Greenwich's Oldest Park Nominated For 'Best City Park' In The U.S.

GREENWICH, CT — One of Greenwich's crown jewel properties, Bruce Park, has once again been nominated for "Best City Parks 2026" by USA Today and their 10Best Readers' Choice Awards.

An expert panel has nominated its top parks, and now residents can vote once per day until polls close on April 6 at noon. The 10 winning parks will be announced on April 15.

"City parks provide space to connect with nature and the community, and the best of them offer a variety of activities and attractions for residents and visitors, from playgrounds and community gardens to amphitheaters and live performances," USA Today's 10Best says on its website. "We're celebrating these verdant havens by looking for the best city parks across the United States."

Robert Moffat Bruce, a cotton magnate and philanthropist, donated his home, which is now the Bruce Museum, and 100 acres to the town of Greenwich in 1908, making the property the town's oldest public park.

The park includes sports and athletic fields, tennis courts, walking paths, ponds and waterways, and scenic views of Long Island Sound. It also features a popular playground for families, and has been the home for various cookouts, events and charity races.

"In Greenwich, we are blessed with so many treasures, one of which is certainly Bruce Park. To have it nominated annually as one of the best parks in the country is a testament to not only the natural beauty that is Bruce Park, but also to the members of the Parks and Recreation department that maintain this jewel," First Selectman Fred Camillo told Patch.

"I hope everybody takes time to go online and cast their vote for my favorite park!"

In 2024, Bruce Park was granted historic property designation.

The designation helps maintain the historic nature of the park and protect it against future development.

Any future change to a "contributing structure or factor" on the 48-acre property must receive a certificate of appropriateness from the Greenwich Historic District Commission (HDC).

From 1908 to 1958, the park was established and its major physical features were constructed, which included ponds, roadways and recreational facilities. In those years, Greenwich added granite curbstones and various plantings to enhance the visual appeal of the property.

"This 60-acre park in Greenwich offers a variety of activities, plus a scenic view of the Long Island Sound. Walkers and joggers will enjoy the marked and measured trail, and ponds and wooded areas offer visitors a peaceful getaway," USA Today's 10Best says of the park. "Tennis courts, horseshoe pits, a croquet court, a baseball diamond, and playgrounds are available for the athletically inclined, and picnic areas are equipped with tables and grills. Visit the hilltop gazebo, or pick a bench to sit, read, and meditate in the beautiful surroundings."

To view all nominees and vote, click here.