Park Path Types and Materials

Urban Streetscape:
The Urban Streetscape defines the periphery of the Mill River Park and Greenway and describes a uniform vocabulary for street edges adjacent to the park. Through the use of street trees set in stone fines pavement, street lighting which is consistent with the current Stamford standard, and granite cobble accents along the walking surface, the Urban Streetscape becomes a more detailed variant of the typical Stamford concrete walks.

Park Walks:
While a number of walkway and pathway systems in the Mill River Park and Greenway project accommodate active recreation uses such as cycling, running and rollerblading, the Park Walks aim to create a different, more ambulatory experience for park users. Through the use of stone fines pavement, the Park Walks are located above the 100 year floodplain and bring another dimension to the walking environment as one hears the crunching of the crushed stones as they amble. This creates a unique sensory experience for the Cherry Tree walk, trips to the playground area and strolls through the sensory garden.

River Walks:
Comprised of oil and chip penetration pavement, the River Walks define a recreational path system that encourages walking, cycling, running, rollerblading and an array of other activities along the river’s edge.

The material was selected to provide the feel and look of decomposed paving and also to provide stability of the walkway within the areas more prone to flooding. The River Walks also act as the connective element in the Mill River Park and Greenway project, tying the different program areas together along the water.

River Access Water Links:
Acting as the connecting elements between the city and the river, the River Access points provide an articulated granite walking surface that alludes to the surface of boardwalks. These paths align perpendicularly to the water’s edge and often terminate in waterfront overlooks or fishing piers. The River Access points become the metaphorical binds that will tie the people with the place; pedestrian flows with water flows.

Boardwalks:
Aside from stone overlooks dotting the riverbank, Boardwalks provide the most direct connection to the water. As a combination of wood, stone, and metals, the Boardwalks, act as pathway linkages over open water and offer frequent visual access to the river. They also allow for a number of riverfront activities including fishing, kayaking and bird watching.

Specialty Plazas:
Specialty Plazas delineate large gathering areas and moments of interest within the Mill River Park and Greenway Project. Comprised of granite pavement, the plazas mark the area around the fountain/ice rink, the entrances to the Main Street bridge and the prominent park entrance at the corner of Washington Boulevard and Main Street, among other locations.