Henkel Expands Commitment to Partnership with Mill River Park Collaborative Through the Establishment of the Henkel Welcoming Garden

Henkel, a leading manufacturer of well-known consumer and industrial brands, such as Dial® soap, Schwarzkopf® hair care, all® free clear laundry detergent, and Loctite®, Technomelt® and Bonderite® adhesives, sealants, and functional coatings, has announced the establishment of the Henkel Welcoming Garden in Mill River Park, a  vibrant space where the Stamford community can gather to relax, play, learn and connect with nature.

Since 2021, Henkel and Mill River Park Collaborative, the nonprofit dedicated to creating and sustaining the park, have partnered to provide children with programming through Henkel Researchers’ World, a global education initiative designed to ignite a passion for science. To date, Henkel has reached over 7,000 children in the greater Stamford area through its dedicated classroom in the Whittingham Discovery Center in Mill River Park, including 4th grade classes in the city. In addition to Henkel Researchers World, the company’s support of the park encompasses employee volunteerism and other programs throughout the year.

In celebration of this ongoing partnership, the park’s beautiful four-season garden on the corner of Washington Blvd and Broad Street will now be known as the Henkel Welcoming Garden. The location in downtown Stamford, only minutes from the headquarters of Henkel’s Consumer Brands Business, features high visibility for both pedestrian and vehicular traffic and will serve as a base for Henkel volunteer outings in the future.  

“We are thrilled to deepen our partnership with Mill River Park Collaborative through the unveiling of the Henkel Welcoming Garden,” said Phil Schaffer, Corporate Senior Vice President Henkel Consumer Brands, North America. “Henkel employees regularly enjoy volunteer activities such as planting bulbs or park cleanup and beautification, and bring their friends and family to enjoy the beautiful spaces and exciting activities that the park has to offer. Henkel is a proud member of the Stamford community, and we appreciate the opportunity to show support and gratitude to our local partners and neighbors now and for many years to come.”

Henkel’s sponsorship of the garden reaffirms its commitment to the larger Stamford area. The organization believes that the area is an advantageous location, offering a vibrant city in close proximity to New York City with a train station nearby that allows the approximately 350 employees that are based there to commute sustainably from New York City and throughout Connecticut.

“Henkel has a history of supporting the city of Stamford, its residents, and other businesses and community organizations that operate here,” said Caroline Simmons, Mayor of Stamford, Connecticut. “The Henkel Welcoming Garden will be a wonderful addition to Mill River Park, offering a vibrant and beautiful space for residents and visitors to enjoy, and we are grateful for Henkel’s ongoing investment in our community.”

“Mill River Park Collaborative is excited to establish the Henkel Welcoming Garden in collaboration with our longtime supporters at Henkel,” said Arnold M. Karp, Chairman of the Board at Mill River Park Collaborative. “Henkel’s partnership has been paramount in continuing to achieve our mission of connecting people with nature and providing equitable opportunities for children and families to learn and experience everything the park has to offer. We look forward to hosting Henkel employees and volunteers in the Welcoming Garden and throughout the park in 2025 and beyond.”

To learn more about Henkel Researchers’ World and its curriculum and partnership with the Mill River Park Collaborative, visit henkel-researchers-world.com and millriverpark.org.