Edgerton Park

Formerly the Brewster Estate, the 25 acres of Edgerton Park were bequeathed to the city of New Haven upon the death of industrialist Frederick Brewster’s widow, Margeret Fitch Brewster, in 1963. In his will, Brewster stipulated the estate’s main house be demolished and the land be used as a public park.¹ Within the twelve foot-high traprock wall that encloses Edgerton Park stand some features of the original estate: the greenhouses, gatehouse, carriage house, bridge, and garage (built later than the other structures). The greenhouses are still in use by G.R.O.W.E.R.S., Inc., a program that offers vocational training to adults with disabilities.² The Edgerton Community Garden (which formerly serviced the estate’s kitchens) operates a plot rental system to community members. The park also hosts annual events including Shakespeare at the Park, the Connecticut Folk Festival and Green Expo, and the Bonsai Society’s Bonsai Exhibition. A large, sloping green is overlooked by the Brewster Fountain (built 1991), from where East Rock can be seen punctuating the skyline.