Dear Walsh Park supporters and Fishers Island community,
Welcome to the first edition of the Walsh Park Quarterly Update!
For years, our focus has been on maintaining and expanding quality, affordable, year-round housing on Fishers Island. While that work has continued, we haven’t always done a good job of sharing it.
Going forward, this newsletter will provide regular updates about Walsh Park, the people we serve, and the role affordable housing plays in sustaining the year-round island community.
Since its founding in 1987, Walsh Park has worked to strengthen the viability of Fishers Island by creating and maintaining attractive, year-round housing. Here’s where we are today!
In 2026, Walsh Park owns and manages 35 units, 35% which are owner-occupied in the Peter’s Way development, and 65% which are rental units. Together, these properties provide housing for over 76 year-round residents – approximately 30% of Fishers Island’s year-round residents.
Those residents are the people who keep Fishers Island running.
Walsh Park is home to:
- families with children who attend Fishers Island School.
- more than 18 volunteer firefighters and EMTs who respond to emergency calls.
- employees of the Fishers Island Utility Company and Fishers Island Development Corporation.
- people who staff the island business’ every day—working at the Village Market, the Post Office, the Freight, the Library, the Community Center, the Doctor’s Office, the Conservancy, Waste Management, the Hardware Store, the School, and local landscaping and construction companies.
Walsh Park makes it possible for many of these individuals and families to live and work on Fishers Island. Their contributions support not only the busiest summer season, but also the daily life of the island throughout the entire year.
In future editions, we’ll share updates on capital improvements, historical archives from Walsh Park’s earliest years, profiles of residents and supporters, and a closer look at the work that goes into maintaining and growing the organization.
Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to sharing more stories and updates with you in the months ahead!
Best,
The Board of Walsh Park
This summer we celebrate one year of Linda as the Program Manager of Walsh Park!
Linda took over as the sole full-time staff member June 26, 2025. Under her stewardship this year, she has worked hard to organizing the books and archival documents of Walsh Park, preparing systems to guide us into our future.
Linda Mrowka brings a unique combination of community knowledge, financial expertise, and property management experience to her role as Program Manager at Walsh Park. Originally from Westerly, Rhode Island, Linda made Fishers Island her home more than 26 years ago.
Linda Bio
Linda began her career as a dental assistant, managing both patient care and front-office operations. She later spent a decade working with her husband, Chad Mrowka, a general contractor, in residential construction, renovation, and project management. She then took over the property management responsibilities entirely, coordinating with homeowners, contractors, and service providers for nine years to ensure properties were well maintained and efficiently operated.
Most recently, Linda spent seven years at the Fishers Island Community Center, where she managed the Membership Program and served as bookkeeper. There, she strengthened her expertise in accounting, financial management, and organizational operations, overseeing day-to-day bookkeeping, membership administration, and office processes.
As Program Manager at Walsh Park, Linda combines her financial background, housing and property management experience, and deep understanding of the local community to help ensure Walsh Park remains a thriving source of quality, affordable housing. She is dedicated to supporting residents, strengthening operations, organizing the organization’s archives, and advancing Walsh Park’s mission.
Walsh Park is very fortunate to have her leadership and expertise guiding the organization.
