Residents of New Haven’s Fair Haven neighborhood are enjoying a revamped Quinnipiac River Park, thanks to a $250,000 state grant and city planning efforts. The park now features paved walkways, installed water fountains, and an improved riverbank to prevent erosion.

A Community Effort

The area has undergone significant transformations since its days as an industrial site in the 1960s. New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker noted the park’s progress, saying, ‘Decades and decades ago, this was a junkyard and it’s just shocking to see what is here now, this beautiful site.’ The park has become a popular spot for both locals and visitors, with people of all ages visiting to run, have picnics, or simply enjoy the scenery.

Mayor Elicker believes that a well-maintained park with adequate lighting and open spaces can contribute to a safer environment, as ‘people are less likely to engage in crime if they think that there’s a lot of people to witness and they could get caught.’ The work on the park is not yet complete, with future plans including the installation of picnic tables, a new patio area, and welcome gardens. The walkways will also become part of a trail that surrounds Fair Haven.

The Friends of Quinnipiac River Park, a local group, takes pride in maintaining the park’s beauty by planting flowers and trees and caring for them throughout the seasons. One member, Sadi Vidro, expressed her love for planting, especially for the neighborhood, saying, ‘I saw the outcome of it and that’s what keeps me going.’ Some trees in the park are decorated with crosses and messages, including one planted in memory of Michael Caliz.

Original reporting: NBC Connecticut — read the source article.