Thanks to the generosity of the community, volunteer efforts, and a significant state grant, Friends of Tarrywile Park is celebrating a season of progress and possibility for Danbury's beloved park. The organization has recently completed several impactful projects throughout the park, including:

• Installation of new birdhouses ($210)
• Extensive bridge repairs ($13,280)
• New plantings in the butterfly garden ($1,400)
• Replacement of park trash cans ($4,628)
• New trash can signage ($255)

“These projects may seem simple, but they make a real impact. Every donation, every volunteer hour helps keep this park clean, safe, and beautiful," said Susan Lauermann, Chair of Friends of Tarrywile Park. "We're so grateful to the community for stepping up in so many ways.”

Even more exciting is the news that the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) has awarded a $63,026 grant to Friends of Tarrywile Park through its Urban Green and Community Gardens Grant Program (UGCG). The funded project,

"Restoring Tarrywile Park's Beauty through Art, Community, and Biodiversity,"was developed and submitted in collaboration with Tarrywile Park Authority member and City Councilmember Duane Perkins, who spearheaded the effort. This grant will support the construction of a new community garden and improved green spaces within Tarrywile Park. Planned improvements include new seating, a public art installation, fencing, bioswales, and rain barrels to provide water for the new gardens, making the park more beautiful, sustainable, and welcoming to all.

“It’s always a win for our community when we proactively secure funding to reinvest in and reimagine the future of Tarrywile Park,” said Mayor Roberto Alves. “This isn’t just about preserving its natural beauty; it’s about creating welcoming, vibrant spaces where residents and visitors can connect with nature in meaningful, lasting ways. The Friends of Tarrywile Park securing this grant is a great example of how we can seize opportunities to strengthen Danbury's green spaces and overall quality of life.”

Mark Nolan, treasurer of Friends of Tarrywile Park added, “We're incredibly proud to receive this DEEP grant and grateful to Duane Perkins for his vision and dedication. His leadership was instrumental in securing this funding, and this project is going to have along-lasting impact on the community and the park itself.”

The Friends of Tarrywile Park is a volunteer-run 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the preservation and improvement of Tarrywile Park for generations to come. Through ongoing collaboration with the Tarrywile Park Authority, the group has been able to fund and execute meaningful upgrades across the park.

Next up, Friends of Tarrywile Park is turning its attention to a transformative project: converting the historic Milking Parlor into a new Volunteer Center. This future hub will support park programming, community events, and volunteer coordination.

“Tarrywile is used and loved by people from every corner of Danbury’s diverse community,” said Renato Ghio, vice chair of the Friends of Tarrywile Park. “We’d love to see that same beautiful diversity reflected in our volunteer team. Your donations and your time make the difference. Join us to build something special together.”

To support the new Volunteer Center, visit friendsoftarrywilepark.org, or send donations

to:

Friends of Tarrywile Park

70 Southern Blvd.

Danbury, CT 06810

For more information or to get involved, visit friendsoftarrywilepark.org.