A vision shaped by thousands of voices. Over the past year, Norwalk residents helped transform an ambitious idea into a robust vison that reflects what this community truly wants.
From large-scale community meetings to one-on-one conversations with neighbors, we heard what Norwalk wanted: preserve the wildness, be thoughtful neighbors, and create a park that belongs to everyone.
From the start, Manresa Island Corp. committed to designing a park with the community, not just for it. Since formally launching the community engagement process in March 2025, we hosted three large-scale community meetings, numerous neighborhood Q&A sessions in Village Creek, Shorefront, Harborview, and Harbor Shores, and welcomed thousands of visitors through public and private site tours.
More than 3,000 voices shaped the priorities of Manresa Wilds—and that input directly informed the final vision for the park unveiled on February 19, 2026. We listened for the values and concerns that would guide every major design decision, from the scale of programming to the protection of sensitive habitat to the buffers that separate the park from neighboring homes. The result is a vision rooted in what we heard.
Across meetings, surveys, and conversations, the message was consistent: keep Manresa wild. Residents wanted natural areas restored rather than programmed, active amenities reduced, and careful attention paid to traffic, noise, and light near their homes. Environmental education and hands-on research ranked high as priorities. Above all, people asked us to be good neighbors—and to build something that respects the communities surrounding it.
The design team responded with specific changes. Active areas were scaled back across the site. Western boardwalks were removed to protect marsh habitat. The promenade was reduced by 40%. Living shoreline replaced tidal pools along the eastern waterfront. Buffers were strengthened for neighbors to the west. The Northern Forest was redesigned for quieter, flexible use—trails, clearings, and space for learning rather than heavy programming.
Wilder by Design
The updated plan shifts the balance toward nature. Active programming areas were scaled back across the site, with native plantings and restored habitat replacing built infrastructure. The promenade was narrowed by 40%, water features were reduced, and the overall footprint of amenities was pulled back to let the landscape lead. The result is a park with more room to roam, breathe, and connect with the wild character of the site.
Habitat Protected
Western marsh boardwalks were removed entirely to preserve sensitive tidal ecology. Along the eastern waterfront, 50% of tidal pool areas were replaced with living shoreline and natural marsh creation. More existing trees will be retained along the eastern edge of the site. These changes prioritize long-term ecological health over programmed access—ensuring the park supports thriving habitat for wildlife, not just visitors.
Neighbors First
Interventions in the forest buffer were eliminated to increase undisturbed screening for neighbors to the west. Arrival plaza lighting and furnishings were reduced. Active programming was concentrated toward the harbor, directing noise and activity away from residential edges. The promenade was narrowed and lowered to reduce truck traffic during construction. Every decision was made with surrounding communities in mind.
Wilder by Design
The updated plan shifts the balance toward nature. Active programming areas were scaled back across the site, with native plantings and restored habitat replacing built infrastructure. The promenade was narrowed by 40%, water features were reduced, and the overall footprint of amenities was pulled back to let the landscape lead. The result is a park with more room to roam, breathe, and connect with the wild character of the site.
Habitat Protected
Western marsh boardwalks were removed entirely to preserve sensitive tidal ecology. Along the eastern waterfront, 50% of tidal pool areas were replaced with living shoreline and natural marsh creation. More existing trees will be retained along the eastern edge of the site. These changes prioritize long-term ecological health over programmed access—ensuring the park supports thriving habitat for wildlife, not just visitors.
Neighbors First
Interventions in the forest buffer were eliminated to increase undisturbed screening for neighbors to the west. Arrival plaza lighting and furnishings were reduced. Active programming was concentrated toward the harbor, directing noise and activity away from residential edges. The promenade was narrowed and lowered to reduce truck traffic during construction. Every decision was made with surrounding communities in mind.
Our commitment to transparency, dialogue, and being good neighbors is just getting started. Manresa Island Corp. will continue to host site tours, share construction updates, and maintain open communication through our website and direct outreach to neighbors. Neighbors, civic groups, and local organizations help root Manresa Wilds in the fabric of Norwalk, and we will keep creating space for open exchange and continued listening as the project moves forward.
Community participation extends beyond conversation. Volunteers in the Manresa Wilds Ambassador Program serve as tour assistants and event ambassadors, supporting site tours, local gatherings, and citywide events. This project has always been about transforming a long-closed industrial site into a genuine public resource, shaped by the people who live here.
