Mortensen Riverfront Plaza

A jewel on the banks of Hartford’s Connecticut River, Mortensen Riverfront Plaza is the centerpiece of the Riverfront Park System. Enjoy performances from our permanent stage canopy amphitheater; take a boat cruise, order up some food (May - Sept.) Come by foot, car or boat, we’ve even got a place to dock your boat. Read More >

Riverside Park

Just north of downtown, Riverside Park is a restored Hartford park with something for everyone: boat launch, docking, volleyball, picnicking and playgrounds, plus our challenge course, mountain bike and nature trails, fishing, and athletic fields. This park is also home to the Greater Hartford Jaycees Community Boathouse, the special events facility that supports our community rowing program. Read More >

Charter Oak Landing

Just south of downtown, Charter Oak Landing features a dock for excursion boat service as well as a public boat launch. Spend some time fishing in the Connecticut River, walking along one of our paved and lighted river walks, or pack up a basket and enjoy a family outing in picnic areas complete with tables, charcoal grills, a children’s playground and public restrooms. Read More >

Great River Park

Walk to Hartford, launch your boat, take a waterfront stroll or enjoy a picnic lunch at Great River Park. Park amenities include boat docking, fishing, picnicking, a playground, onsite parking, and restrooms. Located just across the water from Hartford, pedestrians can easily access the city by crossing either the Charter Oak Bridge or The Founders Bridge Promenade. Read More >

A RIVERFRONT STORY - A Family Connects to One Another and the Riverfront Parks

The solution to the boundless energy of three young boys…
let them get their exercise and fresh air in Riverfront parks

The Reese family is no stranger to Hartford parks. Amanda grew up in Hartford’s West End and Josh in New Britain. Amanda “grew up” in Elizabeth Park, thinking of it as “her park.” Living in East Hartford, after starting their family, they soon discovered that they could park in Great River Park in East Hartford, and ride/walk/push/carry the family across the Founders Bridge to Mortensen Riverfront Plaza in Hartford. They knew this connection between the parks would not have been possible without the efforts of Riverfront Recapture.

Once across the bridge, their regular Saturday morning walks take them to Bushnell Park and its carousel and playground or the Science Center. Following October 2012’s Big Mo’ they found they could also walk north from the plaza to the Riverfront Boathouse and a playground in Riverside Park, Hartford. This will be a new place to explore the sculptures along the way, to watch rowers and boaters on the river, as well as swing, climb, and slide in the playground.

The boys all love this outdoor activity. Brody (7) rides his bike; the wide bridge walkway and plaza are perfect for turning in circles to keep pace with the rest of the family. Caiden (3), known as CJ, rides in his push-car (or runs!); his favorite stop is the Science Center. And one-year old Ryland smiles happily from his backpack. Amanda and Josh love this exposure to the outdoors and the chance for the boys to burn off some of their energy while the whole family enjoys their time together.

Their first words when meeting Riverfront Recapture staff for the first time at Big Mo’ were “Thank you!”  The Reeses are very aware, and appreciative, that their weekend walks are possible through Riverfront’s efforts to make the river accessible to the community along the well-maintained park system on both banks of the Connecticut River.

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! 

Not sure how to find your way in the parks? Check out our map and link to the Google maps to see the walking trails that connect our four parks.

Lincoln Financial Sculpture Walk at Riverfront

Take a walk along the river and experience award-winning sculpture reflecting the life and values of Abraham Lincoln at our Lincoln Financial Sculpture Walk. Read More >

Riverfront Rangers

They welcome visitors to the Riverfront, answer questions and advise everyone about park rules. Learn more about the - the parks’ goodwill ambassadors - our Riverfront Rangers. Read More >

Ongoing Projects

In conjunction with a variety of local government and private sector partners, Riverfront Recapture is overseeing several construction projects now making dramatic changes on the Connecticut River in the Metro Hartford area. To learn more about the improvements being made to the riverfront, click here.

Management Partnerships

Riverfront Recapture’s innovative approach to managing the Riverfront parks is nationally recognized as a model for urban parks. Since 1998, we have partnered with Hartford, East Hartford and the Metropolitan District Commission to protect the investment made in the parks’ creation and fulfill their potential as valuable regional resources. To learn more about our management partnerships, click here.