Stamford Senior Center Gives Cove Island Bridge A Makeover

STAMFORD, CT — Cove Island Park is one of Stamford's crown jewels, but the concrete bridge at the entrance of the park had become dirty and dreary.

But thanks to a project spearheaded by the Stamford Senior Center, the bridge will receive a much-needed makeover.

Led by Rene Soto, an award-winning artist and Senior Center art director, a team of seniors will transform the bridge into a "Welcome Bridge," complete with a painted design of flowing water and small flowers.

The idea to paint the bridge started with award-winning writer and speaker on anxiety and self-compassion, Laurie Newkirk.

"Walking across the bridge with my friend James Gerelli, I was truly struck by the uplifting beauty of the park, but the dirty bridge seemed so out of place and created a negative feel," she said in a news release. "I felt it should be painted with something invoking kindness and lift a person’s spirits."

Gerelli, a corporate executive, partnered with Newkirk.

"I suggested to her, we don’t just talk about it, we do something about it. And when I asked her who should paint the bridge, she didn’t hesitate: ‘seniors,'" Gerelli said in a news release.

"Our culture needs to do more to embrace and value our seniors," added Newkirk, who reached out to Executive Director of the Stamford Senior Center Christina Crain.

"It was amazing because we have an active art program at the center, and Rene and I had literally just been talking about looking for a place to do a mural," said Crain in a news release. "The seniors are excited about it and everyone has been super supportive and helpful."

The project has received a Neighborhood Community Grant funded by the city of Stamford, the majority of the paint has been donated by McDermott Paint & Wallpaper and the power washing was donated by Raphael’s Services, LLC.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony of the finished painted bridge at Cove Island Park is scheduled for Aug. 2 at 10 a.m. Mayor Caroline Simmons is expected to be in attendance, and the public is invited to celebrate the community seniors.

For more information about the Stamford Senior Center call 203-977-5151 or click here.