Friends and supporters of the Waveny Park Conservancy gathered Thursday evening in the Parterre Garden for the Conservancy’s annual donor appreciation event. The event also celebrated the official unveiling of the new Garden Gate and Waveny’s first two permanent sculptures, known as Benchmarks.
The unveiling of the new ADA-compliant entrance marks a significant transformation of the former service area. This improvement conceals the dumpsters and service area mechanicals on the side of the Waveny House while adding a touch of elegance with a new wall, patio, and plantings. The two new benches on the patio, crafted from wood from the old oak tree that stood above the pond, serve as a beautiful reminder of the Park’s history. Michelle Crookenden, Executive Director of the Conservancy, expressed how the new gate connects the recently restored peony walkway, the Eberle Fountain, the Parterre Garden, and beyond. She highlighted how the productive partnerships with the Town of New Canaan and the New Canaan Garden Club ensure the area looks outstanding for everyone’s enjoyment.
Guests also celebrated the unveiling of two large sculptural benches, Crossways and Arbor, planned to be part of a larger Benchmark series which will feature up to five related sculptures. The two generous sponsors, Carole Clarkson (Jeniam Foundation) and Bob Seelert (Seelert Foundation), noted for their vision and commitment to Waveny, cut ceremonial ribbons to much applause. The Conservancy announced that a third sculpture has been commissioned and is scheduled to arrive in the fall.
Waveny Park, with its spectacular meadows, is now part of the town’s Pollinator Pathway and the GreenLink Trail program. Looking forward, the Conservancy plans to remove invasive species in the woodlands bordering Jeniam Meadow while progressing towards a detailed design phase to improve the Merritt Trail.
Waveny Park Conservancy relies on private donations to receive Town funding. To donate, please visit www.wavenyparkconservancy.org/support.
For further information please contact Michelle Crookenden, Executive Director, Email: execdirector@wavenyparkconservancy.org Tel: (203) 594-3613
