Mill River Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mill River Park |
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| Type | Urban park |
| Location | Stamford, Connecticut |
| Created | 2013 |
| Operated by | Mill River Collaborative |
Mill River Park is a fantastic 12-acre urban park located in Stamford, Connecticut. It's a green space that helps separate the busy Downtown area from the West Side. This park is a wonderful spot for families and friends to relax, play, and enjoy nature right in the city!
Park's Big Makeover
Mill River Park has gone through some amazing changes! A big project to restore the Mill River began in 2009. This first part cost about $8 million. A lot of this money, $5 million, came from the United States government.
After that, a second phase of the project started, costing $12 million. This phase focused on adding important things like new lighting, comfy benches, and beautiful plants all around the park.
Another $8.5 million project helped expand the park even more. About $4 million of this was also federal funding. This money helped remove the Mill River dam and clean out the riverbed.
Future Fun at the Park
The park's big plan includes making the river narrower. This will create more space for fun new areas in the park. Imagine what's coming! The master plan for Mill River Park includes exciting features like a carousel, a cool fountain, and even an ice rink for winter fun.
There will also be a network of trails. These trails will connect the park to other green spaces like Kosciuszko, Southfield, and Scalzi parks. Removing the dam is also great for nature. It allows fish to swim freely up the river from Long Island Sound.
As of 2013, the complete plan for Mill River Park is expected to cost around $60 million and cover 28 acres. It's going to be a huge and wonderful place for everyone!
Special Cherry Trees
Mill River Park is home to beautiful cherry trees. These trees were a special gift to the city on April 27, 1957. They were given by Junzo Nojima, a man from Japan who moved to Stamford in 1926. He was the first Japanese person to own a restaurant in Connecticut!
Mr. Nojima gave the city 120 cherry trees. For three years, he personally watered each tree to make sure they grew strong. He even gave instructions on how to care for them. When the trees weren't getting enough attention, he started taking care of them himself!
On Arbor Day, April 27, 2007, the city celebrated the 50th anniversary of this amazing gift with a special ceremony at the park. It was a way to remember Mr. Nojima's kindness and dedication.
