issues include runo , pollution, nutri-ents, sediment, fragmented habitat,habitat loss, lost species diversity.
Riparian Corridors:Defends against runo , erosion, ood-ing, and lter pollutants.Provides habitat and corridors forwildlife, shade for waters and scenicvalue and recreational opportunitiesfor people.
Coastal Habitat:Tidal marsh, beaches ankey for 45% of endangProvides habitat, shorelintion, food storage and nand dampens storm surg
upla d
Coastal
ripa ia
B idg po t habitats
Bridgeports Ecology Bridgeports parks are part of an ecological system andare de ned within three distinct habitat zones. The ParksMaster Plan seeks to restore the connection between urbanparks and the Citys rich natural environment.
Land Characteristics:Physi graphy: Coastal plain along the Long Island Sound
Ge l gy: Glacial till deposits
S ils:Disturbed urban soils, with some native soils inland
Water Characteristics:Watershed: Southwest coast drainage basin
Ec l gical Regi n: Southern New England Coastal Lowland.
r gio al ecology
V locity zo
100 y afood
500 y afood
The Future
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Shared reSOurCeS &reSPOnSiBiliTieS
We need everyones help tokeep the parks sa e, clean,active, and living up to thePark City legacy.A deep and abiding belie that the new urbandweller, recently transplanted r m the c untryside,had a need and right t public parks. -May r Bill Finch
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The Plan is based on the philosophy that the parksystem belongs to the Bridgeport public, and thatit requires ongoing commitment and investmentfrom residents and private partners in order toendure. Planning, developing, and maintainingan extensive park system like Bridgeports is anenormous task, particularly in todays economicclimate of shrinking funding and budget austerity.Successful implementation of the parks plan willbe the result of collaboration of many partners.Although the list will grow over time, criticalpartners have already been identi ed andinclude the City of Bridgeport sta and leaders,
Bridgeport residents, neighborhood groupsand Bridgeports Neighborhood RevitalizationZones (NRZs), business leaders, non-pro tsand cultural organizations (such as the Trust forPublic Land and the Bridgeport Arts + CulturalCouncil), and the Bridgeport Board of Education.
Each partner will be a steward of a di erentpark or park type, helping to ensure that thepark system is well-cared for and bene ts fromthe vision and hard work of its many users andsupporters. For example, the City will remain asthe main steward of the major city and regionalparks: Beardsley, Seaside and Fairchild Wheeler.They will continue to protect the Olmsted Parks
legacy in Bridgeport, and think creatively aboutseeking future revenue-generating opportunitiesin the parks, through vendors, activities, orpartnerships. Neighborhood groups and theNRZs will gain new responsibilities for the smallerparks within their geographic neighborhoods.Each group will adopt a neighborhood park, andbe responsible for contributing sweat equity,regular improvements, daily care, and generalstewardship of that park.
Future Partners in the Parks:A critical rst step in implementation of theparks master plan is developing partnershipswith the many groups who will help care forthe parks in the future, including the Boardof Education, neighborhood groups, privatebusinesses and nature conservancies.
Succ ssful mpl m n on of p s p
b sul of coll bo on of m n p
Shared Resources and R
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To gather support and input for the plan, and build a partnershipbase for future implementation, the City of Bridgeport led a diversepublic outreach strategy as part of the parks plan. Public outreach
was structured to ensure that the community not only contributedtheir voices to the planning process in order to shape the plan,but also found new ways to participate in the future maintenanceand continuing implementation of the parks vision. To engagethe broadest range of constituents outreach included traditionalpublic meetings, but also reached beyond that format with anonline survey, stakeholder interviews, in-park user interviews, and acharette with Seaside day-campers.
The project was launched in April 2011, with initial outreachthat included focused stakeholder interviews, and a presentationto the Board of Park Commissioners. In late June, the City andstakeholders collectively reviewed the parks and recreationinventory of existing conditions and needs assessment.
An online survey was available openly throughout the processand distributed in hard copy to neighborhood groups and throughCity Hall. Hundreds of park users replied to the survey and used itsinteractive mapping tool to answer questions about park priorities,helping to shape the initial direction of the plan. From this survey,park users revealed that family-friendly parks and amenities, suchas playgrounds, splash pads, picnic shelters, and swimming facilitiesare the most desired park improvements.
The survey also showed that users understand the value of theCitys unique, large park assets, voting that the top three parks forfocused improvements are Seaside, Pleasure Beach, and VeteransMemorial Park. However, it also revealed that visibility andmarketing of parks and recreation programs is an area that needsimprovement: a little more than half of households who completedthe survey have not participated in Bridgeport recreation programsor events in the last 12 months. Building o the survey feedback, Parks Master
Plan Public Forums were held in the summer(August 10, 2011) and again in the fall (October12, 2011). During the August meeting, over eightymembers of the public gathered at Cesar BatallaSchool to discuss their vision for the plan andgive feedback on three concepts for the parksmaster plan framework: 1) Connect; 2) Expand;and 3) Enhance. In October, a second publicforum was held at Waltersville School to revealand discuss the preferred master plan and
implementation strategy for the future. The manyparticipants who gave feedback on the Citysparks and recreation needs have helped shapethe comprehensive Parks Master Plan that willdirect reinvestment in the park system for yearsto come.
Below:The planning process employedmany tools for the communityto provide feedback on the plan,
including community forums andpublic outreach in the parks.
Above:Community voices were heard attwo public forums.
Top:Children contribute to the planningprocess during a summer camp atSeaside Park.
eng g ng B dg po Communn M s Pl n
Shared Resources and R
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MeeT TOdayS need &Plan FOr The FuTure
S sta ab ty st at g s w t a sf mth C tys mag f m a st b t c ty w tha p st st a gacy t a c a , gc mm ty w th a h gh q a ty f f .
BG 2020: A S sta ab ty P a f B g p t, C ct c t
What are thepriorities o thecommunity today?
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Bridgeports Parks Master Plan is a blueprint to guide decisionsabout investments in park improvements and development andrecreation programs over the next 15 years, and beyond. The plansgoals include ensuring that the park system leads the way to thefuture with goals to be physically connected, ecologically diverse,accessible to all, and economically viable.
While these are long-term goals, they are balanced againstan understanding that the master plan must also chart a pathto meet the communitys immediate needs today. A needsassessment of the City of Bridgeports existing park system andrecreation programs showed that there are existing de cits inmany park amenities and recreation programs. The Bridgeportparks system was evaluated against national standards, peers, andmodel cities for overall system size, provision of di erent sportsand play amenities, and park operations such as sta ng andfunding. The park system was organized into park types by scaleor specialization: regional, community, neighborhood, mini, andspecial use. In terms of the overall system, accessibility and well-programmed neighborhood parks are the highest needs throughoutthe City. With Beardsley, Seaside, and Fairchild Wheeler as large,community wide assets, the City is well-served at the regional andcommunity park scale. The focus of the plan is providing walkable
neighborhood parks with family-friendly play actields and courts. The most needed amenities we
to be playgrounds (with a need for over fty mfollowed by tennis courts, and basketball courts.
The quantity of park and amenities is only paaround park need. The needs assessment was alsa demographic analysis of Bridgeports populationaccess to a car, population density, income, andmetric, the plan identi ed a central belt of highwest across the center of Bridgeport extending fdowntown. Addressing the open space and recrhigh need area is a priority of the master plan.
Physically ConnectedEnvision Bridgeports parks as part of a connected green in-frastructure system throughout the city that keeps people andthe environment healthy.
Connect Bridgeports signature regional parks to its neighbors.
Ecologically diverseCelebrate the range of open space types in Bridgeportssystem.
Through environmental restoration, bring brown elds, vacantlots, and neglected lands into the open space system.
Accessible to AllO er more diverse programming.
Improve communications and ensure parks are highly visible.
Economically ViableSupport growing population trends with new parks to serveneeds.
Create value for future development.
The Challenge: Meeting
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P k S st m1,346 c s45+ p ks
regional parks
CoMMUniTY parks
neigHBorHooD parks
Mini parks
speCial Use
HIGH NEED
LOW NEED
Diverse Park TypesBridgeports park system bene ts from a range ofpark types, from large regional parks like Seaside andBeardsley to local neighborhood playgrounds.
Distribution of Park AmenitiesA revised 2011 park inventory shows the distributionof sports, play, and leisure elements throughout theCitys parks.
City-wide Park NeedNeighborhood need analysis combined car access,population density, income and diversity to show ahigh need belt through the center of the City
The Challenge: Meeting
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The MaSTer Plan
Bridgeports parkswill become the greenin rastructure o the city.
Cleaning this land isnt nly necessary r ec n mic de el pment, but als t achie e healthy neighb rh ds.
BG 2020: A S sta ab ty P a f B g p t, C ct c t
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t P s M s Pl n nv s ons n w conn c onso B dg po s w f on s w con nuous
publ c cc ss long P quonnoc r v nd s o on of y llow M ll C co do .
These waterfronts will draw people and investment to thedowntown and east side neighborhoods, and provide recreationthat bene t the entire city. They will be complemented byinvestment in durable, high-quality amenities in neighborhoodparks. Together, Bridgeports parks will become the greeninfrastructure of the city, supporting the ecological, social, andeconomic health of the City. The following section highlightssome of the priority projects that will be transformative for thecommunity, including a new park at Sliver by the River, restorationof the Yellow Mill Creek, designation of ve hyper parks, and
improved signage and way nding within and between parks.
Physically ConnectedBridgeports parks will be part of a connected open space system ofparks, streets, regional trails, and linear waterfronts. In the future,Bridgeports signi cant waterfronts will become an even moreimportant part of the park system, as a public access trail alongthe Pequonnock continues to take shape and a new partnershipinitiative is explored to restore ecological health and public accessto the east sides Yellow Mill Creek. Knowlton Park will open soonon the east side of the Pequonnock River, and the master plan hasalso identi ed a new downtown waterfront park location at theSli er by the Ri er site. A public park at this critical site north ofthe intermodal station will o er new gathering spaces for largeconcerts or summer movies, a launch site for kayakers, and playfacilities all within blocks of downtown.
Bridgeports local parks will be linked to regional open spaceresources along transportation corridors. Completion of a nallink on the Housatonic Railway Trail system will connect manyBridgeport assets via a multi-use trail that spans fteen miles andconnects Bridgeport, Trumbull, and Monroe. The Water Streetdock at the mouth of the Pequonnock River, lenwood Park,Beardsley, and Fairchild Memorial Park will all be connected alongthis trail.
Future complete streets throughout Bridgeport will also help
improve walking or biking environments betweenusers. Complete streets are roads that are desigto enable safe travel for all users, including pedmotorists and public transport users. Increasingly,also includes green infrastructure elements, suchtreat water on site and promote environmental suawareness.
In Bridgeport, Park Avenue and Lincoln Avenas future complete streets, and each will serve tassets. Park Avenue will ultimately connect majo
community parks on the west side of BridgeportPark to Fairchild Wheeler olf Course, Veteransand Puglio Park. Although it spans a shorter dAvenues complete street project will improve neto Kennedy Stadium and Leroy Brown Jr. BJ
Left:Sliver by the Rive
Right:A new downtown
Above:The Sli er by the Ri er site provides a potential future location for individuals and families to relax downtown and access the waterfront.
The
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and selecting highly durable materials that anticipate high use andminimize maintenance. The strategy for these ve parks includesexpanded amenities at Success Park, West Side II, and Went Field,and new designs for Old Mill reen and a combined Upchurch Parkand James Brown Waterview Park.
The hyper-parks help Bridgeport close the gap betweenamenities that are provided in existing parks, and the high demandthat was demonstrated through the parks survey and needsassessment. The plan allocates new amenities - particularlyhigh-demand court sports, splash pads, sports elds - withinBridgeports parks by considering a combination of neighborhoodneed, the existing distribution of amenities across the city, and thephysical potential of each park to accommodate more intense use.
The ve hyper-parks in the core need belt of the City will helpaddress geographic inequalities throughout the system.E orts weremade to focus amenities in these parks across the center of thecity so that highly programmed spaces are centrally accessible, andamenities are concentrated in order to help minimize maintenancelogistics. Beyond the ve hyper-parks, additional amenities arerecommended for each of the Citys other parks, as appropriate, inorder to serve individual neighborhood needs.
To ensure the community can take advantage of existing andfuture park resources, it is important to increase the visibility ofparks within the community through improved website legibility,marketing, clarity and availability of parks and amenities maps,
publications, and signage and way- nding throusystem. The survey showed that many communitnot aware of the parks and recreation resourcesalready o ers. An improved website with a cleainformation and a comprehensive, printed recreatiguide will help better communicate the Parks Deo erings to the community.
Ecologically DiverseBridgeports parks are part of a connected green infrastructure
system, and will play an important role in improving the ecologicalhealth and diversity of the City over the next decades. Current andon-going restoration projects at Pleasure Beach Park and St. Marysby the Sea demonstrate the citys commitment to protecting keyhabitat areas, while also providing public access to their naturalresources. Re-naturalization of the edges of large parks such asBeardsley will support increased environmental health, whileserving the dual purpose of minimizing maintenance over time forParks sta . Additionally, continuation of a city-wide tree plantingprogram will reinforce the tree canopy that provides critical shadeand micro-climate along the streets.
Through concerted partnership e orts, restoration of the YellowMill Creek Corridor will be a transformative project for high need
neighborhoods on the east side, providing rehabilitated ripariancorridors that improve wildlife habitat, water quality, and increasebiodiversity. Public access paths are incorporated into the designvision to ensure this future park asset can be accessed and enjoyedby the community. Restoration of the Yellow Mill Creek can alsogenerate social bene ts and contribute to re-development of theEast Side corridor by improving amenity and views, and opening upspace for recreation.Accessible to AllThe Bridgeport Parks Master Plan will o er more diverse programsand services to all, improve communications and visibility of theparks system, and focus service improvements on the central highneed neighborhoods of the city through creation of vehyper-
parks that are strategically located. Design of the hyper-parksincludes concentrating play and sports opportunities for families
5 n w hyp Pa ks
SUCCESSOLD MILLGREEN
JAMES BROWNWATERVIEW/UPCHURCH
WEST SIDE II
WENT FIELD
Top: A future vision for a restored Yellow Mill Creek, with public access paths and new open spaces.
Bottom: Yellow Mill Creek, today.
The
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The Parks Master Plan charts a long-term vision for Bridgeport that will unfold over time. Yet, critical to long-implementation steps that can generate excitement among the community and set the stage for larger projects. Thhave been identi ed:1. Develop and secure partnerships. Begin by developing partnerships with the Board of Education and the exi
neighborhood groups (NRZs). Clarify the opportunities ineach relationship, and de ne the current and future rolesand responsibilities for each party. The City should continuebuilding regional partnerships with the Trust for Public Land,the Fair eld County Community Foundation, and others tobegin putting together a multi-partner initiative to restore andredevelop Yellow Mill Creek. The Yellow Mill Creek initiativewill be a complex, multi-year e ort, but it is important to buildon current support and momentum and lay the groundworknow.
2. The East Side has been identi ed as a high need area forparks, and hyper-parks will be a key element of meeting thisneed. Early on, the City should identify the site of the rstdesignated hyper-park on the east side and invest in theseimprovements. Depending on future conversations regardingRoute 1/ Boston Avenue, either Old Mill reen or theUpchurch/James Brown Waterview composite park would bea catalytic rst step toward providing much needed amenitiesand investment on the east side.
3. Downtown represents the civic, employment, and activitycenter of Bridgeport and is an important place to show
demonstrated progress. Early progress on apark at Sliver by the River will mark a vvisible project that links to the ongoing worthe Pequonnock River and serves as a gatewto Bridgeport at the intermodal station. Addway nding & signage study should be undesteps to include a downtown signage and w
Economically ViableA renewed Bridgeport parks system will also be a critical contributor to the Citys economic health, and e orts should be made to minimizemaintenance costs, increase revenue and vendor opportunities, and create private partnerships so that open space can be integrated intonew development to increase value. The City should seek to increase vendor opportunities at Seaside Park and continue operating theFairchild Wheeler olf Course.
As has been shown in many other cities, increasing public access and waterfront revitalization is strongly linked to creating value forredevelopment. Restoration of the Pequonnock River and Yellow Mill Creek can be used to help stimulate redevelopment e orts on theeast side, linking to strategic sites such as Steel Pointe, the Lake Success Eco-Business Park, or waterfront developments. In Bridgeportsdowntown, partnerships with local businesses and downtown arts or cultural groups can create stewardship opportunities for parks likeMcLevy reen and Baldwin Plaza that are essential to downtown activities and events.
r l z ng V s on
McLevy Green provides a scenic setting for the City Trust Building, demonstrating that parks add value to downtown development.
The Park City: Future parks will live up to the legacy set by Olmsted at Beardsley, above.
The
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Partnership Opportunitiesn bo oo P t s
C t o B po t nrZ/n bo oo Sc oo s r o /no -P oft n t /Co s v t o P v t /B
h nBosto av / M h
Success Park [Hyper Park]Manila [Renaturalized/Community Gardens]
e st eJohnson Oak Park & SchoolGroundsPleasure Beach improvementsNew eld/Jessup
e st SJames Brown/Waterview Park &Upchurch Park [Hyper Park]
Knowlton ParkLuis Munoz Marin Open SpaceWashington Park
T ho owLafayette/Nanny Goat Park
So t eSeaside Park
W st SWent Field [Hyper Park]
West Side II Park [Hyper Park]West End Park [Renaturalize]
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n bo oo P t sC t o B po t nrZ/n bo oo Sc oo s r o /no -P oft n t /Co s v t o P v t /B
Mo tW sk h / r s vo
Glenwood ParkSvihra Park
B ook w / St. V c tAlice Street LotLeroy Brown Jr. Bj MemorialParkStrat eld Burial Grounds &Strat eld Park & Clinton Park
dow towBaldwin PlazaMajestic Park [Renaturalize]Mclevy GreenWaterfront Park
B ck rockEllsworth ParkSt. Marys By-The-Sea + AshCreekLongfellow Park & LongfellowPlayground
lowno t B po t
Beardsley Park/Zoo
Old Mill Green [Hyper Park]no t e
Fairchild Wheeler Golf Course[Renaturalize]Puglio ParkVeterans Memorial Park
ent rpris Zon
Partnership Opportunities
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The ParKSPlans or BridgeportsRegional, Community, &Neighborhood Parks
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Hyper-parks Strategy andAllocating Amenities
P k n
North eNd
BrooklawN /st. viNCeNt
west eNd/ west side
dowNtowN
south eNd
BlaCk roCk
thehollow
eNterPriseZoNe
east side
east eNd
BostoN ave /Mill hill
whiskey hill /reservoir
North BridgePort
The Parks Master Plan Needs Assessmentidenti ed quantities of both speci c park typesand di erent types of recreational amenitiesthat are needed throughout Bridgeport. Theassessment was a city-wide study that calculatedthese needs based on Bridgeports currentpopulation and growth projections.
The conclusions show that the City is performingwell overall at providing regional and community-scale park space, but is underserved in walkable,neighborhood parks. The study, in combinationwith community feedback from the onlineand print surveys, also identi ed that the citywas underserved mainly in playgrounds, courtsports, and gathering spaces, such as pavilions orshelters.
The demographic portion of the needsassessment further determined that park andamenities need is not uniform across the city, butthat six neighborhoods - concentrated in an east-west belt across the center and south of the city- have the highest need.
In the future, the plan proposes thatamenities will be allocated within Bparks by considering a combinationneighborhood need, the distribution oamenities across the city, and the phpotential of each park to accommodintense use.
A strategy focused on ve hyper-pthe core need belt of the City helpsinequalities in the system in both gedistribution of parks and access to aE orts were made to concentrate am
ve hyper parks across the center ofocus highly programmed spaces witneighborhoods that are also centrallyConcentrating amenities in ve destiwill also help minimize maintenance
Additional amenities recommended foare intended to help close the overagap, as well as serve individual neineeds.
n b n bo oo
lowNorth End
North Bridgeport
Enterprise Zone
Mo tWhiskey Hill / Reservoir
Brooklawn / St. Vincent
Downtown
Black Rock
hThe HollowEast Side
Boston Ave / Mill Hill
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Concept Plans or ParkImprovementsThe following pages include concept plans thatdescribe recommended improvements for theneighborhood, community, and regional parkswithin the Bridgeport parks system, based on
community input during the master plan process.Bridgeports many mini-parks serve a di erentfunctional role within the system, and strategiesfor them are outlined in the chapter of thisdocument on parks standards.
Bosto av /M hManila Street Playground [Renaturalize]Success Park [Hyper Park]Virginia Avenue [Future Park]
B ck rockEllsworth ParkLongfellow Park & Longfellow PlaygroundSt. Marys By-The-Sea
B ook w /St. V c tAlice Street LotLeroy Brown Jr. BJ Memorial ParkStrat eld Burial Grounds, Strat eld Park &Clinton Park
dow towBaldwin PlazaMajestic Park [Renaturalize]Mclevy GreenWaterfront ParkSliver by the River [Future Park]
e st eJohnson Oak ParkNew eld/Jessup ParkPleasure Beach [Restored Park]
e st SJames Brown Waterview Park & Up[Hyper Park]Knowlton Park [Future Park]Luis Munoz Marin Open SpaceWashington Park
e t p s ZoNo parks, but will connect to the H
T ho owLafayette Park (Nanny Goat)
no t B po tBeardsley Park/ZooOld Mill Green [Hyper Park]
no t eFairchild Wheeler Golf Course [RenaPuglio ParkVeterans Memorial Park
So t eSeaside Park/Barnum Field
W st SCaptains Cove (Wordin Park)Went Field [Hyper Park]West End Park [Renaturalize]West Side II Park [Hyper Park]
W sk hGlenwood ParkSvihra ParkP k S st m
1,346 c s45+ p ks40
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BlaCK rOCK Population-8,863
19.1 acres park space
P ks St. Marys by the Sea / Ash Creek
Longfellow Park & Longfellow Playground
Ellsworth Park
Captains Cove
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POPulaTiOn
Black RockK P k S st m r comm t o s Create connections to a restored Ash Creek landscape
Marys-by-the-Sea
Enhance Longfellow Park & Longfellow Playground wCal Ripken Field baseball project
Support local bike path improvements and continue toSouth End/ Black Rock paths for greater city-wide andconnectivity
a t o n bo oo Oppo t t s Potential trolley route and future incorporation of histo
Development of Brewster Street, and streetscaping inand commercial areas
Black Rock Waterfront Linear Waterfront Park and warestoration project
Connections to new Fair eld train station
ALL PARKS NEIGHBORHOOD PAR
2.2 2.210 10
aCres / 1,000resideNts
aCres / 1,000resideNts
BPT BPTNPRA NPRALong IsLand sound
ash Creek
Burr Creek C e d a
r C r e
e k
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POPulaTiOn
Ellsworth Park
0 2550 100FEET
200
Ellsworth Park recently underwent sizeableinvestment and improvements, including theaddition of a new restroom and concessionsfacility, playgrounds and splash pad area, securitylighting and sidewalk improvements. The parkis well-used and modest future changes aresuggested with the goal of better connecting thePark to its surroundings - the neighborhoods andBurr Creek to the north. Parking is an issue, andon-street parking is available and should continueto be open to park visitors. As a neighborhoodpark, Ellsworth should be accessible on foot.
An overarching principle of the master plan isto increase access to Bridgeports waterfront.Ellsworth Park is one of the few parks with directwaterfront access, yet the water is not visible
or accessible from the park. Enhanshould be made to better visually, eor physically link park users to thecreating and preserving views to ththrough the trees along the creek.bu er and ecological zone along thebe included to diversify and protectunique ecosystem.
K r comm t o s
Enhance views to waterfront locoverlook and preserved view
Restore tennis courts.
eNhaNCe liNks towaterFroNt loCatioNBy iMProviNg viewthrough trees withaN overlook
restore teNNisCourts
sidewalkiMProveMeNts
street ParkiNg
CoNsider FutureCoNtiNuous
waterFroNt trailaCCess iN the loNg-terM
existiNg diaMoNds,Fields, PlaygrouNd
aNd CoNCessioNs
B r e w s t e r
e L L s w o r t h
Burr Creek
Burr Creek
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Long ellow Park & Long ellowPlayground
Longfellow Park, Playground and School shouldbe conceived of as a single area, with shared
resources among the community and school. Therecent closure of Ocean Place helps to unify thethree areas. Improved access for pedestriansshould be emphasized through street treeplantings and clear crossings. A rain garden willhelp manage stormwater and be an instructionaltool about sustainability.
K r comm t o s
Locate future site of Cal Ripkintogether with existing basketballcreate a concentrated sports zone
Improve important pedestrian crobetter connect surroundings to boand school. To further improveplant street trees to improve thearrival, and provide shade.
Seek parking partnerships with auses, such as Longfellow School.
loNgFellowsChool
diversiFy
PlaygrouNd
reCeNtly Closedroad (oCeaN PlaCe)
Cal riPkeN BaseBallProjeCt
raiN gardeN
iMProve PedestriaNCrossiNgs
iMProve street treeCaNoPy
s h e LL
w o r d I n
o C e a n t e r r a C e
s t . s t e p h e n
0 50 100 200FEET
40048
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St. Marys By-the-Sea & AshCreek Sandspit
A key goal for the St. Marys by the Sea andAsh Creek area is to create a meaningful,
environmentally responsible means of publicaccess to the sandspit that connects to theexisting waterfront promenade and supplementscurrent active uses such as jogging, shing,birdwatching, and strolling.
Care should also be taken to restore andprotect the large, gracious trees that line thepromenade. Unfortunately, recent vandalismhas threatened many valuable older trees. Along term preservation and protection plancan be developed to care for vandalized trees,and prevent future problems, and a monitoringschedule to review tree health and large treereplacement plan should be put in place.
Educational signage about the signi cance ofthese trees and the dune landscape may helpprevent future vandalism.
K r comm t o s
Create a boardwalk for public aenjoyment to the sandspit that doimpact the fragile landscape.
Create two overlooks on the nosides of the spit for viewing ofLong Island Sound.
Add seating to increase picnicki
Restore and maintain the dune
Add educational signage about tlandscape to encourage respect anstewardship of this unique landsc
ash Creek
Long IsLand sound
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POPulaTiOn
St. Marys By-the-Sea & AshCreek Sandspit
A key goal for the St. Marys by the Sea andAsh Creek area is to create a meaningful,
environmentally responsible means of publicaccess to the sandspit that connects to theexisting waterfront promenade and supplementscurrent active uses such as jogging, shing,birdwatching, and strolling.
Care should also be taken to restore andprotect the large, gracious trees that line thepromenade. Unfortunately, recent vandalismhas threatened many valuable older trees. Along term preservation and protection plan canbe developed to care for vandalized trees, andprevent future problems, and coupled with amonitoring schedule to review tree health and alarge tree replacement plan. Educational signage
about the signi cance of these trees and the dunelandscape may help prevent future vandalism.
K r comm t o s
Create a boardwalk for public aenjoyment to the sandspit that doimpact the fragile landscape.
Create two overlooks on the nosides of the spit for viewing ofthe Long Island Sound, and withpicnicking.
Restore and maintain the dune
Add educational signage about tlandscape to encourage respect anstewardship of this unique landsc
Boardwalk ForPuBliC aCCess
eNtraNCe sigN
two sMallshelters ForviewiNg aNd
PiCNiCkiNg
restored laNdsCaPe& PlaNtiNgs
oN-street ParkiNg
eduCatioNal sigNageaBout restoratioNarea aloNg Path
restore daMaged treesaloNg ProMeNade aNd
iMPleMeNt ProteCtioNaNd PreveNtioN PlaN
ash Creek
Long IsLand sound
0 2 5 50 100FEET
20052
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BOSTOn aVe/Mill hill Population - 10,322
9.8 acres park space
P ks Success Park
Manila Street
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POPulaTiOn
Boston Ave/Mill HillK P k r comm t o s Create a hyper-park at Success Park
Transform Manila Street Playground to a more functioplayground within a natural landscape
a t o n bo oo Oppo t t s Potential East side train station and development zone
Boston Ave/ Mill Hill
Future conservation area or easement within developmLake Success Eco-Business Park
0.95 10BPT NPRA
102.95BPT NPRA
ALL PARKS NEIGHBORHOOD PARKSaCres / 1,000resideNts
aCres / 1,000resideNts
1 0 m i n u t e w a l k
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Manila Street PlaygroundThe Manila Street Playground o ers anopportunity to renatualize a portion of anunderutilized parks landscape, minimizingmaintenance and restoring ecological bene ts.The strategic vision for the future of theneighborhood focuses investment in Success Parkas a hyper park that will provide the Boston Ave / Mill Hill neighborhood with much of its neededformal play and sports amenities, freeing upManila for a return to lower-intensity use.
The playground will remain as a walkable amenityfor nearby families, but now be located within awell-de ned path and renaturalized zone.
K r comm t o s
Renaturalize the edges and rearManila Street lot
Clearly de ne the active zone
with the playground to include amaintained turf zone and a perim
Plant street trees to improve thearrival, and provide shade.
reNaturaliZeuNderused Parkedges
CoMMuNity gardeNsZoNe
Clear eNtraNCePath deNotiNg a
Park For PuBliC use
FraMe Park withNew street trees
aCCessiBlesidewalk
sMall , MaiNtaiNedturF area arouNd
PlaygrouNd reMaiNs
m a n I L a s t r e e t
p e a r L h a r B o r s t r e e t
0 2 5 50 100FEET
20058
C o u r t d
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Today, Success Park su ers from limited visibilitywith a location that is backed by housing and atthe end of dead end roads. The on-site eld is inpoor condition, and already being studied for asynthetic turf upgrade to balance its high use.
For the future, Success Park is envisioned as theCitys rst new hyper-park. Recommendedamenities in this hyper-park re ect theneighborhoods demonstrated need of 2basketball courts, 2 playgrounds, and a tenniscourt.
K m ts c :
Synthetic turf play eld
25,000 sF destiNatioNPlay grouNd
existiNg PavilioNsraiN gardeNCrosswalk at New
road
New eNtrysigNage
BuFFer PlaNtiNg
New PavilioN,PiCNiC, aNdrestrooMFaCility
CoNsider MarkedPaviNg For saFePedestriaNCrossiNg
restored existiNgteNNis Courts
New eNtry sigNage
New teNNis CourtFor ChildreN
uNder 10
FuturedeveloPMeNt
2 New BasketBallCourts
New CoNNeCtiveroad with PoteNtial
For deMoNstratioNoF Bioswales
syNthetiC turFPlay Field
g r a n F I e Ld a v e
p e a r L h a r B o r
s t r e e t
P
Success Park New connective road provides b
access, visibility, and overall neigconnectivity. Potential to incorpoinfrastructure, such as bioswales,road and link to the rain garden
2 basketball courts, 1 tennis couneighborhood sports needs
New destination playground servBoston Ave/Mill Hill neighborhoo
Additional bu er planting and ehelp de ne the edges
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BrOOKlaWn &ST. VinCenT Population -22,600
29.2 acres park space
loc P ks Leroy Brown Junior Memorial Park / Kennedy Stadium
Alice Street Lot
Strat eld Burial Ground (with Strat eld Park and Clin
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POPulaTiOn
10.
BPT NPRA
100.1BPT NPRA
ALL PARKS NEIGHBORHOOD PARaCres / 1,000resideNts
aCres / 1,000resideNts
Future CoMPletestreets oN Park aNd
liNColN
Brooklawn & St Vincent
K P k r comm t o s Improve accessibility and walkability to Leroy Brown
Memorial Park
Consider future uses for Alice Street Lot
a t o n bo oo Oppo t t s Complete street plans along Lincoln Avenue and Park
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Today, much of Alice Street Lot is dedicated toa single use activity, the remote-control racecar track, that consumes a large amount of parkspace. One option is to repurpose this space fora new activity; a zone is outlined in orange on themap where three new basketball courts could tand address neighborhood need. Comments fromthe public included noise complaints from nearbyhousing from the track. If this option is chosen,further detail about track utilization, communitysentiment, and goals for new uses on the parkshould be explored.
If a less transformational option is chosen, keyimprovements should include renaturalizing park
alterNative totraCk: threeadditioNalBasketBall Courts
reNaturaliZePark edges
iMProvestreetsCaPe oNPark aPProaCh
Mowed, oPeN lawN
struCture ForveNdor to suPPort
raCe traCk
exPaNdedPlay
a L I C e s
t r e e t
B e e r s s
t r e e t
t o m t h u m
B s t r
e e ts e d g w
I C k s t r e e t
Alice Street Lotedges, expanding the play furnishingthe streetscapes on approach to theconsidering contracting a vendor whothe race track use.
K m ts c : Optional conversion of race trac
basketball courts
Renaturalize the park edges, retaclean entrance along Alice
Expand the play zone.
0 25 50FEET
10066
liNColN aveCoMPlete streets
iMProve iMPressioNoF this BaCk
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POPulaTiOn
CoMPlete streetsProjeCt
oF this BaCkdoor throughsigNage orlaNdsCaPe
reloCatedBoCCe Courts
CoNversioN oFCeNter street
segMeNt to 2-waytraFFiC
laNdsCaPe aNd lightiNgaloNg through-BloCk
CoNNeCtioN For PedestriaNaCCess
CoNCessioNs
PlaNtedParkiNg lot
reNaturaliZeuNused edges
existiNg teNNisCourts
exPaNdedPlay
existiNgsyNthetiC turF
n o r t
h
m a d I s o
n a v e n
u e L I n
C o L n
a v e n u e
C e n t e r
Leroy Brown Jr BJ Memorial Park and KennedyStadium is a large active sports complex that is a
key asset to the neighborhood, as well as to theHollow to the south, but access to the park isconfusing and di cult. E orts should focus onimproving walkability on neighborhood streets tothe park, and clarifying tra c for arrival by car.
Additionally, at Kennedy Stadium, a capitalimprovement plan to improve and maintaina synthetic turf eld should be developed.This improvement project can integrate arunning track that meets o cial high schoolregulation requirements, any necessarysecurity improvements, and concession stand
Leroy Brown Jr. BJ MemorialPark
improvements. The park is also apprfuture memorial sculpture.
K m ts c :
Explore conversion of Center Stway tra c to improve access to
Expand the play site, consider acourts, and improving existing co
Invest in improved landscapinglighting on the paper street conNorth to the park to improve wa
0 100 200FEET
40068
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reNaturaliZed
edges
MaiNtaiN halF oFthe Park For quiet
Passive use n o r
t h
B r o o k L a w
n
Strat eld Park and Burial Grounds o er acounterpoint to Bridgeports more active
recreation spaces, and serve the need for quiet,contemplative open space. Edges of these parksshould be renaturalized, leaving the portion ofStrat eld Park maintained containing the existingmonument.
Clinton Park should be treated as a walkableneighborhood park with uses serving theimmediate neighbors, including expanded playand a restored fountain as the focal point andidentity feature. In the future, if desired bythe neighborhood, the City could consider the
Stratfeld Burial Grounds (withStratfeld Park & Clinton Park)
possible conversion of the current foto an active splash pad.
K m ts c :
Renaturalize edges to minimize
Expand playground at Clinton P
Retain historic marker at entrancPark.
reNaturaliZededge
exPaNdedPlay withrestoredFouNtaiN
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40070
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dOWnTOWn Population-1,500
6.7 acres of park land
P ks Majestic Park
Waterfront Park
Baldwin Plaza
McLevy Green
Sliver by the River
D t
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POPulaTiOn
1 0 m i n u t e
w a l k
10
BPT NPRA10
.
BPT NPRA
4.5
ALL PARKS NEIGHBORHOOD PARaCres / 1,000resideNts
aCres / 1,000resideNts
I - 9 5 r o u t e 8 / 2 5 C o n n e C t o r
Downtown
K P k r comm t o s Generate excitement for the waterfront through a new,
on Sliver by the River site
Improve accessibility and usability of Waterfront Park,gateway to Bridgeport from the Intermodal Station
Continue to seek small interventions, such as Main anare impactful and low maintenance
Renaturalize Majestic Park to minimize maintenance
Continue to seek additional programming to activate BPlaza and McLevy Green
Pursue partnerships with the arts community and busina t o n bo oo Oppo t t s Ongoing revitalization in Downtown North/ North Mai
Ongoing continuous public access e orts along the PeRiver
FerrY termInaL
sLIver BY the rIver
downtownIntermodaLstatIon
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Baldwin Plaza
F a I r F I e L d
C a n n o n
B r o a
d
Baldwin Plaza is one of two main, civic towngreens in Downtown Bridgeport. It shouldremain open and exible to host programs andactivities. Future improvements should supportdaily use of the park - such as opportunities tointegrate vending or food service for lunchtime
works - as well as special events.
K m ts c :
Expand opportunities for vendingtrucks. Seating and shade to suactivities already exist.
Pursue opportunities for event psuch as musical performances andgatherings.
Courthouse
oPeN site aNdaCCess is PriMe
For Food truCksaNd aCtive
PrograMMiNg
0 25 50FEET
10076
e. w a s h
I n g t o n
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reNaturaliZedPark oPeN sPaCe
MaiNtaiN PathsaNd gateway
sigNage
Majestic Park is a redevelopment site, and steeplysloped. Located at the con uence of severalbusy streets it is also di cult to physically access.These features make it a prime candidate forrenaturalization, and the city will get large gains inminimized maintenance while continuing to hold
the site for further development.
Majestic ParkK m ts c :
Renaturalize the majority of theminimize moving.
Maintain access through the par
the shelter as well as visual accexisting gateway sign via paths amaintenance.
8 / 2 5
m a I n
h o u s a t o
n I C
CardInaL
sheehan Center
0 2550 100FEET
20078
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0 25 50FEET
10080
iMProvedowNtowN
CrossiNgs to Parks
m a I n
s t a t e
B r o a d
shade/PerForMaNCe
struCture
mCLevY haLL
wwIImemorIaL
McLevy Green is a key civic park, in the heart ofDowntown Bridgeport. It serves an importantrole in the life of city, hosting events such as theweekly farmers market, concerts, auto shows,civic celebrations, cultural events, and daily dogwalking.
This vibrant, urban activity should be supportedand the exible nature of the park should bemaintained. Improved crossings on all corners,and a possible central shade structure for use bythe farmers market or other events could add tothe identity of the park and serve as a focal point.
McLevy GreenK m ts c :
Shade structure for use by farmother stage events.
Improved crosswalks to park atincluding the back door on Ma
PossiBle FutureCoNNeCtioN to
sliver By the river W P k
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0 25 50FEET
10082
Future CoNNeCtioN toPequoNNoCk river ProMeNade
seatiNg
iMProve exPerieNCe oFuNderPass through lightiNg
or iNstallatioNs
w a t e r s t r e e t
s t r a t F o r d a v e n u e
Four-wayPedestriaN
CrossiNg
I n t e r m o d a L s t a t I o n
sigNage toiMProve visiBility
sliver By the river
Waterfront Park has two critical assets: it is on thePequonnock River, and located downtown at thetransit hub. With the future Sliver by the Riverpark to the immediate north, Waterfront Parkcan become part of a major downtown recreationpresence on the riverfront.
However, currently the park is poorly signed andidenti ed as part of the parks system. Additionalsignage and improvements to the pedestriancrossings below the rail will improve visibilityand access. In the future, the park will also bea critical space along the Pequonnock Riverpromenade.
Water ront ParkK m ts c :
Better visibility through identi cat the north and south ends.
Improved pedestrian experience fStreet
Create future connections to watpromenade and Sliver by the Rivnorth
Sli B Th Ri
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84
Sliver by the River refers to the majoropportunity site in Downtown Bridgeport andalong the Pequonnock River. A new park isrecommended for this site to complementKnowlton Park across the river and bring moreenergy to the waterfront, while helping to catalyze
redevelopment downtown. It will be large enoughto host events, contain a waterfront promenadelinking to the future connected Pequonnockwaterfront, and a site for kayaks and boatlaunches.
Sliver By The RiverK m ts c :
Providing public access to the wrecreation including boating and
Building a boundless destinationto draw families to downtown
Creating a public performance aspace.
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eaST end Population - 8,194
9.5 acres of park space
loc P ks New eld-Jessup Park
Johnson Oak Park
Pleasure Beach
East End
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POPulaTiOn
1 0 m i n u t e w a l k
1.2 10
BPT NPRA
100.2BPT NPRA
ALL PARKS NEIGHBORHOOD PARaCres / 1,000resideNts
aCres / 1,000resideNts
stratFord, Ct
Long IsLand sound
CentraL avenue pIer
j o h n
s o n
C r e e
k
Y e L L o w
m I L L
C r e e k
p e q u o n n o C k r I v e r
East End
K P k r comm t o s Create a partnership with the Board of Education to
maintenance of park resources at Johnson Oak Park ansite.
Re-open access to a restored Pleasure Beach.
Begin implementation of a restored, revitalized Yellowcorridor.
a t o n bo oo Oppo t t s Large mill and industrial redevelopment along rail line
Seaview Avenue improvements
88
Johnson Oak + Tisdale School
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POPulaTiOn
Current utilization of Johnson Oak Park isinhibited by the public parks location: tuckedwithin a neighborhood and among dead endor one-way streets. This lack of visibility is acondition that a icts many of Bridgeportssmaller neighborhood parks, and site
recon guration is recommended to provide betteraccess for the public to the park amenities.
Johnson Oak is also emblematic of the Schools -Parks partnership, and shared use of the exteriorschool play amenities should be negotiatedwith the Board of Education. The proposedimprovements at Johnson Oak can serve asprinciples to be applied in other parks adjacent toschools as well.
Recon gure layout and circulation so that thepublic park zone is more accessible o of mainStratford Ave.
New BasketBallCourt
eduCatioNalraiN gardeN
New teNNis Courts
street ParkiNg
FeNCe For sChoolday seCurity
FeNCed sChool ZoNewith reloCatedPlaygrouNd aNdBasketBall Court.streetsCaPeiMProveMeNtseNhaNCe arrival tosChool.
oPeN CirCulatioNZoNe For sChool
aCCCessjohNsoN oaksChool
gated sChoolsoCCer Field oPeN
to PuBliC aFterhours
oPeN PuBliC
Park area
sidewalkiMProveMeNts
s t r a t F o r d
a v e
Johnson Oak + Tisdale School Allow public use of the school
agreed non-school hours
Shared maintenance and securitypartnerships of Parks Department,security, neighbors, the City of Band police
K m ts c :
Clarify public access to the parStratford Ave at all entrance poinsignage and improved streetscape.
Reverse the locations of the pubsecured, school zone.
Introduce 2 new courts - 1 tennone basketball court - within the
0 2550 100FEET
20090
Newfeld/Jessup Park
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New eld/Jessup are contiguous open spaces andoperate as a single neighborhood park locationserving the high need East End. With JohnsonOak as the only other mainland park in the EastEnd, New eld/Jessup is a signi cant resource forfamily play and sports activities to the broader
neighborhood.However, the park currently has complicatedaccess and adjacencies that hinder theexperience. Access and visibility o of the majorcorridor, Seaview Avenue, is very limited andshould be improved with entry signage. Similarly,the western edge of the park abuts industrial land.While the other three faces are more protected
Newfeld/Jessup Parkby neighborhood blocks, the lots havvariabiilty and vacancies that detractconsistent frontage.
K m ts c :
Wetlands bu er landscape to mivisual impact of the adjance induuses along Seaview Ave and balaenvironmental bene ts
Two signed, gateway locations aAve access and neighborhood sid
Improved perimeter streetscaping
reNaturaliZed laNdsCaPeBuFFers agaiNst adjaCeNtiNdustrial uses
PeriMeter streettrees aNd sidewalk
iMProveMeNts
FeNCed sPorts ZoNewith reloCatedteNNis Courts, twoNew BasketBallCourts, aNd sPlashPad
existiNg PrivateMixed usestruCtures
BaseBall area
aCtive Playarea with NewPlaygrouNd aNdiMProveMeNtsto two existiNghaNdBall Courts
sMall shelter ForsuPPortiNg uses
to horseshoe Pits
seaview avegatewaysigNage
s e a v I e w
a v e e a g L e
n e w F I e L d
j e F F e r s o n
0 50 100 200FEET
40092
Pleasure Beach
s e a v I e w
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A comprehensive master plan for the restorationand enhancement of Pleasure Beach wasundertaken by the City in 2011. This plan willbring Pleasure Beach back into the accessiblepark system, while protecting important naturalhabitat.
K m ts c : Provide access from mainland via water taxi
and/or bridge
Pleasure Beach Build partnerships with environm
organizations for conservation andstewardship
Restore shelters and activities on
Ensure public safety
L e w I s g u t
0 250 500FEET
1,00094
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eaST Side Population-13,095
15.23 acres of park space
loc P ks James Brown Waterview and Upchurch
Luis Munoz Marin Open Space
Washington Park
Knowlton Park
96
East Side
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POPulaTiOn
1 0 m i n u t e w a l k
East SideF t r t n bo oo Oppo t t East Side train station and potential East Side Develo
Corridor
Ongoing Pequonnock Riverfront recapture with improveand redevelopment
K P k S st m r comm t o s Re-imagine James Brown Waterview, Upchurch Park, W
and Barnum schools, and the future Bridgeport Housinsites as a cohesive, active district with connected, eduopen spaces.
Coordinate with the East Side neighborhood NRZ andmaintain Washington Park as a clean, safe civic centersquare to anchor the neighborhood.
Begin a coordinated e ort with regional and local parrestore and redevelop the Yellow Mill Creek corridor.
Prepare for connectivity to Downtown and Steel Point
1.2 10
BPT NPRA
10.BPT NPRA
ALL PARKS NEIGHBORHOOD PARaCres / 1,000resideNts
aCres / 1,000resideNts
steeL poInte
98
eNviroNMeNtal
housiNg authoritydeveloPMeNt sites
Upchurch + James Brown
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POPulaTiOn
Re-imagine James Brown Waterview, UpchurchPark, Waltersville and Barnum schools, andthe future Bridgeport Housing Authority sitesas a cohesive, active district with connected,educational open spaces. This combinedpark area will be one of the ve hyper-parks inthe Bridgeport system where investment andamenities are focused.
The identity of the Upchurch/James BrownWaterview takes advantage of the parks site on
POPulaTiOn
eNviroNMeNtaleduCatioN Play area
teNNis Court
existiNgBasketBall Court
PavilioN/sMallCoNCertstage
oN-streetParkiNg
Crosswalks
trailCoNNeCtioN
trail to jaMes BrowN Park aNdeCologiCal restoratioN area
C r es C e n t a v e
h a L L e t t s t r e e t
Y e L L o w
m I L L
C r e e k
Courtyard/CoNNeCtioN
existiNgCourts
BarNuMsChool
waltersville
revitaliZedPlayField
P
P
Upchurch + James BrownWaterview + WaltersvilleBarnum Schools + BridgeportHousing Authority Site
the Yellow Mill Creek, and will devecological education and serve as ththe future restored Yellow Mill Cree
K r comm t o s
Create a waterfront path and incircuit
Create two destination playgrouneducational and environmental focwaterfront play at the current JamWaterview site with interpretive san educational focus and 2) a neplay and recreation zone at Upchrevitalized play eld and a new t
Foster partnerships for the futurewith the Board of Education toand o hours access to the publplaygrounds and courts, and withAuthority to ensure the large sitesuch that the open space takes aits waterfront site and connects tpark spaces. Utilize partnershipsmore recreational programs at thefacilities.
0 75 150FEET
300100
Luis Munoz Marin Open SpaceB.o.e. parent Center
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Luis Munoz Marin Open SpaceLuis Munoz Marin Open Space is a relatively new,small public park adjacent to a larger school parkand elds site. It was created to be a communitycenter, and several community services arelocated within the block. Minimal improvementsare needed, and the most gains will be foundfrom continuing partnerships with the schooland Groundworks Bridgeport, as well as newconnections to Old Mill Green.
This parks-school site would bene t greatlyfrom a shared use policy, codifying access to theschool open space during non-school hours.Additionally, the park is located across BostonAve from Old Mill Green, where a new hyper-park with signi cant investments in courts andplaygrounds, as well as tra c calming measuresacross Boston Ave, are proposed.
Small investments in in ll streetscapwill help de ne the edge of the parneighborhood.
K r comm t o s
Build on the multi-partner commthe area to create a large commuwith a school-parks partnership wMunoz Marin School, and the cothe Board of Education Parent CDepartment, and Groundworks BrCommunity Garden project.
Create connections to a future hOld Mill Green across Boston Aon additional activities there.
Enhance connectivity from Bostoto the East Main Street Businesswell as Luis Marin Gar eld OpeFriendship Park.
oLd mILL green
FrIendshIp park
existiNgNeighBorhoodeNviroNMeNtal
deMoNstratioNsite
existiNg sPlashPad
iNFillstreetsCaPetrees
p e m B r o k e s t
h e L e n s t
B o s t o n a v e
existiNgFields
existiNgsChool
yard
LuIs munoz marIn sChooL
aChIevement FIrst sChooL
Center
FIre dept
P
P
reNaturaliZedlawN
iMProve tree PlaNtiNgsaloNg PedestriastiaNCoNNeCtioN BetweeNsChool CaMMPuses
0 2 5 50 100FEET
200102
Washington Park
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POPulaTiOn
Washington ParkWashington Park plays a unique role inBridgeports Park system and should be protectedand enhanced as a classic, civic green. Theparks tree canopy is of great signi cance to thepark experience and should be maintained forlongevity and to the bene ts of each trees health.After restoration, the paths and layout shouldbe maintained, with future amenities or projectssited carefully, while the rest remains an open,canopied and restful space.
Working with the NRZ, Washington Park shouldbecome the designated park for neighborhoodpartnership in maintenance and sharedresponsibility. Meridian Hill Park in Washington,D.C. provides an inspirational model fortransformation of a neglected neighborhood parkinto the heart of the neighborhood and a modelfor others. As a neighborhood park, walkability isimportant and attention should be paid to nearbysidewalks and crosswalks.
K r comm t o s
Protect the historic layout of thewhile siting new activities. Washiis laid out into 8 triangles radiatcentral gazebo. Designate four ttwo quadrants) to be sites for acsuch as the existing playgroundanchor them more logically withi
The streets surrounding the parkintegral and important part of theproviding a strong frame. Investrestored trees within the park, bucreating a strong system of streeblocks surrounding the park to eexperience to the neighborhood.
Restore a useful, contemporarypavilion that can become a newpark and the neighborhood.
iNFillstreetsCaPetrees oN allsides
n o B L e
k o s s u t h
B a r n u m
w a sh In g t o n
restoredPavilioN
P
deFiNe a siNglequadraNt For
Future PlaNtiNgsor ProjeCts, suCh
as a rose gardeN
Create a deFiNedquadraNt where
aCtive uses areCoNCeNtrated iMProve all
PedestriaN streetCrossiNgs
0 2550 100FEET
200104
Knowlton Park
liNk to FuturePuBliC aCCess
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POPulaTiOn
Knowlton ParkKnowlton Park will be a signi cant new park forthe East Side and one of the Citys best waterfrontparks, with direct linear frontage along thePequonnock. It is currently under design by Fuss& ONeill with construction underway on PhaseOne at Arctic Street.
K r comm t o s
Plan for future connections from KnowltonPark paths and uses to the pedestrian pathalong the Pequonnock River edge.
Create streetscape improvementsthe east-west streets, beginning wStreet, to improve walkability andto this new park amenity from Eneighborhoods. Improving streetsconnections along north-south strealso improve the experience of wpark.
a r C t I C
B a r n u m
s h e Lt o n
Phase 1
streetsCaPeiMProveMeNts
streetsCaPeiMProveMeNts
streetsCaPeiMProveMeNts
0 2550 100FEET
200106
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enTerPriSeZOne Population - 872
0 acres of parkland
no P ks
108
Enterprise Zone
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POPulaTiOn
p
0 010
BPT NPRA
10BPT NPRA
ALL PARKS NEIGHBORHOOD PARaCres / 1,000resideNts
aCres / 1,000resideNts
110
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The hOllOW Population - 9,562
2.25 acres of parkland
loc P ks Nanny Goat (Lafayette Park)
2
The Hollow
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POPulaTiOn
0.23 0.2110
BPT NPRA
10BPT NPRA
ALL PARKS NEIGHBORHOOD PARaCres / 1,000resideNts
aCres / 1,000resideNts
K P k r comm t o s As the Hollows main park, Nanny Goat Park should
and be highly amenitized to increase activity.
Improve walkability and connections between the Hollmajor park asset to the north - Kennedy Stadium, CenSchool and BJ Brown Park.
Seek small in ll opportunities to create low maintenanspace in the form of mini-parks.
a t o Oppo t t s Enhance connections to the Downtown.
114
Nanny Goat (La ayette Park)
iF reMoved, liNeN stiMProve allPedestriaN street
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POPulaTiOn
Le X I n g t o n
o a k L I
n e n
additioNalBasketBall Court
Corridor used asParkiNg
sPlash Pad
CrossiNgs
iMProve aNd exPaNdexistiNg Play grouNd
iNFill streetsCaPetrees oN all sides
The Hollow is a high need area of Bridgeportthat is currently not well served by parkspace. However, it is built out and no majoropportunities exist for large, new open spaces.Nanny Goat Park must be improved withexpanded play and sports options to serve theneeds of the community.
K m ts c :
Expand existing playground, andsplash pad along Oak.
Add one additional basketball co
Fill in street trees on all four sstrong frame for this small park.
0 25 50FEET
1006
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nOrThBridgePOrT Population - 11,505
200.3 acres of park space
P ks Beardsley Park
Old Mill Green
8
North Bridgeport
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POPulaTiOn1 0 m i n u t e w a l k
..
10
BPT NPRA
10BPT NPRA
ALL PARKS NEIGHBORHOOD PARaCres / 1,000resideNts
aCres / 1,000resideNts
lAke SuCCeSS eCo-BuSineSS PArk
K P k r comm t o s Create a linear hyper-park at Old Mill Green that ser
North Bridgeport and the East Side to the south
Develop a landscape maintenance plan for Beardsley trenaturalize park edges and lower maintenance.
a t o Oppo t t s Future development of the Lake Success Eco-Business
Redevelopment of the Remington Arms site
Restoration and redevelopment of the Yellow Mill Cre
120
F A i rC Hi l d M e M o r iA l PA rk
Beardsley Park/Zoo
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reNaturaliZedlaNdsCaPe NorthoF the Zoo aNdiNCorPoratioN oFrose gardeN
uPdate existiNgPlay grouNdto a CitywideBouNdlessPlaygrouNd site
river overlooks
CoNNeCtiCutsBeardsley Zoo
reNaturaliZePark edges
B u n n e
l l S P
o n d
8 / 2 5
e . M
A i n
n o B l e
Mowed turFPlayFields
housatoNiC trail
Beardsley Park and Zoo is an integral part of theBridgeport Parks system. As an original Olmstedlandscape, its mature trees, waterfront paths,and play elds provide enjoyment for the city andbeyond. Many Olmsted landscapes across thecountry are moving toward a lower maintenancesystem, and are renaturalizing open portionsof their large parks. Beardsleys landscape canretain its beauty and its active role in Bridgeportssystem by renaturalizing the edges and passiveopen spaces. This will create a dramaticlandscape backdrop for the Housatonic Trailspassage through Bridgeport.
K m ts c :
Renaturalize the landscape northexcept for the play elds which stransformed to durable synthetic t
Beardsley will be a critical site
regional Housatonic Trail to provconnections.
0 250 500FEET
1,00022
e a s t m a I n s t r e e t
e e t
Old Mill Green
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POPulaTiOn
Fire dePt aCCessaNd ParkiNg
60,000 sF destiNatioNPlay grouNd
40,000 sFskate Park
iMProved Crosswalkat traFFiC sigNal
Preserve historiCtrees aNd Marker
p u t n a m s t r e e t
e a s t m a I n s t r e e t
p e m B r o k e s t r e e t
r t . 1
r t . 1
a s Y L
u m s t r e
PlaZa
PlaZa
dogPark8 teNNis Courts
LuIs munoz marIn park
LakevIew CemeterY
Old Mill Green is an in-between space in theBridgeport Parks system. While it o ers a largeamount of park space, it is unprogrammed anddi cult to access. For an underutilized space,it requires a high degree of maintenance by theparks crew.
Old Mill Green is located at the edge of the EastSide, which quali es as a high need neighborhoodand is in need of play and sports amenities. Theesplanade can be transformed into an active,highly used play space with di erent zonesof activities - one of ve hyper parks in theBridgeport system.
Tra c calming measures throughout the corridorare needed to improve safety and park access.Additional collaboration between the BridgeportEngineering Department and Connecticut
Department of Transportation shouldpriority to determine next steps forand pedestrianization of Boston Ave.connections to Luis Munoz Marin Palso be improved so that restroom fbe shared between the two adjacent
K m ts c :
New amenities - 8 tennis courtsdog run, playground, and historic
2 street closures and improvedaccess for safety
Historic, shaded open space servto the park
0 125 250FEET
500124
115 Virginia Avenue
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POPulaTiOn
reMaiNiNgPaviNg
existiNgvegetatioN
steeP sloPe
BuFFer
PlaNtiNg
ProPerty liNe
PrograMarea
PrograMarea
PriMary aCCess
seCoNdaryaCCess
seCoNdaryaCCess
p r I s C I L L a
vIr gInIa
h u n t
I n g t o
n t p
k e
The vacant 115 Virginia Avenue site o ers potentialto create a new neighborhood park in NorthBridgeport, complementing the larger assets inthe neighborhood. Visioning should be done todetermine community needs, and layout shouldrespect the complex topography and access.
Poss b P o m i c s:
Dog Run
Holistic Garden for Senior Citizens
Playground and Basketball Court
Park ing
ex st Co t o0 2550 100
FEET20026
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nOrTh end Population-21,566 320 acres of park land
loc P ks Puglio Park
Veterans Memorial Park Fairchild Wheeler Golf Course
Elton Rogers
28
North End
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POPulaTiOn
1 0 m i n u t e w a l k
. 010
BPT NPRA BPT NPRA
ALL PARKS NEIGHBORHOOD PARaCres / 1,000resideNts
aCres / 1,000resideNts
FA ir C H i ld W H e e l e r
K P k r comm t o s Gain maintenance e ciencies by renaturalizing perimete
course through removal of invasive species and plantinspecies.
Improve connections between Puglio and Veterans Me
a t o Oppo t t s Future phase of Park Avenue complete street.
130
Fairchild Wheeler Gol Course
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Fairchild Wheeler Golf Course provides a regionalamenity, and has been seeing increased revenuein recent years. E orts at the golf course shouldfocus on continuing to seek revenue generationopportunities and to minimize maintenance ofthe large landscape. The edges and roughs ofthe golf course can be renaturalized to minimize
moving and labor.
K m ts c :
Renaturalize the edges of the pathe rough
Improve streetscape and connectiacross Park Avenue throughcontinuation of Park Avenue ComStreet.
veterans
memorIaL park
pugLIo park
p a r k a v e n
u e
0 375 750FEET
1,500
reNaturaliZe edges
Future CoMPletestreet exteNsioN
32
Puglio Park
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reNaturaliZe edges
existiNgteNNis Courts
existiNgBaseBall Field
aCtivateCoNCessioNstaNd
exPaNded PlayaNd sPlash Pad
Puglio is the main, active park in NorthBridgeport, with existing tennis courts, soccer
elds, a small playground, and connections to thecommunity library. Puglio, Veterans MemorialPark, and Fairchild Memorial form a contiguousparks precinct at this northern end of the city.E orts should be made to connect these parks,
including linking the active corner of Veterans tothe sports zone at Puglio.
K m ts c :
Create a trail connection to VetMemorial Park to link to the baother amenities.
Renaturalize the edges of the pa
Expand the playground and addfor North Bridgeport
BrIdgeport puBLIC LIBrarY north BranCh
m a d I s o
n
e C k a r t
john wInthrop mIddLe sChooL
0 100 200FEET
400134
Veterans Memorial Park
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Pave & PaiNtstreet ParkiNg
destiNatioNPlay grouNd
PoteNtialsite For New
teNNis Courts
ProPosed adveNtureCourse at disCovery
MuseuM
dIsCoverY magnet sChooL& museum
pugLIo park
FIre
department
FaIrChILd memorIaL goLF Course
u t I L I t Y e
a s e m e n t
existiNg disCgolF
solar Naturetrail
Veterans Memorial is one of only a fewundeveloped parks within the Bridgeport systemand this unique asset should be protected andenhanced. Active uses, such as a disc golfcourse and proposed ropes course are alreadytaking advantage of this unique site. Securitye orts should be made to make sure uses on site
are appropriate, particularly within the uniqueforested area. Improved entrance points - alongPark and Madison and the connection to Puglio -and trailhead treatment can increase security. TheNorth Bridgeport neighborhood needs additionalplayground and courts access, and these elementscan be thoughfully integrated along Park Avenuefor maximum visibility without impacting theforested zone.
K m ts c :
Create partnerships with the DisMagnet School and Museum, whdeveloping a new proposed ropes
Potential for four additional tennand a new playground along PaThese active uses should be keptthe developed zone of the parkand in order to not infringe onundeveloped trail and wild area jTennis courts may be developedterm since improvements at Puglirecently made.
FaIrChILdwheeLergoLF Course
veteransmemorIaLpark
pugLIo park
p a r k a v e
m a d I s o n
g e d u L g
I g
e C k a r
t
john wInthrop mIddLe sChooL
0 150 300FEET
60036
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SOuTh end Population - 4,697 370 acres park land
loc P ks Seaside Park
38
South End
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1 0 m i n u t e w a l k
. 010
BPT NPRA
10BPT NPRA
ALL PARKS NEIGHBORHOOD PARaCres / 1,000resideNts
aCres / 1,000resideNts
K P k r comm t o s Continue to build on Seaside as an iconic, showcase
Bridgeport, and seek revenue generating opportunities has additional vendors or reuse of historic structures.
Create partnerships with the University of Bridgeportmaintenance and use of elds.
a t o Oppo t t s First phase of Park Avenue complete street improveme
Improvements to Sikorsky District at South Avenue anat Iranistan Avenue to enhance sense of arrival.
140
FrequeNtly MowedsPorts Fields ZoNe
Seaside Park/Barnum FieldZoNe For less FrequeNtly
Mowed lawNs
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2 teNNis Courts;1 BasketBall Court
waterFroNtruNNiNg/ traiNiNgCirCuit
ProPosed solar array
exPaNded Play grouNdaNd PiCNiCkiNg is FoCusediN this ZoNe
Create CoNtiNuoushaBitat Corridor aloNg
North edge oF Park
sPorts Fields ZoNe
MuMMy PoNdrestoratioN
Seaside Park is one of Bridgeports legacylandscapes, and also one of its most well lovedand used. E orts have been made to seek waysto integrate sustainable maintenance into theregime by creating four distinct park zones: 1)an active play and picnic beach space alongthe southwestern waters edge; 2) an active,
frequently mowed sports eld area at the center;3) a more informal sports zone containingMummy Pond and several elds and lawnsthat are maintained less frequently; and 4) arenaturalized, continuous habitat zone along thenorthern edge of the site that widens or narrowsaccording to adjacent program needs.
K m ts c :
4 distinct zones with di erent umaintenance needs (see narrative
A proposed solar array on the
A single continuous trail for run
walkers along the waters edge Connect to City via Park Ave C
Protection and restoration of hiselements in Seaside Park, includiMemorial Arch, and the Barnu