Edgewood Park

Edgewood Park is a public park located in the City of New Haven, Connecticut, situated between the Edgewood and Westville neighborhoods. Spanning over 120 acres along the West River, the park offers a diverse landscape of natural and recreational areas.

The park's history dates back to 1889 when the City of New Haven acquired the initial 60 acres of land. Additional donations from Nicholas W. Hubinger, James Mason, and Donald Mitchell expanded the park's area. In 1910, Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. designed the layout of the present park, incorporating various features such as rose gardens, ponds, and trails.

Edgewood Park boasts a rich natural environment, including ponds, wetlands, and forested areas. The park features walking trails that wind through these diverse ecosystems, providing visitors with opportunities for nature observation and bird-watching. A wetlands viewing platform allows park-goers to observe the local flora and fauna up close.

The park caters to a wide range of recreational activities. It includes sports facilities such as tennis courts, a basketball court, and a soccer field. For skateboarding enthusiasts, the Edgewood Skate Park, housed next to the Coogan Pavilion, is a popular attraction and the only skate park in New Haven.

In recent years, conservation efforts have focused on restoring the park's natural habitats. The Duck Pond, a focal point of the park, underwent a significant restoration project in 2009. This initiative involved removing old concrete walkways, installing raised wooden bridges, and planting native species to rebuild the proper vegetation in the area.

Edgewood Park serves as an important green space in New Haven, offering residents and visitors alike a place to connect with nature, engage in recreational activities, and enjoy the outdoors within an urban setting.