Bridgeport Parks Manual 2012

7/31/2019 Bridgeport Parks Manual 2012

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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


BPT BPTNPRA NPRALong IsLand sound

ash Creek

Burr Creek C e d a

r C r e

e k

44


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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

50


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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


28/93

BOSTOn aVe/Mill hill Population - 10,322


P ks Success Park

Manila Street

54


29/93

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


1 0 m i n u t e w a l k

56


30/93

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


31/93

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

0 2550 100FEET

20060


32/93

BrOOKlaWn &ST. VinCenT Population -22,600


loc P ks Leroy Brown Junior Memorial Park / Kennedy Stadium

Alice Street Lot

Strat eld Burial Ground (with Strat eld Park and Clin

62


33/93

POPulaTiOn

10.

BPT NPRA

100.1BPT NPRA

ALL PARKS NEIGHBORHOOD PARaCres / 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

64


34/93

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


35/93

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


36/93

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

0 50 100 200FEET

40070


37/93

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


38/93

POPulaTiOn

1 0 m i n u t e

w a l k

10

BPT NPRA10

.

BPT NPRA

4.5



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

74


39/93

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


40/93

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


41/93

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


42/93

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


43/93

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.


44/93

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


45/93

POPulaTiOn


1.2 10

BPT NPRA

100.2BPT NPRA



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


46/93

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


47/93

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


48/93

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


49/93

eaST Side Population-13,095


loc P ks James Brown Waterview and Upchurch

Luis Munoz Marin Open Space

Washington Park

Knowlton Park

96

East Side


50/93

POPulaTiOn


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



steeL poInte

98

eNviroNMeNtal

housiNg authoritydeveloPMeNt sites

Upchurch + James Brown


51/93

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


52/93

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


53/93

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


54/93

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



0 2550 100FEET

200106


55/93

enTerPriSeZOne Population - 872

0 acres of parkland

no P ks

108

Enterprise Zone


56/93

POPulaTiOn

p

0 010

BPT NPRA

10BPT NPRA



110


57/93

The hOllOW Population - 9,562

2.25 acres of parkland

loc P ks Nanny Goat (Lafayette Park)

2

The Hollow


58/93

POPulaTiOn

0.23 0.2110

BPT NPRA

10BPT NPRA



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


59/93

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


60/93

nOrThBridgePOrT Population - 11,505


P ks Beardsley Park

Old Mill Green

8

North Bridgeport


61/93

POPulaTiOn1 0 m i n u t e w a l k

..

10

BPT NPRA

10BPT NPRA



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


62/93

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


63/93

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


64/93

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


65/93

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


66/93

POPulaTiOn


. 010

BPT NPRA BPT NPRA



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


67/93

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


68/93

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


69/93

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


70/93

SOuTh end Population - 4,697 370 acres park land

loc P ks Seaside Park

38

South End


71/93


. 010

BPT NPRA

10BPT NPRA



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


72/93

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

Documents

Bridgeport Parks Manual 2012