Samuel P. Senior Memorial Park

For those of us living in Connecticut, the allure of finding serene natural spaces where we can connect with the environment is ever-present. Tucked away in the charming town of Easton, a true local treasure awaits: Samuel P. Senior Memorial Park. This isn't your typical sprawling green lawn park; instead, it's a unique and intimate 10.2-acre wetland park that offers a distinctive experience, allowing visitors to walk through "swampy woods" with the comfort of "sturdy bridges over the wetlands." It's a testament to Easton's commitment to preserving its natural beauty and providing accessible outdoor opportunities for its residents.

Dedicated to the memory of Samuel P. Senior, a visionary engineer and former president of the Bridgeport Hydraulic Company (now Aquarion Water Company), this park honors his instrumental role in developing the region's crucial reservoir network. The park was thoughtfully founded in 1963 by the Easton Garden Club, reflecting a deep-rooted community effort to conserve and educate. What makes this park particularly special is its focus on wetlands – vital ecosystems that play a crucial role in water quality and providing diverse wildlife habitats. It’s a living classroom, inviting us to learn more about the unique flora and fauna that thrive in these environments. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a family looking for a gentle stroll, or someone seeking a quiet place for reflection, Samuel P. Senior Memorial Park offers a tranquil and engaging escape right here in our community.

Samuel P. Senior Memorial Park is conveniently located in Easton, CT, with its address listed as Easton, CT 06612, USA. More precisely, you can find the park at the corner of Morehouse and Center roads, directly across the street from the Easton Town Hall. This central location makes it highly accessible for residents of Easton and surrounding Connecticut towns.

Accessing the park is straightforward. Visitors typically park along the side of the road near the entrance, which is clearly marked. The park's design emphasizes accessibility, particularly through its system of raised wooden walkways. These "sturdy bridges over the wetlands" allow visitors to traverse the "swampy woods" comfortably, providing an immersive experience without getting their feet wet. This thoughtful construction ensures that the park is enjoyable for a wide range of visitors, including families with strollers and those who might find more rugged trails challenging. The short loop design of the trails makes it easy to navigate and enjoy a complete experience in a relatively short amount of time. Its proximity to other town facilities, like the Town Hall, also adds to its ease of integration into a local outing.

Samuel P. Senior Memorial Park is primarily a passive recreation and educational facility, focused on providing an immersive experience within its unique wetland ecosystem. While it doesn't offer extensive built facilities, its core "services" are centered around nature observation and education:

• Walking Trails: The park features a well-maintained, short loop trail that guides visitors through diverse habitats, including upland hardwoods, swamp, and pond areas. The signature raised wooden walkways provide easy passage over wetland sections, making it accessible for all.

• Nature Observation: The park’s varied habitats are home to a rich array of plant and animal life. Visitors can observe various species of birds, small mammals, and a fascinating selection of wetland flora. Specific plants like red maple, spice bush, sweet pepper bush, marsh marigolds, ferns, iris, and arrowroot are common sights.

• Outdoor Classroom: The park is home to an outdoor classroom, initially built in 1963 and recently restored by local Boy Scout troops. This outdoor classroom is designed to educate visitors, especially school children, about the critical role wetlands play in improving water quality and providing wildlife habitat. It serves as a valuable educational resource for the community.

• Educational Signage: Throughout the park, visitors can find plaques and signs that provide information about the history of the park, the importance of wetlands, and identify various plant species. These signs enhance the educational experience and help visitors understand the natural environment around them.

• Community Volunteer Projects: The park heavily relies on community involvement for its upkeep and improvements. Notably, several Eagle Scout projects have contributed significantly to the park's infrastructure, including repairing and rebuilding bridges, creating plant identification signs, and installing benches. This highlights the park's role as a platform for civic engagement and local beautification.

Samuel P. Senior Memorial Park is celebrated for its distinctive features that make it a cherished part of Easton's natural landscape:

• Wetland Ecosystem: The park's primary highlight is its preserved wetland habitat. Visitors can experience the unique environment of "swampy woods," dominated by trees like the red maple, known for its crimson flowers in spring and scarlet foliage in autumn. This provides a rare opportunity to explore an often-inaccessible natural feature.

• Raised Wooden Walkways: A defining characteristic of the park, these "sturdy bridges" allow safe and easy passage over the sensitive wetland areas. They are essential for access and offer an elevated perspective of the swamp's unique flora and fauna, making it a very user-friendly experience.

• Historical Significance: The park is named after Samuel P. Senior, a key figure in the development of the Bridgeport region's water supply system. His legacy, tied to the Aquarion Water Company (formerly Bridgeport Hydraulic Company), is recognized through the park's dedication. The 10-plus acres are leased to the Town of Easton by Aquarion for 99 years, symbolizing a long-standing commitment to preservation.

• Easton Garden Club Legacy: Founded by the Easton Garden Club in 1963, the park reflects a history of community dedication to beautification and conservation. This heritage of grassroots involvement continues to shape the park's maintenance and development.

• Educational Focus: With its dedicated outdoor classroom and informative plaques, the park serves as an important educational resource, particularly for local schools. It provides hands-on learning opportunities about wetlands, water quality, and local ecology.

• Flora and Fauna: The park is home to a variety of wildflowers, including marsh marigolds, ferns, iris, and arrowroot. It also supports various shrubs like spice bush and sweet pepper bush. The diverse plant life, combined with the presence of local wildlife, creates a vibrant natural environment for observation.

As a municipal park and a conserved natural area, Samuel P. Senior Memorial Park does not typically feature commercial promotions or special offers in the traditional sense. Its primary benefit and "offer" to the community is free public access to its unique wetland environment and educational resources. There is no admission fee to enter the park.

However, the park is actively supported by fundraising initiatives and community involvement. For example, in late 2024, a fundraising campaign was launched by Samuel P. Senior's grandson to help repair areas of the park, particularly its network of bridges and walkways that can be damaged by storms. These campaigns represent a form of community investment rather than a commercial promotion.

Any special events, guided nature walks, or educational workshops held within the park would likely be organized by the Samuel P. Senior Memorial Park Board of Directors, the Easton Garden Club, or other local environmental groups. Information about such activities would be disseminated through the Town of Easton's official website, local community calendars, or specific organizational newsletters. For the most current information on how to support the park or learn about upcoming events, it is advisable to check local Easton community resources.

Samuel P. Senior Memorial Park is managed by a dedicated Board of Directors, often in partnership with the Town of Easton's departments and local volunteer groups. While there isn't a direct public phone number solely for the park, inquiries can generally be directed through the Town of Easton's relevant departments.

Address: Easton, CT 06612, USA (Specifically at the corner of Morehouse and Center Roads, across from Town Hall)

For general inquiries related to parks and recreation in Easton, or to connect with the Town's conservation efforts which often overlap with open space management:

Town of Easton Park and Recreation Commission:

Phone: (203) 268-7200 (Main)

Address: 652 Morehouse Road, Easton, CT 06612

Town of Easton Conservation Commission/Inland Wetlands Agency:

Phone: (203) 268-6291 ext. 123

Address: 225 Center Road, Easton, CT 06612

For information specific to the Samuel P. Senior Memorial Park Board of Directors or details on fundraising and volunteer efforts, local Easton news sources and community organizations, such as the Easton Courier, often publish contact details for board members or fundraising initiatives. For donations, checks made out to "Samuel P. Senior Memorial Park" can often be mailed to the President of the Board of Directors, details of which may be found in local news articles or the Town's website during active fundraising campaigns.

For us Connecticut locals, Samuel P. Senior Memorial Park is more than just a pretty place to walk; it’s a living demonstration of conservation, education, and community spirit. Its unique character and numerous benefits make it exceptionally suitable for residents across our state.

Firstly, its distinctive wetland environment offers an experience unlike many other local parks. The opportunity to traverse "swampy woods" on "sturdy bridges" is a novel and engaging way to experience nature, especially for those who might otherwise shy away from wet or muddy trails. This makes it a fascinating destination for families, nature photographers, and anyone interested in seeing a different facet of Connecticut's diverse ecosystems. It's an accessible window into the often-hidden world of wetlands, which are crucial for our local water quality and biodiversity.

Secondly, the park's strong educational component is a significant asset. With its outdoor classroom and informative plaques, it provides an invaluable resource for learning about environmental science right in our backyard. For parents looking for engaging outdoor activities for their children, or for individuals interested in deepening their understanding of local ecology, the park offers a direct and interactive learning environment. This focus on education reinforces the importance of environmental stewardship within the community.

Furthermore, the park embodies a powerful sense of community ownership and dedication. The long-term lease from Aquarion Water Company, the founding by the Easton Garden Club, and the ongoing maintenance supported by local volunteers and Eagle Scout projects, all highlight a strong local commitment. This means that as locals, we're not just visitors; we are part of a community that actively preserves and cherishes this special place. It’s a park maintained with local love and effort, and that connection resonates deeply with residents.

In conclusion, Samuel P. Senior Memorial Park is a prime example of how a relatively small area can offer immense value. It's a peaceful retreat, an engaging outdoor classroom, and a testament to Easton's dedication to its natural heritage. For us Connecticut residents, it's a perfect destination for a refreshing walk, a family outing, or simply a moment of quiet reflection amidst the unique beauty of a carefully preserved wetland. It truly is a local gem waiting to be explored.

Samuel P. Senior Memorial Park

Easton, CT 06612, USA