2009 Report for Lenzi Park

Neighborhood:

Wooster Square

Type of Site:

Park Friends

Address:

Corner of St. Johns and Jefferson Sts., New Haven, CT

Coordinates for Map

POINT (-72.9159428 41.3067051)

Year

2009

Number of volunteers

10

Total volunteer hours

39

Number of events

7

Summary

Lenzi Park is a large open park located off of Grand Avenue on the outskirts of the Wooster Square neighborhood. The park features several beds planted with native species of shrubs and evergreens such as cedar, as well as perennials such as bee balm, all of which reflect the group's commitment to native plantings. Oak and cherry trees were planted throughout the park along a meandering path. These trees provide shade over benches lining the path. One of the most impressive features of the park is a mural that was sketched by the late Mr. Ohly, and painted by teenagers from Project Apoyo. This work of art, which was made possible with a donation of paint and supplies from a local hardware store, spans the entire back wall of the Project Apoyo building. Because of the wide open design of the park, many use the space to exercise their dogs, sit quietly, meet friends, and simply enjoy its natural beauty. This was the Friends of Lenzi Park's Eighth year in the program and fourth year as an emeritus group. Over the years the group has been working hard to maintain the park, located on the corner of Jefferson and John Sts. in the Wooster Square neighborhood in New Haven. The park was named for Joseph Lenzi, a World War II veteran who grew up in the neighborhood. Since the park is well-established and beautiful, the group has shifted its focus to community-building and outreach as well as maintenance of the park. Some of the challenges for the group include invasive species overtaking perennial beds, and the accidental weed-wacking of several black-eyed susans planted in large beds peppered throughout the park. A long time challenge for the group has been the prevalence of criminal activity in the corner of the park hidden by vines from the neighboring property as well as a thicket of previously planted shrub roses. This was addressed this year with a serious pruning up of the shrubs in this corner.

Other activity

We spread about 5 yards of Parks and Recreation wood chips