The City of West Haven, in partnership with the Land Trust of West Haven, is pleased to announce that the construction of Eco Park will start this September. Formerly known as the Shoreline Resilience and Eco-Restoration Project, Eco Park spans 1.5 acres of public shoreline adjacent to the boardwalk at Old Grove Park. It is the result of a collaborative effort led by the Land Trust of West Haven with the City of West Haven, a committee of dedicated volunteers, and local environmental agencies working together over the past four years. In June, the State finalized the last set of approvals for funding, which provided a green light for the project to move forward.
Eco Park’s Mission
Eco Park was designed to create ecological balance and resiliency at the site to benefit people, wildlife, and the environment. It also seeks to engage and educate the public about the shoreline’s ecosystem, why restoration and resilience efforts are important, and what can be done to help mitigate the impact of climate change.
Eco Park’s design was guided by a meticulous native plant selection process to ensure each plant met stringent environmental criteria while also achieving aesthetic harmony. Eco Park will not only restore ecological balance over time but also stand out as a visually stunning space, revitalizing what was once an area full of invasive plants into an inviting haven for people and wildlife.
Funding and Implementation
Supported by grants from the State of Connecticut’s Department of Economic and Community Development and the American Rescue Plan Act secured by Mayor Dorinda Borer, this project will be planted and maintained by Ivy League Landscaping, a West Haven-based company.
Mayor Dorinda Borer expressed her enthusiasm for the project, stating, “Eco Park represents West Haven’s dedication to environmental sustainability and community well-being. It will be a place where people can appreciate our coastline’s beauty while learning how to preserve it for future generations.”
Why Eco Park Matters
Eco Park is more than an eco-restoration project — it is a commitment to building a resilient and sustainable future. The park will:
- Restore a native coastal habitat with native plants to support wildlife.
- Provide a long-term invasive plant control and maintenance plan.
- Serve as a living classroom with interpretive signage online linking by QR code to in-depth online educational resources.
- Host free educational events for diverse audiences.
- Establish a replicable model for coastal restoration in other communities.
Features of Eco Park
Designed to integrate natural beauty, sustainability, and environmental education, Eco Park will include:
- Native Plant Habitats: A variety of native trees, shrubs, and flowers to attract pollinators and wildlife.
- Sustainable Practices: Environmentally friendly methods for planting and maintenance.
- Interpretive Signs: Visitors can explore 13 interpretive signs along the boardwalk and pathways that provide insights into the surrounding environment. Each sign links by QR code to a website with more in-depth information about each sign topic.
- Community Access: Spaces for reflection, passive recreation, and learning about why coastal resilience and sustainability are important.
Marilyn Wilkes, Vice President, Land Trust of West Haven, and Mark Paine, Director, West Haven Parks and Recreation Department, who co-led the project, shared their perspective: “Eco Park is a vital step toward protecting our environment while creating a space that showcases how we are connected to nature and how important native plants are for the environment and, in turn, for people and wildlife. By restoring native habitats, we not only support biodiversity but also hope to inspire our community to become active stewards of the coastal landscape. This project has been a labor of love for us and the many knowledgeable volunteers who helped bring it to fruition.”
Community Engagement Opportunities
The City and the Land Trust of West Haven invite the community to participate in upcoming events. Details will be available on the Eco Park website and its Facebook page, which will both launch in fall 2025.