If you’re relatively new to Westport, you’ve never heard of “Needle Park.”
If you grew up here, you know exactly where it was.
For decades, when the library was located on the Post Road between Main Street and Parker Harding Plaza — think Freshii and Starbucks today — it included a small outdoor gathering spot at the Post Road/Main Street corner.
With trees, bushes and benches, it may or may not have had an official name. It was a pleasant place to sit, hang out, people-watch, read or play guitar, and a perfect place for protests (Vietnam War, Nixon, you name it).
But because (supposedly) it was also a place to use and sell drugs, generations of Westporters called it “Needle Park.”
The Library owned the property. A deed ensured that it would remain open space in perpetuity. Indeed.
Sometime after the library left, and commercial real estate took over, the park turned into a concrete block. It’s now the entrance to the Pop’TArt gallery (which bears no blame for its current state; they inherited it).
All that remains are memories. Plus a sign — “Deeded Open Space. The public is welcome to this park and terrace” — which was last week’s Photo Challenge (click here to see).
And which Pat Saviano, Lynn Untermeyer Miller, Dick Lowenstein and Morley Boyd all identified correctly.
Coincidentally, the tiny park was spruced up on Friday by the Westport Garden Club. It’s part of their #FridayFlowers campaign. Members promise to keep the pots — there are 2 — spruced up throughout summer.
(Photo/Topsy Siderowf)
This week’s Photo Challenge is a gorgeous one, by Mary Sikorski. If you know where in Westport you’d see this, click “Comments” below.
(Photo/Mary Sikorski)
Is this the small public park on Morningside near Tierney Lane?
Fred that would be Hilla von Rebay Preserve
Sherwood Island Sate Park?
Haskins Park (off Green Acres Rd) ?
Sherwood Island State Park?
Windsor Park?
With regard to the other pic posted – LOVE LOVE LOVE the Westport Garden Club’s FRIDAY FLOWERS CAMPAIGN ! ! ! Can we all pitch in . . . ?
Absolutely! Post your own display to either Instagram or Facebook- tag #FridayFlowers and if you want WGC to share- tag @westportctgardenclub on Insta and @westportgradenclub on Facebook. Thank you for your comment!
Older Greens Farms cemetery near connector?
The allee of trees leading to the once Sherwood Mansion at Sherwood Park.
Looks like the entrance to Haskins preserve on Green Acre Lane.
I say Sherwood Island heading towards othe old mill side
This is the entrance to the Sherwood family farm, at Sherwood Island State Park. Well done, Susan, Andrew, Nancy and Rich. You know your onions!
Deserved nickname. Across the street was at least one, I think two, rehab places on second floors.
I think Maureen O’Driscoll is right. Greens farms cemetery.
Sherwood island state park
Haskins nature preserve
Sherwood Island Park; tree-lined “drive” to old mansion.
The Westport Downtown Merchants Association was thrilled to partner with the Westport Garden Club on the Main Street bump outs and street planters. We continue to underwrite the lamp post baskets and our young crew of maintenance workers will be watering all throughout the summer.
Sherwood Island!
This is Sherwood Island State Park – the wood railroad ties and all. Thanks for the image Mary