Merritt Parkway Trail
Mitigate sight and sound of the trail along the edge of the Merritt Parkway, while enhancing the natural setting for a more pleasurable visitor experience
Project Details
Waveny Trail Improvement Initiative
Several years ago, the Conservancy received strong community interest in improving the woodland trail that runs along the edge of the Merritt Parkway. Visitors shared concerns about the traffic noise and the visual intrusion from the roadway — and we listened. Our goal is to restore the tranquility of this trail by softening the sight and sound of the Parkway through carefully designed landscape improvements.
After two years of study and collaboration, the Conservancy, together with our partner Heritage Landscapes, has developed and approved a schematic design to enhance the Merritt Trail from Lapham Road to South Avenue.
To prepare for this plan, we completed a topographical map, a wetlands survey, and a tree inventory. Heritage Landscapes, nationally recognized for work in Olmsted-designed parks, identified a “toolkit” of strategies to reduce visual and auditory impacts — including earthen berms, native plantings, and stone layback walls. The plan also includes a short section of fencing where space between the Parkway’s right-of-way and protected wetlands is limited.
In the fall of 2025, the Conservancy presented the schematic design to the Finance Committee, the Board of Selectmen, and the Town Council. These presentations helped share our vision and invite feedback and questions from our community.
The trail enhancement is organized into four stages, allowing us to manage construction efficiently and fund each section as resources become available. The Conservancy envisions broad community participation — through both private fundraising and Town support — to bring this vision to life.
Currently, we are working with Heritage Landscapes to complete detailed construction drawings. With Town budget approval in the fall of 2026, Phase One could begin in 2027, followed by a multi-year schedule for the remaining sections.
We are excited by the opportunity to enrich the Waveny experience. This project not only enhances the beauty and serenity of the trail for visitors but also improves biodiversity by introducing new native trees and shrubs. Together, we can create a healthier, more beautiful woodland habitat — for our Park visitors and the wildlife that call Waveny home.
Trail Background
When developing the schematic design, Heritage Landscapes turned to the original Olmsted Brothers’ plans for Waveny to understand the landscape’s historic intent. Their research revealed something fascinating — the Olmsteds never designed a trail along the Merritt Parkway! The current path likely began as an access road during the Parkway’s construction, not as part of the original park vision. However, this is only a guess; the introduction of the Merritt Trail and its purpose may never be known.
In contrast, the Olmsteds carefully placed two berms to shield the main house from the view of cars and encouraged the open meadow north of the Parkway to fill naturally with trees — an early effort to restore quiet beauty to the landscape. Today, that same philosophy guides our work. By thoughtfully reimagining this section of trail, we’re renewing the Olmsteds’ vision of harmony between nature, design, and community enjoyment.
Through this project, donors have the opportunity to help redevelop and enhance an essential piece of Waveny’s landscape — ensuring that the park’s tranquil spirit continues to thrive for generations to come.