Events

Soon you'll trek through sea, marsh, and forest, and explore amazing structures that once powered our region. This is the Wilds, where every path sparks curiosity and a new lore takes root.

The Northern Forest

In February 2026, we unveiled our final vision for Manresa Wilds—shaped by thousands of community voices into a park designed with and for Norwalk.

See the vision
Phased for Growth

The non-profit Manresa Island Corp., with the support of philanthropic and community partners, is leading this once-in-a-lifetime transformation. At its heart is a commitment to environmental safety and ecological renewal, ensuring the land is safe, healthy, and resilient for generations to come.

View Stewardship Permit
Lead Partners
A Good Neightbor from the Start

Together with the community, Manresa Wilds is opening this once-private shoreline for all to enjoy. Every decision is made with respect to the landscape and the lives around it. Remediation will make the land safe for people and wildlife.

Active park areas will face the harbor, while natural spaces will be conserved and protected. Discreet lighting, buffered trails, and smart traffic planning help minimize disruption and maximize harmony with our surroundings.

Originally a glacial island, the site of Manresa Wilds has been home to a Jesuit retreat, and a power plant that once supplied energy to the region. Now, it’s being reimagined as a world-class park that invites everyone to revel in the wild.

Latest From The WildsLatest From The Wilds

Fall is a perfect time to tour Manresa Wilds. 🍂 Climb up to the roof, enjoy the coastal views on a UTV ride, and experience the scale of the power plant buildings for yourself.

Thanks to our neighbors @theshoreandcountryclub for joining us this week.

Visit our website to sign up for a tour, running now through the week of Thanksgiving. 

#PublicTours #ManresaWilds #adaptivereuse
A look back at Manresa in the making. ⚙️🏗️

Original photos from 1959 show the assembly process of the western turbine. 

Each turbine assembly weighed approximately 150 metric tons and spun at an average of 3,600 RPM, powered by superheated steam at 2,400 PSI.
The steam passed through the turbines multiple times, helping the system capture as much energy as possible before it was reclaimed and reheated. ⚡️🏭

#TBT #1959 #norwalkct
The dreamiest sunset of the summer ☁️

#NorwalkCT #ManresaWilds #Sunset
Hello to all our new followers! 👋 We loved connecting with everyone who visited our booth at the Norwalk Oyster Festival this weekend. Thanks for stopping by to spin the wheel, @mayorbarbarasmyth! A special shoutout to our ambassadors who helped set up and work the booth. @norwalkseaport @norwalkoysterfestival 🦪

📸 Photos 1, 2 & 4: @mayorbarbarasmyth 

#ManresaWilds #NorwalkOysterFestival #NorwalkCT
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