Wooster Square Park, New Haven

Nestled in the heart of New Haven’s Wooster Square neighborhood, Wooster Square Park is a charming and historically rich green space bordered by Greene Street, Wooster Place, Chapel Street, and Academy Street. Named after Revolutionary War hero General David Wooster, the park and its surroundings are part of the Wooster Square Historic District, proudly listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1971.

Originally the domain of ship captains who built their homes around the square in the 19th century, today the park is a tranquil urban oasis marked by elegant cherry trees and a bronze statue of Christopher Columbus. The park’s centerpiece, however, comes to life each spring during the annual Cherry Blossom Festival, a beloved tradition that began in 1973 with the planting of 72 Yoshino cherry trees. What started as a small neighborhood event has blossomed into a major city celebration, drawing thousands of visitors to admire the blooms.

Wooster Square itself is affectionately known as Little Italy, home to some of the most iconic apizza destinations in the United States-most notably Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana and Sally’s Apizza. The neighborhood is also famous for its stunning 19th-century row houses and brownstones, reflecting architectural styles from Federal to Victorian, which frame the park with historic elegance.

Whether you're here for a spring stroll under the cherry blossoms, a bite of legendary pizza, or a glimpse into New Haven’s architectural and cultural past, Wooster Square Park offers a unique and vibrant slice of the city’s heritage.