Photographing Manresa Island: A Rare Glimpse Into Its Future

This past week, I had a unique opportunity that combined two of my passions,photography and community. As a volunteer judge for the Stamford Camera Club, I was given the chance to spend a day photographing Manresa Island in Norwalk. For decades, this site has been off-limits to the public, but soon, it will be transformed into something extraordinary.

Anchored by the massive, decommissioned power plant that once defined its skyline, Manresa Island is on the verge of becoming Manresa Wilds—a publicly accessible park that will reconnect the community to the waterfront for the first time in nearly 75 years.

Plans for the park envision more than just open space. It will be a place where ecosystems are restored, people of all ages and abilities can connect with nature, and waterfront access will be abundant. From educational programming to year-round community events, Manresa Wilds promises to be both a sanctuary and a gathering place.

It was really dark inside and you really shouldn’t touch anything!

I used available light on all images. No tripod and no flash photography.

There were very interesting colors in all sorts of spots.

Lots of pipes and valves.

I found the command center which was totally surreal.

As a photographer, stepping onto Manresa Island felt like stepping into a world frozen in time. The hulking remains of the power plant stand in contrast to the surrounding natural beauty—a powerful reminder of both the island’s industrial past and its bright future. I was drawn to the textures: the rusting steel, crumbling concrete, and the way the late afternoon light wrapped around the plant’s silhouette.

Real live people!! Tours were taking place during our shoot.

Photographing Manresa Island wasn’t just about creating beautiful images; it was about witnessing a rare moment of transition. Soon, this once-industrial site will be reborn as a thriving natural and cultural space. My lens became a way to document not only what the island is now, but also what it will become—a place of reconnection, community, and discovery.

This was a really fun building to photograph.

self portrait.

The roof to

I left the island feeling grateful. Opportunities like this remind me why I love photography—it’s not just about pictures, it’s about storytelling. And Manresa Island has a story worth telling: from closed-off power plant to open, vibrant parkland that will welcome everyone.

Leave a comment