Envisioning Wilson Park - Community Story Map
Windsor, CT
Welcome!
There is a new park coming to the Wilson Neighborhood and we want you to be a part of the planning process. This site will give you an overview of the potential park plans along with an opportunity to give your input by completing a short survey at the end. Thank you for taking the time to collaborate with us.
Situated just across Windsor Avenue from the former Roger Wolcott School exists a vacant grassy lot situated along the Deckers Brook.
Satellite Image of Deckers Brook Lot - Future Wilson Park Location
The community vision for the park aims to achieve four goals:
- Connect the people and places of Windsor
- Highlight the gateway to the Wilson Neighborhood
- Activate public space for individuals and families in the Wilson/Deerfield Neighborhood
- Complement the existing and future park network
This park vision features the intention for passive use. A central focus of this park is engaging community building by incorporating features such as gathering spaces, pavilions, food trucks, walking trails, and an entertainment space.
A View Looking North
Park Location: Intersection of Windsor Avenue and Deerfield Road, South of the on-ramp to Route 291. The property extends South to connect with East Barber Street.
A Birdseye View Looking South
Park Plan Overview
The Town of Windsor conducted a survey to members of the Wilson/Deerfield Advisory Committee in December 2020 to gather information about what type of amenities should be included in the design of the new Wilson Gateway Park.
The results of the survey showed that the most requested aspects for the new park were a family friendly park, a space for community gardens, and passive recreation such as walking space, gathering spaces, and a playground.
Conceptual development was based from orginal survey feedback.
Moving Forward
Preliminary planning efforts made by the town of Windsor incorporated this information into the first two draft plans for the park. These plans informed and inspired further design process during the summer of 2022 and evolved into the current conceptual plans discussed below.
Conceptual Plan A
Conceptual Plan A features a parking lot which efficiently uses the available space. The playground area, seating areas, community garden, and parking are clustered together on the north side of the park. The south side of the park is dedicated to larger community events and walking paths, offering direct circulation through the park. The overall design for this concept is a more modern design approach; the grand lawn is a linear shape with a diagonal desire path connecting from Windsor Avenue to the more "active" spaces.
Conceptual Plan B
Conceptual Plan B features a parking lot that can be expanded for larger community events. The playground area, seating areas, community garden, and parking are broken in designated spaces in the center of the park. The playground area is located centrally in the space near a pavilion and shaded areas. The grand lawn is a more traditional "town green" style open space with walking paths weaving throughout the park and bringing people into the space.
Park Concept Inspiration
Project Timeline
Summer 2022
Design Firm Selection and Conceptual Development
Fall 2022
Community Outreach and Feedback
September 24
Fall community block party engagement event (rain date Oct. 1)
Winter + Spring 2023
Conceptual Development and Design Finalization
Summer 2023
Anticipated Construction Kickoff
Summer 2024
Anticipated Park Completion
We encourage and thank you for your partcipation in this survey. It helps us to create a collaborative planning process.
