Exciting Norwalk, CT News:
28 Acres of the 125 Acre Manresa Island Site to Open in 2027
- First time Manresa Island open to the public in 75 years.
- The first phase focuses on ecological restoration, safe access, new trails, and revitalized habitats.
- Pending approvals, construction begins soon with a projected opening in spring 2027.
Manresa Wilds’ Northern Forest: A First Look at What’s Coming
After decades behind locked gates, a large portion of Manresa Island is finally on track to welcome the public again. Manresa Island Corp., the nonprofit overseeing the $120 million transformation of the 125 acre site, has released its vision for the Northern Forest — the first phase of the new Manresa Wilds.
This 28 acre stretch will reintroduce residents to the island for the first time in nearly three-quarters of a century. Guided by ecological research and community feedback, the Northern Forest will feature a restored natural landscape of meadows, marsh, forest, and unique habitat pockets designed for low-impact recreation.
If local and state approvals move forward as expected, the area is set to open in spring 2027.
The project’s major financial supporters, Austin and Allison McChord, highlighted their goal from the outset: get people back onto the land quickly and responsibly. Prioritizing the Northern Forest allows the team to focus on both environmental remediation and public access without waiting for the larger, long-term phases of the project.
The site hasn’t exactly had a gentle past — portions of the area once served as a coal ash disposal zone from the former Connecticut Light & Power plant. Over time nature fought back, and birch trees and other species returned, but the soil contamination still poses risks that require careful cleanup and monitoring. Restoring the area safely is a critical piece of the plan.
Designed With Ecology — and Neighbors — in Mind
The concept plan, created by the award-winning landscape architecture firm SCAPE, lays out a network of accessible trails, protective fencing, and native plantings woven through the existing birch forest. The design intentionally preserves much of the natural character while adding three thematic “forest pockets”:
- Eco — focused on habitat and restoration
- Gather — an open space for small groups, events, or community time
- Learn — a zone centered on environmental education and quiet exploration
Community feedback significantly shaped the plan, especially calls for passive recreation, nature access, and enhanced safety.
Getting In and Getting Around
A redesigned entrance along Longshore Avenue will manage traffic more effectively and reduce the impact on surrounding neighborhoods. Planned amenities include:
- Up to 50 parking spaces, plus 2 bus parking spots
- 15 bike racks
- Restrooms, a drinking fountain, and a water bottle filling station
- A new Norwalk Transit bus stop on an expanded Route B service
Manresa Island Corp. is also exploring seasonal transportation options, such as a “summer circulator” shuttle connecting the site to local attractions like the Maritime Aquarium, Stepping Stones Children’s Museum, and the SoNo Collection.
For nearby residents who’ve spent years staring at fencing and a long-abandoned plant, the idea of opening the shoreline again is a huge shift. The transformation promises to turn an inaccessible industrial site into a waterfront public resource.
What Happens Next?
The Northern Forest can only move forward after receiving:
- Local site plan approval
- A wetland map amendment
- State remediation approval from the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection
Once the green light is granted, remediation and site work will begin. The broader vision — including the adaptive reuse of the former power plant building into a community hub — is projected for completion by 2032.
Source: Gary Larkin, “Manresa Wilds’ Northern Forest plan made public” Westfair Business Journal, December 4, 2025. (Note: access may require a login.)
