Savin Rock Boardwalk in Westport |
A former amusement park in West Haven is now the center of a public waterfront that draws in walkers, joggers, bikers, sun bathers, kite fliers, and people watchers from the surrounding area. It probably would draw in tourists looking to stretch out their legs or have a picnic lunch - but there is no parking for non-residents. So, if you want to get a peek at how "Waste Haven" turned around its prime resource you will have to sneak in from the wings.
Savin Rock Boardwalk - West Haven |
Savin Rock Boardwalk - West Haven Ct |
The answer is an interesting and still painful history. Almost the entire shoreline of West Haven was once a series of amusement parks, resorts, and drive-in restaurants. The White City was at the center of it all and has been replaced by a small park. In the 1950's the entrepreneurs of the amusement parks failed to invest in their futures and let their buildings and structures decline to the point of being condemned. Gambling and other illegal activities began to thrive. To combat this, West Haven secured a federal urban renewal grant and founded the West Haven Redevelopment Commission in the late 1950's. That is when the idea of the boardwalk emerged, and it has been in development since.
Savin Rock Conference Center & Museum - West Haven CT |
Savin Rock Boardwalk, West Haven Connecticut |
I don't know why West Haven is referred to as "Waste Haven".
But, I will say that on a perfect 90 degree day the beach was totally empty. There are several websites and reviews that recommend against swimming in the water here. There is no evidence that there is a history of toxic dumping at these beaches - for its entire history this land has been used for resorts and recreation. The lack of swimmers is probably due to a generalized social anxiety and fear of any non-chlorinated water. As stagnant as Long Island Sound may be - it is still the ocean. The water is still Atlantic Ocean water just like it is in Maine or North Carolina.
There are changing rooms and real restrooms along the trail near Palace Drive. Fishing piers and breakwaters regularly punctuate the shoreline. Benches and picnic tables abound. And, there are a few restaurants tucked in. Jimmies probably has the best property - immediately adjacent to the trail and with an outdoor seating patio. Reviews are mixed - but Jimmies is perhaps the last remnant of the historic amusement park era. So, for history's sake you could try a split hot dog on the outdoor deck.
If West Haven could turn a few of the empty parking lots into micro-retail centers - they could offer a coffee shop, bike shop, and kite store. I'm sure such stores would do well with all of the morning walkers and explorers like me. And, retail would bring some energy to the area. A few tweaks, and West Haven could be a real local destination.
Till then, Savin Rock Trail works well for a morning walk or casual bike ride.
Directions and Map
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Address for your GPs: 400 Captain Thomas BlvdWest Haven, CT 06516
| Cooridinates: N41.257612,W072.949418 |
From Bridgeport | 30 Minutes |
From New Haven | 15 Minutes |
From Hartford | 1 Hour |
From New London | 1 hour |
From Providence | 2 Hours |
From New York | 2 Hours |