Peace Garden

2024 Greenspace Report

Established in 1988 by the City of New Haven Peace Commission, the West River Peace Garden became a symbol of peace when New Haven was named a Peace Messenger City by the United Nations in 1990. This designation recognized the city's commitment to fostering a culture of peace and made it one of the first cities globally to join the UN initiative. Among the garden’s memorial trees is a Ginkgo tree donated by the City of Hiroshima, notable for being one of the few saplings to survive the atomic bombings. This summer, the Friends of West River Peace Garden dedicated their efforts to enhancing the garden’s beauty. They weeded and mulched the garden beds, removed litter, revitalized the raised planters, and planted a variety of native perennial flowers to create a safe haven for local pollinators. The Peace Garden is a stunning refuge for reflection and relaxation, with its vibrant plantings creating a beautifully restored and inviting space that stands as a testament to the incredible efforts and dedication of the West River community.

2024 Accomplishments

• 39 perennials planted (Butterfly Weed, Aster, Phlox, Black Eyed Susans, Lavandar, Guac Hosta, Elegant Hosta, Yarrow, Coneflower, Coreopsis, Heuchera)
• 0.5 yards compost spread
• 1.0 yards mulch spread
• 9 events
• 6 volunteers
• 54 volunteer hours