Welcome to Day 6 of National Garden Week. Let’s stop by Heron Park and the Still River Greenway today.
In June of 2023, Brookfield created a small pocket park in front of the Dunkin Plaza at 756 Federal Road. Trees were planted including native dogwood, serviceberry, fringe tree and sweet gumtree along with winterberry shrubs. A perennial bed was also added and includes plants such yellow yarrow, purple baptisia and ilex glabra.. The baptisia, yarrow and fringe tree are all currently in bloom at the park. In July of 2024, two bronze herons were installed at the park which was officially named Heron Park. The name was recommended by the Brookfield Arts Commission and approved by the Parks and Recreation Commission. The Arts Commission hired Jordan Rose of the Randolf Rose Collection to create the sculptures. They are a permanent installation in this small park. One heron is 9 feet tall, the other is 7 feet tall and each one weighs about 100 pounds. This small space is a wonderful place to enjoy a coffee with friends, read a book or spend some self-reflection time.
And after you’ve had time to sit and enjoy the park, you can head across the street to the Still River Greenway, a two-mile multi-use pedestrian and bicycle trail managed and supported by Brookfield’s Parks and Recreation Department and the Still River Greenway Ad-hoc Committee.
Maple, oak, tulip, pine, and even a native American Hophornbeam line the trail which features a ten-foot wide paved surface and a 170-foot pre-fabricated bridge over the Still River. It’s a haven in any season. Wildflowers and fern patches poke out in spring and summer. The understory is home to a bevy of four-footed creatures. Birds chirp and sing in the trees and the Still River glistens and babbles. Need a rest? Sit down at one of its benches or stop at the covered gazebo.
The trail is considered an easy route and takes an average of one hour to walk. Each day, at all times of the day, the trail is in use by residents of all ages who walk, run, bicycle, and rollerblade. So, get out there and join them!
Happy National Garden Week!
