History and Timeline
The Riverfront Story -
A visitor from Pittsburgh smiled and nodded approvingly as she and her teammates completed their short walk from a downtown hotel to the Riverfront, where they would compete in dragon boat races on the Connecticut River. “Wow,” she said, “this is like an oasis in the heart of the city.”
The natural beauty of the Riverfront and the availability of a wide range of recreational opportunities are making the Hartford-East Hartford Riverfront a popular destination – for residents as well as visitors. More than three-quarters of a million people visited the Riverfront last season – and that number continues to grow.
They come to row, fish, jog, listen to music, attend festivals, take an excursion boat ride, get married, challenge themselves on a climbing tower, mountain bike, stroll along the sculpture walk, watch fireworks – or relax on a bench near the river’s edge.
The transformation of the Riverfront into a priceless recreational resource began in 1981 when a nonprofit organization, Riverfront Recapture, was created to lead the effort to restore public access to the Connecticut River in Hartford and East Hartford. The communities were walled off from the river by a system of flood control dikes in the 1940’s and in the 1960’s the construction of I-91 in Hartford added another major barrier.
From street level you couldn’t see the river and there were no easy ways to get to it. Over two generations the river had become out of sight and out of mind – and badly deteriorated.
But other American cities were beginning to think of their waterways as tools for revitalization. Baltimore, for example, was enjoying great success with its reuse of its inner harbor.
Riverfront Recapture set a similar goal, recognizing that it would have to deal with the reality of a powerful river that floods at various times of the year.
Today, people have their choice of four Riverfront parks: Riverside Park, Charter Oak Landing, and Mortensen Riverfront Plaza in Hartford and Great River Park in East Hartford. Walkways on Founders Bridge and Charter Oak Bridge connect both banks of the river and paved, lighted riverwalks connect most of the parks—with the exception of the land between downtown and Charter Oak Landing, which is in the planning phase.
Riverside Park, Charter Oak Landing, and Great River Park each have public boat launching facilities and picnic areas. Riverside Park, the largest piece of land on the Riverfront, is the hub for recreational activity – with a magnificent boat house that supports a community rowing program for adults and teenagers. A second floor community room and porch is a popular location for weddings, corporate receptions, birthday parties, and other private events.
Mortensen Riverfront Plaza, a landscaped park over I-91 in downtown Hartford, is the centerpiece of the Riverfront park system. A stage at the river’s edge provides a scenic venue for a rich variety of performances, with seating for 2,500 people on grassy terraces that descend from the plaza to the Riverfront. Excursion boats operate from the downtown docks, which also serve events such as the annual dragon boat festival.
Opening up access to the river has produced benefits to the region on multiple levels. It has created wonderful possibilities for waterfront recreation in an urban setting – greatly enhancing the region’s quality of life. And that new access to water has enhanced the value of land adjacent to the parks – generating unprecedented economic investment for new development. Columbus Boulevard in downtown Hartford, for example, has seen an impressive transformation since Mortensen Riverfront Plaza reunited the city with the river in 1999. Dusty parking lots have been replaced by the Connecticut Convention Center, a Marriott hotel, the stunning Connecticut Science Center, and the new Front Street District – bringing life and activity to a street that had been deserted after dark.
The Hartford-East Hartford Riverfront won’t be developed with hotels, restaurants, and condominiums at the river’s edge because the river overflows its banks at various times of the year. But development is coming as close to the parks as possible, on both banks of the river, to take advantage of the new access to an attractive, active Riverfront. And the recaptured Riverfront will always remain a public greenway and recreational space that provides “an oasis in the heart of the city.”
Timeline, 1980 - 2006
Development of Riverfront Parks
Hartford and East Hartford, Connecticut
1980
Public seminar at the Old State House showcases potential benefits of reconnecting to the river. Hosted by The Travelers Insurance Companies, in cooperation with the Downtown Council, the City of Hartford, Connecticut River Watershed Council, and the Hartford Architecture Conservancy.
1981
Riverfront Recapture, Inc. is created to develop a comprehensive plan to reunite Hartford with its Riverfront.
1982
A four-month study of the Riverfront’s possibilities is published, inviting the community to help develop “a Riverfront Plan that works.”
1983
The Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund makes a grant to design and construct initial physical improvements in Hartford and East Hartford.
1984
The Connecticut Department of Transportation agrees to restore public access to the Riverfront when it reconstructs I-91. Plans are completed for improvements to Hartford’s Riverside Park, East Hartford’s boat launch area, and a site beneath the Charter Oak Bridge in Hartford.
1985
A new dock and scenic overlook are completed at Hartford’s Charter Oak Landing. A gazebo and playscape are among the first improvements at Riverside Park.
1986
The Connecticut General Assembly makes its first authorization of funds to Riverfront Recapture for park development. Excursion boat service returns to Hartford. The first phase of East Hartford’s Great River Park is opened.
1987
Groundbreaking ceremonies launch the second phase of Great River Park improvements. Plans are completed for a new park at Charter Oak Landing.
1988
Charter Oak Landing construction begins. Architects are hired to design a plan for a public space over I-91 that will restore access to the Riverfront.
1989
Charter Oak Landing, featuring the first portion of the riverwalk system, opens to the public. Floating docks at Riverside Park encourage expansion of community boating.
1990
The Connecticut Department of Transportation accepts Riverfront Recapture’s designs for a landscaped platform over I-91 and a pedestrian promenade on Founders Bridge - guaranteeing the projects will be built. East Hartford’s first stretch of riverwalk, between the Bulkeley and Founders Bridges, is opened. Master planning begins for a Windsor riverwalk.
1991
The Connecticut Department of Transportation awards a contract for the ambitious I-91 project that includes Riverfront Recapture’s designs for restored access between downtown and the River. Construction begins on additional improvements that will double the size of Charter Oak Landing. A 12-state eastern regional bass tournament returns to the Riverfront for a second consecutive year, the first time that the competition took place at the same site in consecutive years.
1992
Construction begins on the I-91 project. Ceremonies dedicate new facilities at Charter Oak Landing, including a boat launch and wharf and a children’s playscape. Construction begins on the next phase of public improvements to Riverside Park. A national triathlon attracts 1,100 athletes for a competition that includes a swim in the river.
1993
Planning begins for riverwalks that will connect downtown Hartford with Riverside Park to the north and Charter Oak Landing to the south. Work is completed for Riverside Park improvements, including lighting, picnic areas, riverwalks, and additional parking. Riverfront Recapture expands its Community Boating Program with the addition of two eight-oared shells and creates a crew program at Hartford Public High School.
1994
Construction begins on the final phase of the original master plan for East Hartford’s Riverfront, improvements to include an amphitheater and a longer boat ramp. Planning begins for a boathouse in Riverside Park for the growing Community Boating Program. The Windsor Town Council approves the master plan for Riverfront park development. Riverfront Recapture hosts a BASSMASTER Top 100 Tournament, which attracts a national field of professional and amateur anglers—the first time a tournament of this caliber is held in the Northeast. The elevated section of I-91 in downtown Hartford is demolished, clearing the way for the landscaped plaza over the highway that will reunite the central city with its Riverfront.
1995
American Rivers selects Riverfront Recapture for one of its first “America’s Most Improved Urban Rivers” awards, in the category of economic revitalization. The award recognizes the importance of Riverfront sporting events that bring visitors here to spend time and money. Federal funding is approved for a pedestrian bridge over Columbus Boulevard to connect Constitution Plaza with the I-91 platform that’s in construction.
1996
The completion of East Hartford’s amphitheater and the southern portion of the riverwalk over the Hockanum River to the Charter Oak Bridge opens pedestrian and bicycle access between the Hartford and East Hartford Riverfront parks. The Capitol Region Partnership, a consortium of regional organizations, convenes the Ad Hoc Riverfront Council to review the project’s economic development potential and to recommend a management plan.
1997
The Ad Hoc Riverfront Council recommends a riverfront parks management structure that would involve the municipalities of East Hartford and Hartford, working in partnership with the Metropolitan District Commission and Riverfront Recapture.
The U.S. Rowing Association brings its national convention to Hartford and sets an attendance record. An international panel of jurors selects Riverfront Recapture as the winner of the Waterfront Center’s Top Honor Award for Excellence on the Waterfront.
1998
Unique partnership agreements give Riverfront Recapture responsibility for managing Riverfront parks in Hartford and East Hartford. The Metropolitan District Commission agrees to maintain the Riverfront parks, at its expense, and funds a park rangers program, administered by Riverfront Recapture. The plan is hailed as a national model for urban parks.
The Hartford Foundation for Public Giving awards Riverfront Recapture $1 million over four years to help the organization take on parks management responsibilities.
The Greater Hartford Jaycees commits $500,000 to launch a boathouse fund-raising campaign.
The world’s richest sports fishing competition, the Wal-Mart Forrest L. Wood Open, brings its $1 million tournament to the Riverfront.
President Clinton designates the Connecticut River as one of the nation’s 14 American Heritage Rivers.
1999
Riverfront Plaza opens, reconnecting downtown Hartford with the Connecticut River. Grassy terraces descend to the Riverfront, creating amphitheater seating for 2,000 people. A dock at the base of the terraces brings excursion boat service into downtown for the first time in more than 60 years.
A pedestrian promenade on Founders Bridge links Riverfront parks in Hartford and East Hartford.
A “walkabout†around a Bulkeley Bridge abutment on the Hartford bank restores pedestrian access between downtown and the century-old Riverside Park, to the north.
2000
Construction begins on the Columbus Boulevard Bridge and ramp to Constitution Plaza that will greatly enhance pedestrian access between downtown Hartford and the Riverfront.
A permanent canopy is erected over the stage at the base of the downtown terraces. Riverfront Recapture’s first capital projects campaign raises funding from corporations, foundations, and individuals for the canopy and boathouse.
The American Society of Landscape Architects presents its top design award to Riverfront Recapture for Riverfront Plaza.
2001
Columbus Boulevard Bridge opens, creating direct, plaza-level pedestrian access between downtown Hartford and the Riverfront.
Construction begins on Greater Hartford Jaycees Community Boathouse in Riverside Park.
Connecticut General Assembly authorizes $3.9 million for additional Riverside Park improvements and riverwalks.
2002
Boathouse opens to great fanfare. Adult classes are fully booked and high school program triples in size. Second floor community room hosts more than 50 events between June and December.
Construction begins on Riverwalk Downtown connection between Founders and Bulkeley Bridges on Hartford’s Riverfront.
Capital campaign exceeds the $5.2 million goal for the boathouse and downtown performance space.
2003
Riverwalk Downtown opens to the public, creating a riverwalk connection between Founders and Bulkeley Bridges in Hartford.
Air-conditioning is added to the boathouse community room, making it more marketable for weddings and other private events during the summer months. The number of private events at the boathouse doubles to 102.
The Riverfront parks’ value as a catalyst for economic investment becomes clear, with more than $1 billion worth of development projects in construction or in final design on sites within walking distance of the Riverfront. Projects include the Connecticut Convention Center, a Marriott hotel, and the Connecticut Center for Science & Exploration, planned for a site immediately adjacent to Riverfront Plaza.
2004
The Riverfront Adventure Challenge Course in Riverside Park expands with construction of a climbing tower and additional elements.
Permits are received for Riverwalk North, the paved, lighted connection from the north side of Bulkeley Bridge into Riverside Park. The project also includes extensive landscaping around the boathouse.
A new dinner boat, The Lady Katharine, takes over downtown’s State Street Landing.
2005
Construction begins on Riverwalk North into Riverside Park and boathouse site improvements.
An allocation of State funding makes it possible to step up planning and permitting for Riverwalk South, a proposed riverwalk connection from downtown to Charter Oak Landing. This project will also include a new entrance to the river from the Colt factory complex.
A grant from the Lincoln Financial Group Foundation to the Greater Hartford Arts Council will create a sculpture walk along the Riverfront in Hartford and East Hartford. The permanent collection will have themes related to the life and times of Abraham Lincoln, including his famous meeting with Hartford-based author, Harriett Beecher Stowe.
The Riverfront parks set attendance records, with more than 820,000 visitors enjoying a full calendar of activities along the river.
2006
Riverfront Recapture celebrates its 25th anniversary with a series of special events, starting with a season kick-off concert featuring the Four Tops, who had a Top Ten hit recording in 1981, when the organization was created.
The first five pieces of the Lincoln Financial Group Sculpture Walk are installed in locations outside the floodplain, such as Riverfront Plaza and the Founders Bridge promenade. Pieces in the floodplain, which require more extensive permitting from various agencies, will be installed in 2008.
The Hartford Belle, a smaller, more informal excursion boat, offers an additional option on the river – including trips under the Bulkeley Bridge into Riverside Park.
Construction begins for the Connecticut Science Center on a site adjacent to Riverfront Plaza.
2007
Construction is completed on Riverwalk North and Riverside Park improvements – which immediately draw impressive numbers of visitors. The Greater Hartford Marathon revised its course to include Riverwalk North and more than 8,000 runners enjoyed the new views.
Attendance in the Riverfront parks continues to grow – and sets a new record of 914,000 visitors.
2008
To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Bulkeley Bridge, which has earned a place on the National Register of Historic Places, Riverfront Recapture and the Connecticut Department of Transportation illuminate the bridge’s stone arches with colorful LED lighting that eventually will become permanent.
2009
The Connecticut Science Center, Riverfront Plaza’s newest neighbor, brings even more visitors to the area.
The Riverfront Dragon Boat and Asian Festival expands to a two-day event, attracting hundreds of out-of-state competitors as well as local teams.
The City of Hartford, through the Greater Hartford Arts Council, funds a way- finding signage program for the Hartford Riverfront parks.
2010
The 16th and final piece of art in the Lincoln Financial Sculpture Walk at Riverfront is dedicated on Mortensen Riverfront Plaza.
The U.S. Rowing Association announces that it will bring its national convention to Hartford in 2011.
Way-finding signs are installed in the Hartford Riverfront parks. Funding will be sought for similar signs on the East Hartford Riverfront.
Riverfront Recapture sets an attendance record with more than 960,000 people coming the Riverfront to enjoy the parks and the many festivals, concerts, and sporting events.
2011
Planning continues on design and permitting for the Riverwalk South project that will connect the downtown Riverfront to Charter Oak Landing – completing a three-mile continuous loop of riverwalks on both banks of the river between Founders and Charter Oak Bridges.
