DANBURY – The Friends of Tarrywile Park Inc. (FOT), a nonprofit partner that supports grant applications and various fundraising efforts, was awarded a $63,026 Urban Green and Community Garden Grant to help restore the city park’s beauty through art, community, and biodiversity.
The largest municipally owned town park in the state, Tarrywile comprises 722 acres of publicly accessible open space, including 21 miles of multi-use trails, two ponds, a lake, woodlands, meadows, and fields. It also protects natural resources and watershed functions, supports wildlife habitat, and provides educational and volunteer programs. Additionally, Tarrywile Mansion and Hearthstone Castle, located on the acreage, are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
“I am deeply invested in Tarrywile Park’s preservation, stewardship, and future,” 5th Ward City Councilman Duane Perkins and Tarrywile Park chair of the board. “I work closely with community partners, volunteers, and stakeholders to advance projects and initiatives that benefit the park and the public it serves.”
According to Gov. Ned Lamont’s website, his administration has awarded multiple state grants in for a total of $14.3 million to aid in the purchase and protection of more than 2,270 acres of open space through 25 properties in 22 towns and cities in Connecticut. In addition, $725,353 was awarded to support the creation of six new community green spaces.
“Both Governor Lamont’s administration and the Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition/Urban Green and Community Garden Grant Programs increasingly recognize the value of parks and open spaces as critical community assets,” Perkins said. “Beyond the financial assistance, the grant serves as an endorsement of the project’s contribution to enhancing green space, community engagement, environmental education, and quality of life, while helping position the park for future partnerships and funding opportunities.”
The grant funds will be allocated to several potential initiatives, including the creation of a signature destination piece that also serves as a wayfinding landmark; assessment and selective tree removal to improve public safety, forest health, and ecological resilience; installation of fencing, shrub, and pollinator plantings; creation of Danbury’s first Monarch Butterfly Migration Runway and expansion of habitats for beneficial insects; procurement of a water collection system to support landscape management, sustainability, and environmental education; and addressing chronic drainage issues.
“These initiatives help preserve the park’s agricultural legacy while creating new opportunities for conservation, education, recreation, and community engagement,” said Susan Lauermann, President of Friends of Tarrywile Park. “As a property recognized on the National Register of Historic Places, this venue represents an important part of Danbury’s history, identity, and landscape.”
Farley Santos, economic & community development advisor to Danbury Mayor Roberto Alves, supported the grant application.
“Tarrywile is a true gem for all of New England,” Santos said. “As one of the largest municipal parks in the region, it’s critical that we invest in preserving and enhancing it for future generations,” said Santos. “As someone who strongly values environmental stewardship, I believe we have a responsibility to protect spaces like this. Beyond its natural beauty, Tarrywile plays an important role in recreation and serves as an economic asset for our city.”
According to Santos, Tarrywile represents the intersection of Danbury’s natural beauty and rich history. “It’s a point of pride for Danbury, a place where residents and visitors alike can connect with nature while also appreciating the history that shaped our community,” he said. “Tarrywile is a unique public-private partnership. While it is a municipal park, it’s operated and maintained by the Tarrywile Park Authority with support from the Friends of Tarrywile Park.
He added that the park relies heavily on a combination of private support, grants, and some public funding. He said partnerships like this are essential to ensuring the park continues to thrive without placing the full burden on taxpayers.
He believes Tarrywile has a big economic impact on the city.
“It draws visitors from across the region for hiking, events, and weddings, which in turn supports local businesses from restaurants to retail,” he added. “Quality of life amenities like Tarrywile also make Danbury more attractive to families and businesses looking to relocate. Investing in spaces like this isn’t just about preservation; it’s about strengthening our local economy and enhancing the overall vitality of our city.”
For 2026-2027, the city funds Tarrywile to the tune of $275,000.
“Having Farley Santos and state Senator Julie Kushner advocate for the park is important,” Perkins said. “Their support helps raise awareness of the park’s significance, communicate local and regional benefits, and demonstrate that the project has broad community and governmental backing.”
Perkins is grateful Tarrywile continues to be recognized as an important site in Danbury. “The award represents validation of the collective efforts of the board, staff, volunteers, community partners, and supporters who contributed their time,” Perkins added. “It also reflects the value of Tarrywile Park itself and the importance of continuing to invest in its future on behalf of the community.”
