Kiwanis Park

Kiwanis Park is an urban park located in downtown Stamford, Connecticut. Situated between Atlantic Street and Summer Street, the park serves as a small green space and gathering area in the heart of the city.

Originally inaugurated in 1968 by First Lady Lady Bird Johnson, Kiwanis Park was Stamford's first urban renewal project. The park has since undergone renovations to modernize and enhance its features for the community.

In recent years, Stamford Downtown's Public Realm Enhancement Plan included a project to revitalize Kiwanis Park. This initiative aimed to beautify and re-activate the underutilized space while fostering communal gathering and improving pedestrian connectivity between Atlantic Street and Summer Street.

The park features two large bronze sculptures by world-renowned artist and former Stamford resident, the late Reuben Nakian. These artworks add cultural and aesthetic value to the space.

As part of the recent enhancement project, local muralist Lauren Clayton designed and installed two murals in the park. One mural forms a colorful walking path from the park's entrance on Atlantic Street to the rear steps leading toward Summer Street. The second mural is a 3D, anamorphic representation of a marquee billboard, complemented by hand prints that encourage interaction and photo opportunities.

While Kiwanis Park may lack traditional park features like expansive grass lawns, it serves as an important urban gathering space in downtown Stamford, providing a respite from the surrounding city environment.