Dover Beach Park

Volunteer Leader(s):

Pat Bissell

Christel Manning

David Shimchick

Neighborhood: Fair Haven

Type of Site: Park Friends

Address: 2 Lombard, New Haven, CT

Intern(s):

Charlie Edwards (2025)

Yvonne Trenh (2024)

Roan Hollander (2023)

Molly Johnson (2022)

Chris DeFiore (2021)

Photo Gallery

Jasmine showing the kids how to shovel the mulch!

2024 Greenspace Report

Dover Beach Park is a picturesque retreat with stunning views of the marshes along the Quinnipiac River. With its inviting benches, ample shade, scenic vistas, playground, and splash pad, the park has become a beloved gathering spot for the community—a perfect escape into nature, especially on hot summer days. This summer, longtime dedicated volunteers Christel and Joyce made remarkable progress in stewarding the urban oasis near the bridge and the Children's Butterfly Garden by the playgrounds. They tirelessly removed countless invasive species that had crept in, transforming the newly cleared spaces with vibrant, colorful perennials, and carefully mulching these natural spots to enhance their beauty and vitality. Their hard work has ensured that Dover Beach Park remains a welcoming and lively greenspace for all to enjoy.

2024 Accomplishments

21 perennials planted (7 agastashes, 7 coral bells, 3 native asters, 2 butterfly weeds, 1 cheyanne spirit echinacea, 1 black-eyed susan)
1.5 yards mulch spread
9 events
5 volunteers
43 volunteer hours

Greenspace Log

07/03/2024

Although I was away this week, the volunteers at Dover Beach Park were exceptionally productive! Coordinated by another URI intern, Jasmine, they were joined by the energetic Common Ground student workers and successfully moved a large pile of mulch into the heart of the urban oasis. On top of that, two small but mighty kids joined the team to learn about and help with the work. This was an epic and joyful collaboration, showcasing the incredible spirit of teamwork and community!

Maintenance

06/27/2024

It was a blazing morning, but the large trees above provided ample canopy for those who sought it. We welcomed Caleb, a new volunteer, who was excited to join us. He was impressed by the sanctuary-like area within the urban oasis and amazed by the care we put into the park. Joyce and Christel were hard at work pulling mugwort in the back, while Caleb was tasked with pruning parts of the elm tree that looked a little hazardous. Together, Caleb and I pruned a catalpa tree, ensuring its branches wouldn't interfere with the small path within the oasis. Between a mulberry tree and the large elm tree stood a small growing catalpa that Christel decided to remove due to space constraints. Caleb also spotted a baby oak tree in the back under the bridge, which we transplanted to a sunnier spot. Join us next time to continue making this urban oasis a beautiful sanctuary!

Maintenance

06/20/2024

It was a very hot and humid morning, but Christel and Joyce were excited to start working on the urban oasis! As we rolled our wheelbarrow of tools into the park, we bumped into Aaron, who joined us this week. Aaron also leads a greenspace site at the Peace Garden! While Christel pruned the grass and shrubs, clearing a path, Joyce and I pulled pockets and pockets of mugwort, leaving our native goldenrod and milkweed. Aaron liberated a Catalpa tree from countless choking vines. By the end of the workday, the trail was much more distinct, and there was a lot of new space inside the oasis to welcome new plants. As I was about to drive off, I spotted a Maryland Terrapin turtle crossing the road into a parking lot. I called Christel over, and together we carried the terrapin turtle back to the shore of the river, where it quickly waddled back into the water. It was so very cute! Join us next Thursday morning from 9 am to 11 am to bring some love to the park!

Maintenance

Urban Resources Initiative

Main menu

Programs

Dover Beach Park

Photo Gallery

2024 Greenspace Report

2024 Accomplishments

Annual Reports

Greenspace Log