The event featured the premiere of a short documentary capturing how the community experiences Waveny Park – from Pops in the Park and July 4th fireworks to tranquil woodland walks, family gatherings, and the mental and physical benefits of scenic open space.
Click here to view the video.

Event emcee Christian Murphy orchestrated presentations by Conservancy and town leaders and later led guests through a rousing set of paddle raise donations in support of the Conservancy’s future.

“Waveny is more than just open space—it’s central to the culture and identity of New Canaan,” said Fell Herdeg, Chairman of the Waveny Park Conservancy. “It’s where generations gather, connect, and celebrate. Without Waveny, our town would be markedly different. The Conservancy exists to make sure Waveny continues to thrive for decades to come.”

“The Waveny Park Conservancy is an extraordinary example of community partnership,” commented New Canaan First Selectman Dionna Carlson. “Thanks to their leadership and the generosity of residents, Waveny is not only preserved, but continually enhanced as a living resource for all. This anniversary is a celebration of both what has been achieved and the exciting future that lies ahead.”

Since its founding in 2015, the Conservancy has worked closely with the Town to preserve, restore, and enhance Waveny Park’s historic landscapes and features. Major accomplishments include the restoration of the Eberle Fountain, meadow and woodland transformations supported by the Jeniam Foundation, the revival of Anderson Pond, extensive landscaping around Waveny House and Park entrances, upgraded maintenance, amenities and more.

Looking ahead, the Conservancy has commissioned plans for the Merritt Trail Project, which could transform one of the Park’s most challenging areas by reducing highway noise and improving the overall trail experience.

Executive Director Michelle Crookenden thanked the many patrons and partners who make the Conservancy’s work possible. Event sponsors included Bankwell (lead sponsor), Caffeine & Carburetors, Earth Garden, Karl Chevrolet, the Engel Team at Douglas Elliman, New Canaan Community Foundation, Rucci Law Group, Silver Hill Hospital, Town Players of New Canaan, and Waveny Lifecare Network.

Ways to Give
The September 6th celebration underscored how deeply New Canaan values Waveny Park, and how vital community support is to its future. Donations of any size directly sustain maintenance, restoration, and enhancement projects.

About the Waveny Park Conservancy
The Waveny Park Conservancy is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to restoring, maintaining, and improving Waveny Park in partnership with the Town of New Canaan. Through community support, the Conservancy ensures that Waveny remains a place of beauty, recreation, and heritage for generations to come.

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, the visionary behind Central Park in New York City—Waveny is a historic jewel in the crown of New Canaan. The park offers 3.5 miles of woodland trails, a serene pond, extensive lawns and meadows, and provides both physical and mental health benefits to the community. Nearly 80% of New Canaan residents visit the Park regularly with many others from neighboring communities and beyond.

As stewards of the park, the Conservancy works in partnership with the Town of New Canaan to ensure that Waveny thrives in perpetuity. Together, they initiate and execute thoughtful improvement projects, sustain ongoing maintenance, and safeguard this vital community resource.

Contact:
Michelle Crookenden
execdirector@wavenyparkconservancy.org
Ph: 203-594-3613