Last updated: March 2, 2022
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Facilitating a Collaborative Process for the Naugatuck River Greenway
Just 30 years ago, Connecticut’s Naugatuck River was so badly riddled with decades of chemical, industrial and physical waste that the river was declared “dead” − void of any living organism. After many years of restoration efforts by communities along its banks, the river has become a centerpiece of the state’s recreation, transportation, economic development and riparian habitat.
Eleven towns, spanning along 44 miles of the Naugatuck River from Torrington to Derby, had visions of recreation opportunities along the water. In 2012, the communities invited the National Park Service - Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance program (NPS-RTCA) to help them organize their efforts to create a greenway through all 11 towns on the restored river corridor.
The greenway project, set to be completed in 2030, is a massive undertaking, and one that requires incredible collaboration. NPS-RTCA has been assisting with coordination efforts, creating the Naugatuck River Greenway Steering Committee, organizing partners and rallying communities to the river with a major bicycling event and promotional materials. Town by town, the greenway is reuniting residents with the river and giving the communities new life.