On the Waterfront -- Cos Cob Park Finally Opens

All good things take time. And the new Cos Cob Park on Sound Shore Drive, opposite the Cos Cob train station is a prime example.

The nine-acre respite on Cos Cob Harbor has been in the making for decades as the town transformed the site of the former Cos Cob power plant that provided power to the Metro-North Railroad. On Thursday, as fog and rain settled over the site, town officials officially opened the park that offers passive and active recreational amenities to the public.

Deputy Public Works Commissioner David Thompson provided a history of the project to the 75 or so people huddled in the open air pavillion set atop a series of knolls. In 2001 the 16-member Selectman’s Cos Cob Power Plant Site Planning Committee developed the conceptual proposal for a large general purpose playing field, a natural area with a meadow, paths, trails and picnic area.

“They came up with a vision of this park should be — unanimously. This is a truly magnificently functional waterfront park we deserve to celebrate,” Thompson said.

After the power plant building was demolished, the town had to cap any contaminated soil. Thompson said there is a four-foot thick layer of soil on the entire site. In addition to the 360-foot by 215-foot synthetic turf field, there is a playground with two separate area for children age 2 to 5 and 5 to 12 years of age. There also is a patio area with stadium-like seating on the water’s edge and a picnic area.

The park landscape is decorated with 169 shade and ornamental trees, 192 evergreens and nearly 3,400 shrubs and perennials. The official opening and ribbon cutting ceremony was delayed by three weeks because of the unrelenting series of snowstorms.

Parks and Recreation Director Joseph Siciliano said, “This is a great addition to the parks system we have. We kind of refer to Greenwich Point as the jewel of the parks system. I think this is genuinely up there as well.”

James Michel, the DPW’s chief engineer, said accessibility to the park is key and is evident with the new sidewalk system that was built last year leading from the train station to the park. While there is parking for about 100 vehicles, overflow parking will be available at the train station.

Long-time park proponent Peter Berg of the Cos Cob Neighborhood Association said, “This is one great addition for the town. Speaking for the Cos Cob Neighborhood Association, We’re really excited.” He said that he hoped that youths from throughout town would take advantage of the facility and playing field. It’s just a minute from Riverside, three minutes from Old Greenwich by train. Or if they’re downtown, they can jump on a trains and it’s one stop.”

DPW Commissioner Amy Siebert said the project was one that her staff enjoyed working on. “Usually what we work on is buried underground and nobody cares about it. Instead of sidewalks and storm drains we have a nice place to work, to have a sandwich, to play,” Siebert said.

Siciliano said the park gates have automatic timers that will open daily to allow early morning walkers access. Another good thing about the park, the resident or guest park passes required to access the town’s other waterfront parks won’t be necessary, Siciliano said. Use of the playing field will be by reservation and primarily used by various athletic leagues in town.

There is one project at the park that will begin this spring — the town’s September 11 memorial. A pair of glass towers that will include the names of those with Greenwich ties who were killed in the terrorist attacks will be erected on the grassy knolls near the pavillion. The project is expected to be completed in time for the Sept. 11 anniversary, Siciliano said.

While strolling along the nearly mile long path the rings the park, First Selectman Peter Tesei said, “I have a feeling that the pavillion will become the hot spot for weddings.”

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Photos: First Selectman Peter Tesei cuts the ribbon; various scenes throughout the park; a series of aerial photos showing the transformation of the site. Credit: Barbara Heins.

*Editor’s note: this story has been updated to correct the name and title of James Michel, chief engineer for the Department of Public Works.