Park Association – 75^th Anniversary May 16, 2004

When my husband and I moved to Connecticut several years ago, we knew it would allow us to live closer to family. But we never dreamed that it would allow us to live in a community with numerous woodland trails within a few minutes of our home.

Think about it – Woodbridge, like such neighboring towns as West Haven and Hamden, shares a border with New Haven. Yet Woodbridge has retained much more if its historic charm. How was this possible? It was possible thanks to the forethought of Town leaders and residents of the 1920s and 1930s. Back then, even before World War II and the post-war industrial age, Woodbridge residents planned ahead and took steps to preserve our Town’s heritage. In that pre-War timeframe, they adopted a minimum 1.5 acre lot size. And they developed and nurtured the Alice Newton Street Memorial Park.

The Park lies at the heart of our Town. This central location is fitting, for dedication to open space and natural beauty lies at the heart of our Town’s character. Thanks to the Park Association, you can visit Town Hall, pay your taxes or pick up a landfill permit, and then stroll into the Park for a lovely walk to Wepawaug Falls. The numerous trails within the Park offer many alternate routes, so you can walk in the Park regularly and enjoy many different views and pathways. The treasure that is the Park lies at the heart of our Town, both literally and figuratively.

It is my honor and pleasure to represent all Woodbridge residents in this celebration of the Park Association’s 75^th Year. Woodbridge residents owe much to the Park’s founders, and to the many residents who have kept it strong for 75 years. With you, I look forward to the Park Association’s next 75 years in service to our community’s character.