Why the Waveny Park Conservancy

Our group was founded in the belief that Waveny Park is richly deserving of an advocacy providing care and resources on a level at least equal to the enormous benefits the Park provides to the people of New Canaan. We were inspired by the success of the many public/private partnership that historically have contributed to the success of Waveny Park, and by other similar organizations, such as the Central Park Conservancy in New York City.

Our Relationship with the Town of New Canaan

As a tax exempt, 501 (c) (3) organization with a Board of 12 people, we became a legal entity on June 10, 2015. We have developed an Operating Agreement with the Town of New Canaan that lays out the framework for our partnership. This has been approved by the Parks & Recreation Commission, the Board of Selectmen, and the Town Council.

Our vision is: Working in partnership with the Town of New Canaan, to ensure that Waveny Park thrives in perpetuity, and continues to inspire and serve the people of New Canaan forever.

What we have achieved and where we are headed

The focus of our group is on restoring and enhancing the approximately 130 acres of open space surrounding Waveny House, south of the east/west entrance road, and bordered by South Avenue, the Merritt Parkway, and Lapham Road.

We identified six programs for initial restoration projects, some of which have been completed and others that are in progress.

• Restoration of the Jeniam Meadow- in progress
• Enhancement of the Entrance and Trails- completed
• Forest Management study- completed
• Anderson Pond Renewal – completed
• Parterre Garden Restoration- completed
• Front Courtyard Landscaping- in progress

Restoration of the retaining wall below the Walled Garden Our new 5-year master plan of major projects includes: New planting designs for the two entrances and driveway of the park Planting design at the rear terrace of Waveny House to match new plantings at the front of the house Beautification and sound remediation along the Merritt Parkway trail