Manresa Island Corporation is the nonprofit leading the creation of Manresa Wilds, a vibrant, publicly accessible park that will reconnect Norwalk—and the world—to the waterfront for the first time in nearly 75 years.
With year-round programming, educational and event spaces, and university-led research, Manresa Wilds will be a first-of-its-kind hub where visitors of all ages, abilities, and interests can experience the coast and explore the ecology of Long Island Sound.
Manresa Island
Private Shoreline
Public Shoreline
Community engagement
Guided by local voices
Manresa Island Corporation launched a comprehensive community engagement process to inform and guide the masterplan for Manresa Wilds. Residents were invited to share their ideas, priorities, and hopes—helping shape a park that reflects the spirit of the Norwalk community.
Partnerships
Partnering for a wilder future
To activate the park with top-tier programming, Manresa Island Corporation is partnering with national institutions and community organizations. The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk is the first institution to become a partner, bringing expertise in marine education and conservation to the project.
Sustainability
From ruin to reuse
Manresa Wilds will be a model for the adaptive reuse of post-industrial infrastructure. By revitalizing the decommissioned power plant and surrounding landscape, the new park will unlock waterfront access, bring quality public space to the region, and promote sustainable practices.
Remediation
Healing the land
Through extensive brownfield remediation, the new park will heal and enhance Manresa Island’s post-industrial ecosystems. Legacy fill, contaminated soils, and industrial infrastructure will be transformed into a landscape that is healthy, safe, and resilient.
Community engagement
Guided by local voices
Manresa Island Corporation launched a comprehensive community engagement process to inform and guide the masterplan for Manresa Wilds. Residents were invited to share their ideas, priorities, and hopes—helping shape a park that reflects the spirit of the Norwalk community.
Partnerships
Partnering for a wilder future
To activate the park with top-tier programming, Manresa Island Corporation is partnering with national institutions and community organizations. The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk is the first institution to become a partner, bringing expertise in marine education and conservation to the project.
Sustainability
From ruin to reuse
Manresa Wilds will be a model for the adaptive reuse of post-industrial infrastructure. By revitalizing the decommissioned power plant and surrounding landscape, the new park will unlock waterfront access, bring quality public space to the region, and promote sustainable practices.
Remediation
Healing the land
Through extensive brownfield remediation, the new park will heal and enhance Manresa Island’s post-industrial ecosystems. Legacy fill, contaminated soils, and industrial infrastructure will be transformed into a landscape that is healthy, safe, and resilient.
