Rose Marie Secada of Norwalk does some writing at Sherwood Island. (Photo by Jarret Liotta)

WESTPORT — If there’s a true hidden treasure in town it’s the 234-acre Sherwood Island State Park.

A garrulous seagull. (Photo by Jarret Liotta)

The oldest state park in Connecticut, its founder William Burr struggled for years against intense harassment from local wealthy landowners, who didn’t want a public park in their backyard but instead hoped to subdivide it for 140 houses.

A biker spins around the grounds. (Photo by Jarret Liotta)

According to the now-defunct Bridgeport Telegram, “The State park program ran along smoothly until the heavy hand of wealth and influence interfered in Westport. Then Mr. Burr began to strike snags.

Lukas Escalona of New York City fills up his cup. (Photo by Jarret Liotta)

“They ostracized him socially. They jeered and hooted him down in town meetings. They boycotted his farm. They called him names. They tried to bribe him, buy him, frighten him, beat him, and everything but bury him.

The only dunes in town. (Photo by Jarret Liotta)

“But they found that William H. Burr had just one price and that was the opening of Sherwood’s Island to the public.”

A sea of boats by the water’s edge. (Photo by Jarret Liotta)
Some of Sherwood Island State Park’s history for visitors. (Photo by Jarret Liotta)
A fisherman tries his luck times three. (Photo by Jarret Liotta)
“Sanctuary,” the 9-11 sculpture at the pavilion. (Photo by Jarret Liotta)
A Canada goose takes a water break. (Photo by Jarret Liotta)
The view up the East Beach. (Photo by Jarret Liotta)
Sandy Hook residents enjoying the park Wednesday included the Gjonbalaj siblings, from left Adisa, 18, Arta, 11, and Artan, 10. (Photo by Jarret Liotta)
Bob and Jenny Latta of Westport enjoy a run. (Photo by Jarret Liotta)
One of the disc golf goals making up the course throughout the park. (Photo by Jarret Liotta)
Ashley Nava of Newburgh, N.Y., and her daughter Natalie, 6, arrive at the park. (Photo by Jarret Liotta)
A sign for the 9-11 Memorial at the southwest end of the park by water’s edge. (Photo by Jarret Liotta)