Plans to turn the long-restricted Manresa Island in Norwalk into a 125-acre public park, beach and nature center represent a massive gain not just for Connecticut, but for the entire Northeast, speakers said at a news conference announcing a blockbuster philanthropic project that’s anticipated to cost hundreds of millions of dollars.
The residential development would have had a couple trails open to the public, but the McChords’ plan is to make all of the property open — including its 1.7 miles of shoreline.
“In a state that has only 27% of our shoreline available for public access, unlocking these (nearly) 2 miles for public access in this densely populated area is going to be absolutely transformative in advancing our mission of outdoor recreation, outdoor access,” said Commissioner Katie Dykes of the department of energy and environmental protection.