Wickham Park Trust Fund

The Wickham Park Trust Fund is a U.S. nonprofit organization registered under the Employer Identification Number (EIN) 66026059. It operates Wickham Park, a 280-acre private foundation located in both Manchester and East Hartford, Connecticut.

History

Wickham Park was founded under the will of Clarence H. Wickham, who donated the initial 130 acres to ensure the property would become a public park following his wife Edith's passing. Myrtle Williams further contributed 67 acres in 1967, and through land acquisitions and swaps, the park expanded to its current size[1].

Clarence Wickham was a prominent figure in Hartford, involved in civic activities and an active member of the Sons of the American Revolution. He followed in his father Horace's footsteps, who invented machines for producing stamped envelopes. Clarence Wickham's estate also funded various community projects, including the Wickham Memorial Library in East Hartford[1].

Operations and Activities

Wickham Park is managed by a trust fund, originally managed by the Hartford National Bank (now Bank of America), which handles the financial aspects necessary for park operations[1]. Despite financial support from the trust, the park also relies on donations and fees to maintain its facilities and host various events. The park includes gardens, open fields, woodlands, ponds, picnic areas, and sports facilities[2].

Financial Overview

As of 2023, the Wickham Park Trust Fund reported a revenue of approximately $833,000 and expenses totaling $1.66 million. The organization has total assets valued at $12 million with no reported liabilities[5].

Notable Features

• Landscaping and Architecture: The original design of the park was created by Olmsted Associates, Inc., renowned landscape architects. However, due to maintenance costs, the Wickham mansion was demolished in 1964. The original carriage house now serves as the park's administrative offices[1].

• Events and Activities: Wickham Park hosts a variety of events, including weddings, receptions, fundraising walks, disc golf tournaments, tree tours, garden tours, and cross-country races. It is also famous for its seasonal events like Santa’s Workshop[2].

Mission and Impact

The park's mission centers around promoting community enjoyment of nature, reflecting the wishes of its founders to share their property with the public. The organization supports local events and activities, contributing to the social fabric of the area by offering a serene oasis amidst urban development[4].