PHOTOS: Bristow Park Hit By Vandals

March 24 to 26, 2023

Vandals hit an increasingly popular park in New Canaan this past weekend, officials say.

The ruts of dirt bikes could be seen in multiple places of new trails in Bristow Park, according to Conservation Commission Chair Chris Schipper, who has led a town-supported revitalization of the Old Stamford Road wooded area for the last several years.

Fieldstones were toppled from a bridge, a bird seed donation collection box was broken open, graffiti was sprayed on structures and signs were destroyed in the park, Schipper said. The vandalism first was reported Friday afternoon, he said. 

“Of course it’s disappointing that a few sophomoric individuals ruin the park experience for us all,” he said in an email.

The historic bird sanctuary and wildwood preserve is on track to mark its centennial in 2024. 

The town in recent years has worked with the local Friends of Bristow Park group to plan and carry out a number of projects in the long-neglected park. Those include parking and pedestrian access, trail work, fencing, landscaping, footbridges, seating areas and pond dredging.

The latest vandalism incident is under police investigation. 

Last year, the fire marshal reported a campfire started in the park that developed into a full brush fire due to gusting winds. Also last year, a home heating oil tank leak on a nearby residential road made its way into the stream that runs through Bristow, prompting the town to bring in state officials to investigate amid mitigation efforts.