How many parks does Riverfront Recapture have?
We have four parks on the Connecticut River - Mortensen Riverfront Plaza in Hartford on Columbus Boulevard; Riverside Park in Hartford off Liebert Road; Charter Oak Landing in Hartford on Reserve Road; and Great River Park in East Hartford on East River Drive.

How large is the park system?
The park system has over 148 acres with 4 miles of shoreline along the Connecticut River.

Can you walk the entire park system?
Most of the areas of the park system in Hartford can be walked. Some trails are still undeveloped.

Who is responsible for the maintenance of the park system?
A full time staff from the Metropolitan District Commission (Regional Water Bureau) maintains the park system. Funding for maintenance and the park rangers program is generated through a surcharge on the water rate.

When will the system be finished?
The project began in 1981 and is a constant work in progress; however, Riverfront Recapture is optimistic that all of the Hartford walkways will be completed by late 2013, matching what is already completed in East Hartford. Walkways connecting the park system with Windsor to the north, Manchester to the east and, possibly, Glastonbury to the south are in various stages of planning.

Are the Parks patrolled?
Riverfront Rangers, the eyes and ears of the parks as well as sources of valuable information, staff the park system. The Rangers are always ready to address any concerns you may have. While Rangers are available within the parks, we do encourage visitors to take common sense security measures, as you would in any other location that you visit.

Where can you park?
Most of our parks have substantial parking on-site. Mortensen Riverfront Plaza, however, does not have on-site parking; for this location, parking at downtown Hartford parking garages or on East River Drive in East Hartford is recommended.

What kinds of fish are in the River?
The river supports numerous varieties of fish, which include: small and large mouth bass, striped bass, catfish, edelweiss, carp, pike, blue gill, perch, crappie, sturgeon, shad, and walleye.

How do I know what’s going on at the River?
Listings of Riverfront’s free events including concerts, festivals, performances and sporting activities are located in the Free Events section of this website. In addition, RRI uses radio and local newspapers to advertise events and our Park Rangers can provide event brochures for you. You can also be notified by email of coming events by signing up for our e-newsletter on our homepage. You can also learn about Riverfront’s parks, boathouse, recreational activities and business by going through the various sections of our website.

Can my company or family hold an event in the Park?
Yes, please, contact the offices of Riverfront Recapture at (860) 713-3131 for scheduling availability and further information.

Do I have to pay to launch a boat?
Launching fees are charged for vessels required to be registered by the State of Connecticut. Daily launch fees are $5.00 in Hartford and $15.00 in East Hartford. However, City of Hartford and Town of East Hartford residents with proper identification need not pay a launching fee. Season passes may be purchased, and MDC-represented towns receive a reduced rate for season passes.