Edgewood Park

A Journey Through Time

Tucked between the Edgewood and Westville neighborhoods of New Haven, Connecticut, Edgewood Park stretches across 120 acres along the West River, offering a delightful blend of natural beauty and recreational spaces.

The park's story began in 1889 when New Haven purchased the initial 60 acres. Thanks to generous donations from several individuals, including Nicholas W. Hubinger and James Mason, the park gradually expanded. In 1910, Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. - yes, from the famous landscape architecture family - designed the park we enjoy today, weaving in charming elements like rose gardens, serene ponds, and winding trails.

Nature's Canvas

If you're looking for a green escape, Edgewood Park offers a rich tapestry of ponds, wetlands, and forested areas. Walking trails meander through these diverse ecosystems, ideal for those moments when you need to clear your head or spot some local birds.

The Duck Pond sits at the heart of the park, where you can watch ducks and geese glide across clean waters. Surrounding cattails not only add a picturesque touch but also create cozy homes for wildlife.

For a closer look at the local ecosystem, step onto the wetlands viewing platform and take in the surrounding flora and fauna. Each season paints the park in different colors and moods, making it worth visiting year-round.

Play Your Way

Active types will find plenty to love about Edgewood Park. The newly renovated tennis courts stay lit until 10pm for evening matches, while the basketball court and soccer field offer space for team sports and casual games.

Skateboarders, take note - the Edgewood Skate Park beside the Coogan Pavilion is New Haven's only skate park. The pavilion itself holds indoor space that many visitors are surprised to discover.

Kids can burn energy at the playground with its swings and climbing equipment, and when summer heats up, the spray water park becomes a refreshing oasis for families. Throughout the park, sprawling grassy areas invite impromptu frisbee games, picnics, or simply lounging with a good book.

Community Hub

The weekend farmers market run by City Seed brings the community together over local produce, freshly baked goods, and handcrafted items. You can pay with cash, credit, tokens, or EBT cards - making fresh food accessible to everyone.

Dog parents will appreciate the dedicated dog park located behind the skate park. You can reach it from either the West Rock Avenue or Whalley Avenue entrance. There are separate areas for small and large dogs, however be aware it can get muddy after heavy rain.

Scattered across the grounds, numerous picnic tables and benches offer perfect spots to enjoy lunch or simply sit and watch the world go by.

Preserving the Green

Recent years have seen thoughtful restoration of the park's natural habitats. In 2009, the cherished Duck Pond underwent a significant transformation - out went the old concrete walkways, in came elevated wooden bridges and native plantings to restore the area's natural vegetation.

Dedicated landscaping teams and environmental workers keep the park looking its best, regularly adding new trees and plants to enhance this urban sanctuary.

Edgewood Park is a notable green space in New Haven's urban landscape, offering a peaceful retreat where you can reconnect with nature, stay active, or simply enjoy some fresh air. While most people visit during daylight hours, there's something special about the calm atmosphere that makes you forget you're in the middle of a city.