Community Event #4 at The Maritime Aquarium

Hundreds of community members filled The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk on February 19 for an energizing evening unveiling the concept plan for Manresa Wilds. Shaped by a year of community engagement and more than 3,000 voices, the updated vision directly incorporates community feedback, emphasizing a more natural landscape—with expanded habitat protection areas, significantly reduced hardscape and active programming across the site, and active amenities concentrated at the southern end to better protect sensitive habitats and nearby neighborhoods.

The speaking program opened with remarks from Allison McChord, followed by Executive Director Jessica Vonashek, who spoke to the project’s vision as an “island for all” and shared updates on the work underway, including the continued growth of Manresa Island Corp., the nonprofit leading the transformation. Gena Wirth, Design Principal and Partner at SCAPE, and Daniel Sundlin, Partner at Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), then walked attendees through updated renderings and highlighted how key takeaways from the engagement process informed changes to the plan. The team also outlined the phased path to opening, beginning with the 28-acre Northern Forest in spring 2027. Austin McChord closed the program by sharing the project timeline and values and revealing that the initial investment required to remediate the site, restore coastal habitats, and build the infrastructure needed to safely open the park is an estimated $410 million, funded through private philanthropy.

After the formal program, attendees connected with project leaders, consultants, and partners and collaborators, including Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Wesleyan University, Sacred Heart University, and The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk. They shared examples of work already underway, including Wesleyan student research on site and an oral history project capturing stories from people who worked at the former power plant. The night also debuted the Manresa Wilds Ambassadors in action—welcoming guests, handing out swag, and sharing ways to get involved.

View the presentation here