Norm Rosensweig was very aware of Riverfront Recapture’s activities from his office at Hartford Steam Boiler, from which he saw – and felt – the progress as Mortensen Riverfront Plaza was developed. He has always been very active physically; as Riverfront’s trails system opened, he added those paths to his routine.

As his son began college in WA, they visited Mount Rainier. Norm says “I was overwhelmed by what I saw and wanted to climb it, but knew I was not prepared.”

Returning to CT, he decided to use Riverfront’s steps from the lower plaza to the upper plaza as a training base. Starting in September 2002, he began his 5-day a week training regimen of 25 sets up and down the stairs, carrying a 15-lb weighted backpack. A colleague, interested in backpacking, joined him. Slowly adding weight, Norm was up to 50-lbs. by April 2003. That August, he fulfilled his desire to climb Mount Rainier, and has since climbed in Alaska and the White Mountains.

(L)Norm at 12,000’, with the western mountains of Alaska in the background
(R)Norm at the rear of one of the 4-person rope teams, on their approach to 16,500’ Mount Bona, Southeast Alaska.

In 10 years of stair climbing at Riverfront plaza, Norm has seen many park visitors. He commented, “In nice weather, the amphitheater often has 50-100 people walking, enjoying lunch, or jogging. I would see guys fishing on the other side of the river – more for the social aspect than the actual fishing with their poles, lawn chairs, and coolers. I saw the plaza develop and the science center go up, and took the opportunity to go out on the Lady Katherine one day, for a different view of the city.”

Norm added, “Anyone interested in the city, culture, and the outdoors should visit the Riverfront.” His favorite Riverfront events include Riverfest and Pipes in the Valley.

We hope you will take Norm’s advice and visit us soon.

If you have a Riverfront Story to share, please contact Debbie Baker at 860-713-3131 x 326 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).  I look forward to hearing from you! 

PARK AMENITIES

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To see our boat docking policy, click here.

WALKS/TRAILS

RIVERWALK NORTH - Mortensen Riverfront Plaza to Riverside Park’s Greater Hartford Jaycees Community Boathouse, Hartford

1.6 mile loop. Approximate walking time: 30 minutes

Proceed north from Mortensen Riverfront Plaza following the walkway along the river, pass under a stone arch of the historic Bulkeley Bridge and into Riverside Park to the Greater Hartford Jaycees Community Boathouse. Once you reach the boathouse, simply reverse the directions and return to downtown Hartford. The walkway is paved and lighted its entire length.

Mortensen Riverfront Plaza to Great River Park’s Hockanum River, Hartford and East Hartford

3.2 mile loop. Approximate walking time: 60 minutes

Proceed from the upper level of the Mortensen Riverfront Plaza and head east across the Founders Bridge Promenade into East Hartford. Use the handicapped ramp or descend the stairs to East River Drive and turn left under the highway bridge and then left again up the walkway ramp into the north section of Great River Park. Once you reach the stone arched Bulkeley Bridge (I-84) turn around and follow the path down to the river, under the Founders Bridge and south past the boat ramp and amphitheater. Follow the walkway through the flood plain to the Hockanum River confluence under the Charter Oak Bridge. Once you reach the Hockanum River, simply reverse the directions and return to Mortensen Riverfront Plaza and downtown Hartford. The walkway is paved and lighted its entire length.

DOCKS & BOAT RAMPS - For specific Dock and Boat Ramp Information, click here.

PARK RULES & REGULATIONS - For park rules and regulations, click here.  PARK RULES & REGULATIONS - Please note: Due to liability and legal restrictions, NO OUTSIDE ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES of any kind may be brought into the Riverfront Parks by any party. Riverfront Recapture is the only licensed authority to sell and serve liquor for consumption in the Riverfront Parks.

Private Events in the Riverfront Parks

Celebrate your special occasion amidst the beauty and serenity of our natural park settings. We can host wedding ceremonies, private parties, picnics, reunions, church functions and other group events almost anywhere in our Parks*.  To reserve space for your event in our parks, call 860.713.3131 x 323.  * Please note: Availability may be limited for wedding ceremonies in Riverside Park. Restrictions may apply.

To get up-to-date information of Riverfront happenings, don’t forget to sign up for our e-newsletter on our homepage!

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PARK RULES AND REGULATIONS

Click here to see the City Of Hartford Code of Ordinances regarding Rules and Regulations in Parks and Recreation Facilities.

HOURS

Mortensen Riverfront Plaza is a Riverfront Park that is open to visitors from sunrise to sunset, 365 days a year.  The park will remain open later during concert, performance and festival events.

DIRECTIONS

From North of Hartford, take I-91 South to Exit 31, State St. The pedestrian staircase and elevator to the Plaza are on your left when you reach the end of the exit ramp. To continue to the Morgan Street parking garage, go straight through the intersection and take your first right onto Market St. At the second intersection, turn right onto Talcott St. The entrance to the Morgan Street garage is on your left.

From South of Hartford, take I-91 North to Exit 32B, Trumbull St. At the end of the ramp, turn left onto Market St and pass under the elevated highway. Take your second left onto Talcott Street. Parking is available in the Morgan Street garage on your left. To continue to the Plaza, turn right onto Columbus Blvd and the pedestrian staircase and elevator to the Plaza will be on your left at the intersection of Columbus Blvd and State St.

From East of Hartford, take I-84 West to Exit 54, Downtown Hartford and the Founders Bridge. The main pedestrian staircase and elevator to the Plaza are on your left at the end of the Founders Bridge. To reach the Morgan Street parking garage, go straight through the intersection and take your first right onto Market St. At the second intersection, turn right onto Talcott St. The entrance to the Morgan Street garage is on your left.

From West of Hartford, take I-84 East to Exit 50, Main Street. At the end of Ramp go straight onto Chapel St. and then take your third right onto Market St. Take your first left onto Talcott Street. Parking is available in the Morgan Street garage on your left. To continue to the Plaza, turn right onto Columbus Blvd, and the main pedestrian staircase to the Plaza will be on your left at the intersection of Columbus Blvd and State St.

PARKING

The Plaza does not have its own parking lot.  Parking is available at Hartford area garages, on-street parking, or you can park in East Hartford and take the short walk over the Founders Bridge Promenade.

CT Science Center/ Riverfront Garage - located next to the Plaza, this garage provides the most direct and convenient access to Riverfront Mortensen Plaza. (Handicap accessible)
$7 Event Rate for most events, otherwise hourly charges apply (subject to change).
Hours: 6AM - 8PM, Monday-Friday, 8AM- 6PM, Saturday and Sunday.  Please note:  This garage closes one hour after the conclusion of Riverfront events.
Address: 250 Columbus Blvd. – Entrance on Grove Street

Constitution Plaza Garage - $5 Event Rate (Handicap accessible - Mortensen Riverfront Plaza visitors parking in this lot requiring handicap accessibilty should use the elevator located on Columbus Boulevard. The entrance to the elevator is to the right of the staircase. )
Address: 109 Constitution Plaza

Morgan Street Garage - $4 Event Rate
Address:  155 Morgan Street – Entrance on Talcott Street

CT Convention Center Garage - Address: 100 Columbus Boulevard.  $7 Event Rate for most events, otherwise hourly charges apply (subject to change).

Click here for a map of all Hartford garages.

HANDICAP AND STROLLER ACCESSIBILITY

Mortensen Riverfront Plaza visitors requiring handicap and/or stroller accessibility should use the elevator located on Columbus Boulevard. The entrance to the elevator is to the right of the staircase.  For handicap visitors who park in the Ct Science Center/Riverfront Garage, the garage itself has an elevator to the Plaza level.

Views of the elevator entrance on Columbus Boulevard

RESTROOMS

Port-o-let bathrooms are available May through November (approximately based on weather and park activity) and during all Riverfront Recapture events.

FOOD & BEVERAGE

Food and Beverages are for sale during all Riverfront Recapture events, but not during non-event times.  There are many area restaurants in walking distance or a short drive from the Plaza.  Information about local restaurants can be found at www.hartford.com.

MAKE A DAY OF IT

There are many great things to do during your visit to Hartford including museums, movies, parks, cultural events, theater, outdoor activities and more.  Visit www.hartford.com for more information.

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