Community Corner
Henkel To Establish 'Welcoming Garden' At Stamford's Mill River Park
Henkel and Mill River Park Collaborative have partnered since 2021 to provide children with programming through Henkel Researchers' World.

Information via Henkel North America
STAMFORD, CT — Henkel, the leading manufacturer of well-known consumer and industrial brands which has its Consumer Brands North America headquarters based in Stamford, has announced the establishment of the "Henkel Welcoming Garden" in Mill River Park.
Since 2021, Henkel and Mill River Park Collaborative, the nonprofit dedicated to creating and sustaining the park, have partnered to provide children with programming through Henkel Researchers’ World, a global education initiative designed to ignite a passion for science.
Find out what's happening in Stamfordfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
To date, Henkel has reached over 7,000 children in the greater Stamford area through its dedicated classroom in the Whittingham Discovery Center in Mill River Park, including 4th grade classes in the city.
In addition to Henkel Researchers World, the company’s support of the park encompasses employee volunteerism and other programs throughout the year.
Find out what's happening in Stamfordfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
In celebration of the ongoing partnership, the park’s four-season garden on the corner of Washington Boulevard and Broad Street will now be known as the Henkel Welcoming Garden.
The location features high visibility for both pedestrian and vehicular traffic and will serve as a base for Henkel volunteer outings in the future.
"We are thrilled to deepen our partnership with Mill River Park Collaborative through the unveiling of the Henkel Welcoming Garden," said Phil Schaffer, corporate senior vice president Henkel Consumer Brands, North America, in an announcement. "Henkel employees regularly enjoy volunteer activities such as planting bulbs or park cleanup and beautification, and bring their friends and family to enjoy the beautiful spaces and exciting activities that the park has to offer. Henkel is a proud member of the Stamford community, and we appreciate the opportunity to show support and gratitude to our local partners and neighbors now and for many years to come."
Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons said Henkel "has a history of supporting the city of Stamford, its residents, and other businesses and community organizations that operate here."
"The Henkel Welcoming Garden will be a wonderful addition to Mill River Park, offering a vibrant and beautiful space for residents and visitors to enjoy, and we are grateful for Henkel’s ongoing investment in our community," Simmons added.
Chairman of the Board at Mill River Park Collaborative, Arnold M. Karp, said the nonprofit is "excited" to establish the garden.
"Henkel’s partnership has been paramount in continuing to achieve our mission of connecting people with nature and providing equitable opportunities for children and families to learn and experience everything the park has to offer. We look forward to hosting Henkel employees and volunteers in the Welcoming Garden and throughout the park in 2025 and beyond," Karp said.
To learn more about Henkel Researchers’ World and its curriculum and partnership with the Mill River Park Collaborative, visit henkel-researchers-world.com and millriverpark.org.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.