Waterbury, CT– Hayden Park, long underutilized and known for illicit activity after dark, is set to receive a major facelift thanks to a restoration initiative led by the Waterbury Development Corporation (WDC).

Jim Nardozzi of WDC Waterbury shared details of the ambitious plans, which include:

• Cleaning the entire park area and removing dead trees and stumps while saving healthy trees.
• Repairing the retaining wall along Grove Street, with plans to extend improvements to the corner of Center and Grove Street.
• Repaving walking paths for safer, more accessible use.
• Installing new park lighting, including security lights and cameras.
• Restoring the iconic steps leading into the park.

The project received the green light at Monday’s Board of Aldermen meeting, allowing WDC to submit paperwork for a matching grant through the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP). The grant, totaling $729,000, would fund this essential restoration.

If all goes according to plan and there are no roadblocks, WDC estimates the project could be completed by September 2026.

Learn the History of Hayden Park here…

Community leaders emphasize that the beautification of Hayden Park will improve the quality of life for residents in the Willow, Hillside, and Grove sections of Waterbury. By transforming the park into a safe, inviting space, the restoration aims to reduce illegal and illicit activities that have plagued the area, especially after dark.

The Waterbury Times will continue following the development of this project and provide updates as restoration progresses.