Phase II of Mill River Greenway Project Approved Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The City of Stamford

Contact:

Rachel LaBella

rlabella@stamfordct.gov

Phase II of Mill River Greenway Project Approved

Stamford, CONN. – Phase II of Stamford’s Mill River Greenway Project will begin winter 2021 and will include the restoration of Mill River Park, as well as the development of a “central park” bicycle/pedestrian trail system extending from Stamford’s South End at the Long Island Sound, north to Scalzi Park.

“The City and my administration has worked diligently for nearly a decade to improve Mill River Park and transform the area into an enjoyable attraction for residents of all ages,” said Mayor David Martin. “The second phase of the Mill River Greenway Project will see a number of improvements, most notably an extensive pedestrian trail which will expand from Harbor Point to Scalzi Park.”

Previous improvements to Mill River Park have included the construction of extensive park facilities in the “central park” including a carousel, an ice skating rink/fountain, and the current construction of the Discovery Center.

The project outline defines “Mill River Greenway Phase 2” as a 12-foot wide, multi-use, lighted greenway along the Mill River, extending 2,300 feet from Green St. to the southern border of Scalzi. The second phase will also include, a pedestrian bridge, sidewalk reconstruction, native landscaping, and storm water management improvements.

The drainage improvements will capture school parking lot storm water and filter it via rain gardens and a vegetated swale before entering the river.

“I would like to offer my gratitude to our city’s officials who have played an integral role in getting this project off the ground, as well as the Board of Representatives and Board of Finance for giving us the final approval to proceed,” said Special Assistant for Long Term Projects Robin Stein.

The project area has already undergone several initial transformations, including the environmental restoration of the river and riparian corridor, and completed portions of the trail on both sides of Mill River. A continuation of the trail system south to I-95 will commence early next year, which an overall estimated cost of $2,592,000.

Construction is to be funded 80% by the Federal Highway Administration and 20% by the City of Stamford, respectively. The project is scheduled to be substantially completed by winter 2022-2023.

##