Seaside Park REDISCOVER SEASIDE PARK - Photo Gallery Tucked away on the Connecticut shore, barely a half mile from one of the busiest highways in the nation, and surrounded by the neighborhoods that make up historic Bridgeport, lies­ the serene green expanse of Seaside Park. There, visitors find beaches, sports fields, vast stretches of lawn, towering trees and sweeping views of Long Island Sound. The observant may also spy wild parrots in the trees. How these colorful birds from distant climates came to inhabit the park is a topic of rumor and legend. Seaside Park was designed as one of the country's first major "rural" parks, a sanctuary apart from the crowding industrial landscape. Calvert Vaux and Frederick Law Olmsted, already famous for designs of Central Park and Prospect Park in New York City, provided the blueprint. Legendary promoter P.T. Barnum, Bridgeport's most famous citizen, campaigned passionately to rally support for the ambitious project. The park's full size of 370 acres - many reclaimed from the waters with dykes and fill - took shape from 1865 to 1920, and Seaside was regaled as a crown jewel among urban parks. In 1999 and 2000, Gathering of the Vibes took place at Seaside Park. Though many musical performances had graced the park before, the Vibes was an unprecedented venture for Seaside - and a roaring success. Thousands of campers took up residence for extended weekends of music and revelry, and suddenly a once-small festival blossomed into a major event. A sweeping restoration and renovation project prevented a return in the following years, but the charms of Seaside Park were not forgotten. In 2007, with work completed and facilities improved, the time was ready for Gathering of the Vibes to return to the waterside haven. Once again, the City of Bridgeport welcomed our vibrant tribe back to enjoy the plush grass fields, shaded groves and peaceful beaches, together with amazing musical performances. We added car-side camping for the convenience and comfort of the Vibe Tribe and, on a gorgeous mid-August weekend, we congregated once more to enjoy the natural beauty of the park, unforgettable musical performances, and a renewed sense of community. As a direct result of the respect, kindness, and compassion the Vibe Tribe demonstrated towards the city, its park and its residents, Bridgeport's Board of Parks Commissioners unanimously approved the Vibes' return in 2008. As we look forward to this years Vibes, our goals are; to grow our relationship with Bridgeport, to provide a summer destination experience that features unparalleled entertainment in a pristine setting, and to continue highlighting the absolutely remarkable Vibe Tribe. Nestled in scenic Bridgeport, Connecticut, with 370 acres of lush lawns, shady glades and sports fields rolling toward Long Island Sound, Seaside Park is without peer on the Eastern Seaboard. Barnum meant for Seaside Park to be his legacy for future generations, and the strollers, bathers, athletes, fishermen and picnickers who enjoy the park today owe a nod to his memory. In his autobiography he expressed the hope that: "When the hand that now pens these lines is stilled forever, and thousands look... across the water to Long Island shore and over the groves and walks and drives of the beautiful grounds at their Feet, it may be a source of gratification and pride to my posterity to hear the expressions of gratitude that possibly will be expressed to the memory of their ancestor who secured to all future generations the benefits and blessings of Seaside Park."