Station District
Elevated urban trail between South Norwalk station and Hemlock Place
School district
Leafy, tree-lined trail connecting directly to the new South Norwalk School
Coastal District
A revolutionary pedestrian and cyclist connection between Wilson Ave, Woodward Ave and Manresa Island, via new marshland boardwalk
Station District
Our journey begins at South Norwalk station, where the historic railway line curved away from the mainline and headed south. Today, the only clue left is a triangular shaped piece of land which housed the railway junction. We propose repurposing this current CTDOT storage site into a public plaza, New Station Square, that seamlessly integrates the start of the trail with the station, the platform and the public realm.
After crossing over Mulvoy St on a bridge, and running along an elevated, tree-lined berm, the trail descends and weaves its way through the 57 Chestnut campus, home to local institutions such as Spacecat Brewery.
Station Square (current conditions)
Station Square (future concept)
Station Square (future concept)
Potential location of future bridge
Bridge concept
Example trail from Chicago
School District
After leaving the 57 Chestnut Campus, the trail makes a beeline for the new South Norwalk School. The trailbed here is flat and flanked by mature trees either side. The trail offers an invaluable alternative to the busy streets for young kids as they make their way to school.
Halfway along the trail widens as it meets South Main St. It is here we propose a new public park, Triangle Park, housing neighborhood amenities such as picnic areas, playgrounds and a basketball court.
Current conditions
Future concept
Example park from Kirkland, WA
Current conditions
Future concept
Future concept
Coastal District
The trail continues along Wilson Ave for a short distance before turning left and heading toward the water. The route here isn’t finalized, but opportunities exist to provide easy access to SoNo Ice House and 314 Beer Garden.
The trail elevates up onto a boardwalk over the tidal marshland, connecting up with Woodward Ave Park. Whilst these places are less than a few hundred feet apart as the crow flies, it takes almost half an hour by foot walking along dusty, polluted streets. For the first time we will link up both sides of this part of town - bringing easier journeys for all, better access to parks and green space and new business opportunities.
After Woodward Ave Park, the trail continues for a short distance along Longshore Ave before terminating at the new Manresa Island Park. (Don’t forget to say hi to the local deer.)