The US Army Corps of Engineers began work on a project to return the Mill River to a healthy, viable, and self-maintaining river system. This habitat restoration project revolved around the removal of a dam to restore the aquatic and riparian resources of the river, restore anadromous fish passage, improve aquatic diversity and health in the river, reduce sedimentation in the river, restore the water quality to support fisheries, restore the wetland habitat, and improve recreational access that protects the habitat. Along with the Army Corps’ work on this river habitat restoration project, the City of Stamford planned a world-class urban park on the banks of the Mill River, where local residents can interact with nature and enjoy active and passive recreation.
Since 2005, Nitsch has worked with the project team to enhance the Army Corps’ work with the development of the Master Design Plan for the Mill River Park and Greenway. The first phase of the project involved designing a park at the upper end of the river. We provided utility design; analyzed strategies for low-impact development of the park; and assisted in the development of the open space programming of the site. The second phase of the project involved designing park spaces in the middle corridor of the river, with the addition of a continuous pedestrian pathway along the river, a new playground and splash pad, and bocce courts and horseshoe pits. We provided utility design; drainage improvements to support the landscape improvements; and analyzed strategies for low-impact development of the park.
Key Collaborators
Owner: City of Stamford
Landscape Architect: OLIN
Irrigation Consultant: Northern Designs LLC
