About Us

Our Mission

Our mission is to work with the town of New Canaan as the primary advocate for Waveny Park to ensure that it thrives in perpetuity for all to enjoy.

Our Vision

Our vision is for Waveny Park to flourish as an inspiring haven of nature and open space for the people of New Canaan and surrounding communities, forever.

Waveny Park

Waveny Park is a 450 acre estate of parkland and woodlands that welcomes over 250,000 visitors annually. Designed by the Olmsted Brothers firm (sons of Frederick Law Olmsted who designed Central Park, NYC), Waveny Park is a historic jewel in the crown of New Canaan. The Park offers 3.5 miles of bucolic woodland trails, a peaceful pond as well as extensive lawns and meadows that provide both physical and mental benefits to the local community. According to a recent survey, almost 80% of New Canaan residents visit the Park either daily, weekly or monthly.

As the stewards of the Park, the Conservancy is committed to serving the Community’s best interests by working with the Town of New Canaan to ensure the Park thrives. Together, we initiate and execute thoughtful improvement projects and associated, ongoing maintenance.

Waveny Park Conservancy

Founded in June 2015, the Conservancy is a 501 (3) (c) partnership with the Town of New Canaan. Led by an Executive Director, an active Board of Directors and Town of New Canaan employees, the Conservancy has completed 13 major projects and invested over $3 million in significant capital projects and maintenance. These projects include landscape, hardscape, restoration and, more recently, Art in the Park.

Our work focuses on the 130 acres that lie south of the main driveway that runs from South Avenue to Lapham Road. We do not oversee the Mansion, which is managed by the Town of New Canaan. We thoughtfully respect the original Olmsted landscape design as we care for the Park in perpetuity. See OUR WORK for more detail on projects.

Funding

The Conservancy is primarily funded by private donations. Since 2022, the Town of New Canaan has allocated $300,000 annually for approved capital improvement initiatives in the Park. These funds are only unlocked if the Conservancy matches them dollar-for-dollar with private donations. Beyond that, we must raise a further $200,000 annually for other activities, project maintenance and operating expenses.

Waveny Park is New Canaan’s backyard. It is for all of us, which means it needs all who visit to get involved in its care. Your donations and involvement keep it avital public treasure and thriving habitat. The Conservancy was born of community initiative and ten years on, we continue to rely on our community - people like you who need and enjoy the Park.