This project has the potential to be a game-changer for the region’s cultural landscape,
attracting tourists, boosting the local economy, and creating job opportunities.
Lyman Allyn Park will produce a dramatic change in the landscape of New London by creating a 12-acre, freely accessible urban park that will serve as a cultural and educational resource for the City of New London and the surrounding region.
Stroll on safely lit walkways throughout the Park among mature trees, themed gardens, and a variety of delights. Visitors will discover the Park to be a welcoming community gathering space with an open-air theater, the contemplative McCourt 9/11 Memorial Garden, an ecologically effective pond filtrating runoff water, and an engaging array of outdoor sculptures. An expansive Great Lawn will accentuate the entrance experience into the Museum.
Lyman Allyn Park is for everyone. We welcome the thousands who visit our region each year, with a special embrace of the residents of New London, many of whom have not considered the Museum their home, taken advantage of year-round free admission, or enjoyed the positive benefits of our expansive campus nearby the city’s neighborhoods.
We want to do more to unstack the deck in our region by adding a variety of opportunities for traditionally marginalized communities who have been ignored or denied the many positive outcomes of parks and greenspaces, such as improved mental and physical health, accessible spaces for recreation, and greater community connectedness.
Economic and Community Vitality
The Park will add to community vibrancy, which improves so many aspects of life including economic outcomes for our region.
An open-air theater and outdoor stage with seating capacity for 250 will serve as a community gathering place for visitors to enjoy music, plays and other cultural events that will regularly feature New London-based performance groups. These events will bring additional excitement to the region and help to sustain the Museum.
Improved Well-being and Environmental Sustainability
Greenspaces are associated with good health, longer life expectancy, better cognitive functioning, fewer mental health problems, and with healthier babies.
The scenic pond and cascade will filter nonpoint source runoff water and benefit the ecology of Long Island Sound, while offering educational opportunities to understand the role each of us and green infrastructure can play in environmental sustainability.
Participation in the Arts
Outdoor sculpture installations and open-air performances will attract and encourage participation in the arts, which has been shown to inspire creativity, empathy, increased cultural engagement, and a healthier civic society.
Themed sculpture gardens will offer artistic enrichment for all visitors, and an installation featuring work by New London artists will reinforce the unique cultural character of our city and emphasize that this park is a space for residents to enjoy.