Greenwich High School Putnam Park Project:

(Potential Project Under Consideration)

Transforming Six Acres of GHS into a Serene Oasis

Located at the entrance to Greenwich High School, the goal of the Putnam Park Project is to transform six acres of overgrown land into a vibrant natural park with paths and an outdoor gathering area.

This revitalized space will reveal a stream and waterfall that have been hidden by invasive species, providing a tranquil setting primarily for the 2,700 students at Greenwich High School, the second largest high school in Connecticut, which serves the entire town.

Visible to the 20,000 people who pass by daily, this project creates a new landmark at the intersection of Hillside Rd. and E. Putnam Avenue, benefiting the students while also enhancing the scenic appeal of Greenwich, a town of 65,518 residents.

Teen Benefits (Teen Wellness is the Focus Area of the Junior League of Greenwich)

1. Opportunity for interdisciplinary learning and student engagement 
2. Improved Mental Health:
   • Green (trees/plants) and blue spaces (water features) reduce anxiety, depression, and stress in teens, promoting emotional well-being and cognitive development (earlylearningnation.com) (theguardian.com).
3. Enhanced Academic Outcomes:
   • Students with views of green spaces tend to perform better academically, showing higher test scores and graduation rates (uwsp.edu) (ehp.niehs.nih.gov).
4. Healthier Behaviors:
   • Green spaces are linked to lower substance use among teens and encourage physical activity, contributing to overall well-being (ehp.niehs.nih.gov) (en.wikipedia.org).

Community Benefits

• Beautifies the entrance to Greenwich High School, creating a visually appealing landmark for the town.
• Provides public trails and green spaces accessible outside of school hours.
• Encourages community engagement and environmental appreciation among the 20,000 people who pass by daily.

Junior League Plan

The Junior League of Greenwich has launched a task force to evaluate the feasibility of the Greenwich High School Putnam Park Project.

The committee is actively working to select a landscape architect with expertise in environmental remediation, historic preservation, and cultural research, and a proven track record of designing extraordinary spaces. Members are also consulting with key stakeholders, including the Town of Greenwich and the School Board, to develop a clear and actionable plan. They are also building partnerships and securing support from Greenwich organizations.

The goal is to determine if the project can move forward with full backing and a well-defined roadmap. If deemed feasible and supported, the task force will present the project to Junior League Membership by June 30th for adoption. If approved by membership  the Junior League will launch fundraising and project management efforts.