For nearly 75 years, this 125-acre stretch of Norwalk’s waterfront has been closed to the public—a polluted post-industrial site left by the fossil fuel industry, Now, it’s becoming Manresa Wilds: a publicly accessible park with restored forests and coastal habitats, nearly two miles of reopened shoreline, and year-round spaces for gathering, learning, and play.
Eighty percent of Connecticut's shoreline is privatized, making it one of the least accessible coasts in the country—and leaving fewer and fewer places where residents can reach the water.
Manresa Wilds will restore public access to nearly two miles of Long Island Sound shoreline, balancing open access with long-term resilience. The design protects the coast while inviting exploration at the water's edge—expanding habitat, strengthening Connecticut's coastal defenses, and ensuring this stretch of shoreline remains public for generations to come.
Manresa Island
Private Shoreline
Public Shoreline
The final vision for Manresa Wilds, unveiled in February 2026, was shaped by thousands of community voices through a year of listening. It reflects what Norwalk asked for: a more natural landscape, thoughtful waterfront access, and a design that respects ecosystems and neighbors alike. Making it real takes deep community partnership, world-class collaborators in science and education, and a commitment to healing decades of industrial damage.
Community engagement
Guided by local voices
We invited thousands of Norwalk residents share their ideas, priorities, and hopes for Manresa Wilds—and the design evolved in direct response. This is a park shaped by the people who will use it.
Partnerships
Partnering for a wilder future
Manresa Wilds is more than a park—it’s a hub for coastal research, education, and stewardship. To bring that vision to life, Manresa Island Corp. is collaborating with leading institutions in marine science and environmental learning, including the Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Wesleyan University, and Sacred Heart University.
Remediation
Healing the land
An extensive remediation process to address decades of industrial pollution must be addressed before Manresa Wilds can safely welcome visitors back to the site. By taking full responsibility for this complex cleanup, Manresa Island Corp is transforming a liability into a healthy, safe, and resilient landscape.
Community engagement
Guided by local voices
We invited thousands of Norwalk residents share their ideas, priorities, and hopes for Manresa Wilds—and the design evolved in direct response. This is a park shaped by the people who will use it.
Partnerships
Partnering for a wilder future
Manresa Wilds is more than a park—it’s a hub for coastal research, education, and stewardship. To bring that vision to life, Manresa Island Corp. is collaborating with leading institutions in marine science and environmental learning, including the Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Wesleyan University, and Sacred Heart University.
Remediation
Healing the land
An extensive remediation process to address decades of industrial pollution must be addressed before Manresa Wilds can safely welcome visitors back to the site. By taking full responsibility for this complex cleanup, Manresa Island Corp is transforming a liability into a healthy, safe, and resilient landscape.
* Pending local and state approvals
We are here
2024
The Beginning
Acquisition by Mcchord’s
Manresa Island Corp. established
2025
Laying the Foundation
Initial Vision revealed
Formal community engagement begins
Educational partnerships formed
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, Wesleyan University, Sacred Heart University, Maritime Aquarium Norwalk, and the Norwalk Board of Education
Northern Forest Concept Plan Revealed
Stewardship Permit granted by Connecticut DEEP
2026
Vision Takes Shape
Northern Forest Concept Plan Approved
Final Vision Revealed
Remediation and Northern Forest construction Begins
2027
Return to the Wilds
Northern Forest Opens
First 28 acres to be returned to the public
Landscape and Building Construction Begins*
2031-2032
Manresa Wilds Comes to Life
The park takes shape*
Beach, Lawn, Scrub Scramble, Cedar Swamp, Nature Play, Wetland Trails open
The power plant reborn
Turbine Hall, Admin Wing, Community Pool and Pavilion open
2032-2035
The Waterfront Complete
Promenade, Kayak Terrace, Pier and Field Station, Play open*
2035 & Beyond
Room to Grow
Boiler Building Opens*
A year-round hub for learning, research, and innovation, activated by institutional partners
