Stamford, CT –The Mill River Collaborative has received a pledge of $1,500,000 from GE for the capital campaign to build and maintain Mill River Park & Greenway.  GE’s pledge will be fulfilled over the next three years, while the park is under construction. 

Jay Ireland, President and CEO of Stamford-based GE Asset Management, said, “This donation is based on our strong belief that the project is essential to the success of Stamford and the greater region.  We are pleased that we can help, and hope that other corporations will step forward with similar support.” 

Stamford Mayor Michael Pavia commented, “Mill River Park is a model for public/private partnership and a key civic priority.  The city is very pleased to have GE among the first major corporations to participate in the capital campaign.”  Pavia continued, “GE has been a superb partner with Stamford, first with significant contributions to our schools and now in helping us create a major new green space in the heart of Stamford Downtown.” 

The city expects to accept a bid for the initial phase of construction, between Broad and Main Streets on both sides of the Mill River, in early summer 2011.  Construction will begin during the summer.  Estimated completion time for the first phase of building is late fall 2012. Mill River Collaborative will oversee construction and manage the park under contract to the city.

“This is an exciting step forward for the Mill River Collaborative,” said Arthur Selkowitz, Mill River Collaborative Board Chair.  “GE has shown its commitment to the vision of a world class urban park that can transform the quality of life in Stamford for generations to come. We are very grateful, and anticipate that this generous gift will give us significant momentum as we move forward with our fundraising,” he stated. 

Mill River Collaborative is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit corporation that works to secure private resources to complement city funding for construction and maintenance. To date Mill River Collaborative has raised over $4 million from corporations, foundations and individuals towards construction of Mill River Park.  Over 500 people are members of the Mill River Collaborative, providing annual financial support for project management, park maintenance and the capital campaign for Mill River Park.  Staff of Mill River Collaborative manage the design and development of the park and maintain newly developed park facilities. 

During the past two years, Stamford’s Mill River has seen enormous changes.  Today the river flows freely in its natural channel.  There is a busy playground, built by 1500 volunteers in 2006.  There have been annual Playground Birthday Parties to celebrate the anniversary of this major building event. 

The Big Apple Circus will return in June 2011, repeating its successful run in Mill River Park in 2010.  On Friday, June 10, 2011, Mill River Collaborative and Downtown Special Services District, DSSD, will hold an evening gala to benefit both organizations. The premier performance of the circus on June 11 will also be a benefit for the two groups.  

Today the benefits of city parks are widely recognized. Central Park is certainly the best known example in this part of the U.S., but Boston and Chicago, as well as cities closer in size to Stamford, such as Hartford, have built urban parks.  Parks make physical exercise easier and more accessible, and physical exercise makes people healthier. Property values are improved by nearby parks and open spaces.  Businesses are more attractive to employees when there is a park close at hand. 
Stamford is overdue for its own urban park.  

Jay Ireland, left, President and CEO of Stamford-based GE Asset Management, and Arthur Selkowitz, Board Chair, Mill River Collaborative