Nette Compton is a mom of three and President & CEO of the Mill River Park Collaborative. We chatted with her about why her kids (ages 9, 7 and 4) think she has a pretty cool job, how she uses her “mom hat” thinking of new programs to host at Mill River Park and what Mill River has planned for 2026!
What do you love about living and working in this area?
I love that you can have a little bit of everything here—cultural diversity, amazing food and arts, and a broad range of activities—paired with the ability to unplug outdoors, go for a hike, dig in a garden, and connect with wildlife. I moved back to Connecticut because I loved having all of those options available for me and my family. I grew up in Hamden, CT, and later lived and started my family in Astoria, Queens, so it feels special to be back.
What are your favorite family activities in the area?
My kids think I have a pretty cool job at Mill River, so we love skating in the winter, riding the carousel, swinging and climbing at our new playground, and—perhaps most of all—hanging out along the river to check out the bugs and flowers. They’re definitely outdoorsy kids, which you might expect given their mom’s job.
Tell us about your role at Mill River Park.
I became President & CEO at the start of 2022. Mill River Park Collaborative is the nonprofit that manages all aspects of the park—construction, maintenance, programming, fundraising—you name it. I love working with such an incredible team of professionals who care deeply about the park and work so hard to make it what it is. My role is to make sure we’re all moving in the same direction and staying connected to our community partners and City government. It involves a lot of multitasking, problem-solving, and listening—pretty much mom skills all around.
What is your goal for the park?
Our mission at Mill River is to provide a world-class park in the heart of Stamford. My career has always focused on public parks, from NYC Parks to national work on urban park policy. When I came back to Connecticut, I wanted to bring that experience home and apply it to my work every day.
I think a lot about how the park can serve our community—what challenges people are facing and what role we can play in supporting them. That drives our focus on affordable, high-quality childcare through camps and after-school programs; free family activities that everyone can enjoy; and a beautiful green space where anyone can recharge, relax, and connect.
We also take the “world-class” part of our mission seriously. That means innovative ecosystem management along the river, best practices in designing a fully inclusive playground, and a LEED Platinum building that every kid in Stamford will visit on a field trip. We want to show that whether you’re from Shippan or the West Side, you deserve beauty and joy in your everyday experiences.
How has your family influenced your goals for the park?
I wear my “mom hat” at work all the time—thinking about which programs will be fun, how to schedule around nap times for preschoolers, and how to appeal to a wide range of ages and interests. My husband is a landscape architect who works in park design, so we talk about parks and public spaces constantly.
I’m also the daughter of a middle school science teacher, which really influences my commitment to our field trip and STEM programs. We work hard to make sure all Stamford schools can enjoy field trips to the park through sponsorships and grants.
What do you have planned for Mill River Park in 2026?
Somehow our program team manages to top themselves every year, and 2026 is already shaping up to be jam-packed with events and something for everyone.
We’re expanding our Nature Tots program for younger kids and their caregivers—which is always adorable to watch—along with broadening the age range for our camps. We’re also getting creative about programs that appeal to middle schoolers and teens.
On the construction side, we’re making great progress toward completing the open area along Washington Boulevard. This space will include a fully finished green area with large and small dog parks, permanent restrooms, an event space, and lots of gardens and trees. We hope to complete construction drawings and permits next year and break ground shortly after.
What is the most rewarding thing about your job?
This may sound obvious, but it’s the kids. I love joining field trips and walking students through the park, watching them relax in a natural space and gain confidence outdoors. I love talking with high schoolers who support our programs and hearing about environmental careers they want to explore. And I love seeing families return season after season, year after year, building memories here.
How do you juggle work and mommyhood?
It is tough. There are missed bedtimes, kid guest appearances on Zoom meetings, and so many Google Calendars. I survive because I have an incredible support system. My husband is truly an equal partner in parenting and career balance, and my parents live nearby and help almost every day. My team and board at the park are also incredibly flexible and supportive—they know my kids, they’ve helped pivot when I’m home with a sick child, and they step in to cover evening commitments when needed. As they say, it really does take a village.
Click here to see what events are coming up at Mill River Park1