Parade Plaza in downtown New London has been recognized by Travel and Leisure magazine in their list of "America's Most Beautiful Town Squares."
In recognizing the plaza in a web exclusive included with the April issue, the magazine notes the amphitheater seating, the Whale Tail fountain, and the Soldiers and Sailors Monument. The article also cites the outdoor skating rink, which began appearing seasonally at the plaza last year, and the Nathan Hale Schoolhouse as attractions to the site.
According to New London Main Street, renovations at the plaza began in 2008 and were completed two years later. The organization says the redesign aimed to "encourage pedestrian traffic, create an open link between the parking garage and the downtown business district and provide greater public safety around New London’s busy transportation center."
The plaza also hosts events such as the Field of Greens Farmers Market, Sailfest, the I AM Festival, and the Celebration of Lights and Song.
The other New England sites in the magazine's list of 15 town squares are Market Square in Portsmouth, N.H. and Village Green in Bar Harbor, Me.
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