Edgerton Park

Historic Estate

Edgerton Park is a 25-acre public park located on the border of New Haven and Hamden, Connecticut. The park was originally the private estate of Frederick F. Brewster, a wealthy industrialist, who purchased the property in 1906.

Brewster built a Tudor-style mansion named "Edgerton" on the grounds, which was completed in 1909 as a wedding gift for his wife Margaret. The park's landscape was designed by Robert Storer Stephenson in the style of 18th century English landscape gardens, featuring both natural and man-made vistas.

Legacy and Preservation

After Margaret Brewster's death, the estate was bequeathed to the City of New Haven in 1965 to be used as a public park, in accordance with Frederick Brewster's will. The mansion was demolished as stipulated, but many original structures remain.

Edgerton Park is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a historic district. It retains several features from its time as a private estate, including the original stone wall surrounding the property, greenhouses, a carriage house, gatehouse, and a stone bridge spanning a small ravine.

Features and Attractions

The park houses a fountain, known as the Brewster Fountain, which was built in 1991 on the site of the original fountain. It includes community gardens where members can rent plots to grow vegetables and flowers.

The greenhouses are used for educational and horticultural programs, including the Sarah T. Crosby Conservatory which houses plants from various parts of the world and features a rainforest exhibit.

Community Use

The park serves multiple community functions today. It is a venue for cultural events, including performances by the Elm Shakespeare Company during summer months.

Edgerton Park is managed through a partnership between the City of New Haven and the Edgerton Park Conservancy, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and enhancing the park's features and organizing community programs.