adoption center in Bridgeport, Connecticut near McLevy Green Park

The information in this blog post was sponsored by the adoption center in Bridgeport, Connecticut, from Adoptions From The Heart.

Bridgeport, CT

Known as the largest city in Connecticut, Bridgeport stands as a historic seaport with a large population of about 148,654 individuals, as stated in the United States Census of 2020 and the 5th most populous city in all of New England. The city borders Trumbull, Fairfield, and Stratford.

History

During the early days of European colonization, the Paugussett Native American tribe lived in Bridgeport. After European settlers arrived and inhabited the land, Bridgeport grew and flourished with a growing farming community, fishing and shipbuilding.

Bridgeport grew from a population of approximately 25,000 to over 100,000 people between 1870 and 1910, with numbers of Irish, Slovaks, Hungarians, Germans, English, and Italian immigration. Not too long after, in the mid-20th century, major industry restructuring resulted in the loss of thousands of jobs and inhabitants. Like other Connecticut cities, Bridgeport was hit hard by the country’s deindustrialization in the 1970s and 1980s.

Bridgeport began renovation of its downtown and adjacent areas in the early twenty-first century. The City Council authorized a new master plan for development in 2009, with the goal of encouraging redevelopment in some areas while also protecting current residential districts.

Parks & Recreational Facilities

Nicknamed “the Park City,” Bridgeport is filled with tons of grassy fields and public spaces with lots of amenities. Some of the oldest parks in the city are as follows:

  • McLevy Green – (1806)
  • Clinton Park Militia Grounds – (1666)
  • Old Mill Green – (1717)

Residents saw the need for new public parks as the city increased in population, and by 1864, Barnum and other residents had given roughly 44 acres to construct Seaside Park. More parks were built throughout time, including the 35-acre Beechwood Park and Pleasure Beach, which was formerly home to a major amusement park.

Continue reading related articles here: Learn About The Town of Griswold, Connecticut

Our Local Office

Would you like to learn more about adoption? Our Bridgeport, Connecticut, adoption center at Adoptions From The Heart is ready to answer any questions you may have. Contact our adoption professionals to learn more.