Connecticut’s 2024-2029 Outdoor Recreation Goal Number 1: “provide equitable and sustainable access to outdoor recreation in Connecticut.”

Bridging the Nature Gap in Connecticut

Connecticut is among the states with the highest percentage of people of color living in nature-deprived areas, according to the Center for American Progress’s 2020 report, The Nature Gap. The preservation of the Lake Success site offers a critical opportunity to address this issue by expanding access to natural spaces.

The Largest Urban Open Space in New England

This 419-acre site may be the largest forested, undeveloped open space in urban New England. By conserving the Lake Success site, the open space in Bridgeport and Stratford will increase by 16%. This enhancement underscores the importance of preserving urban green spaces.

A Vital Component of Environmental Stewardship

The planned reuse of the Lake Success site plays a positive role in addressing climate change, supporting environmental justice, improving air quality, and enhancing wildlife habitats. Protecting this area is a significant step toward sustainable development and environmental equity.

A Sanctuary for Diverse Wildlife

The Lake Success site features a rich ecosystem that includes forests, wetlands, meadows, vernal pools, and a sparkling 23-acre lake. This habitat supports more than 70 species of birds, mammals, and fish, all of which are essential to sustaining the natural environment and the lake’s ecosystem. Preserving this site ensures that these species continue to thrive.