Open Space

What Is Open Space?

Open space is any open piece of land that is undeveloped (has no buildings or other built structures) and is accessible to the public. Open space can include:

Green space (land that is partly or completely covered with grass, trees, shrubs, or other vegetation). Green space includes parks, community gardens, and cemeteries.
Schoolyards
Playgrounds
Public seating areas
Public plazas
Vacant lots

Why is Open Space an Environmental Concern?

Open space provides recreational areas for Hartford's residents and helps to enhance the beauty and environmental quality of neighborhoods.

Open Space In Hartford

The map on the below shows areas of the city that are considered open spaces. This map does not show privately owned green spaces or city-owned cemeteries.

Urban Greenspace Revitalization Project

The goal of the Urban Greenspace Revitalization Project is to restore, maintain, and enhance the social, economic, and environmental viability of the South Branch of the Park River watershed, in the Behind the Rock neighborhood. The project is designed to improve the environment by converting an overgrown dump area into an open space for public use. After trash and undesirable species are removed, the site will be landscaped, and benches, walking trails, and bike paths will be installed.

The project is being conducted by the Eastern Connecticut Resource Conservation and Development Area (RC&D), a nonprofit organization, working with community, educational, and government partners. As part of this project, the Connecticut Environmental Review Team provided a natural resource assessment of Hartford's Park River area.

Photo courtesy Eastern Connecticut Resource
Conservation and Development Area

South Branch of the Park River in Hartford from the Hamilton St. Bridge

For further information, contact Moses Taylor, RC&D Coordinator, 24 Hyde Avenue, Vernon, CT 06066-4503, phone 860-875-3881, fax 860-870-4730, or e-mail Moses.Taylor@CT.usda.gov or see RC & D's website.

Greater Hartford Urban Outdoor Classroom and Nature Trail

The installation of a two-mile, stone-dust nature trail, straddling the floodplain of the North Branch of the Park River and Mark Twain Drive, transformed a site that had long been used as an illegal dumping area. A teacher's guide to the site has been developed, encouraging students, teachers, and area residents to learn more about the habitats and wildlife found in the Park River watershed. The project is coordinated by the Eastern Connecticut Resource Conservation and Development Area (RC&D).

Students exploring the educational stations on the Greater Hartford Urban Outdoor Classroom and Nature Trail along the North Branch of the Park River.

Photo courtesy Eastern Connecticut Resource Conservation and Development Area

Parks in Hartford

Bushnell Park carousel Hartford's parks were established in the era of the American Park Movement, which began in 1853 with the creation of Bushnell Park. Frederick Law Olmstead, one of many of the great park designers helped to develop Hartford's park system. Particular philosophies of design are present in each of the major parks developed during this era. These include Bushnell Park, which now includes a fully operational antique carousel and Elizabeth Park which is nationally known for its spectacular rose gardens.

Hartford has an extensive system of parks and recreational sites totaling over 2,000 acres, with almost one acre for every 60 residents. In fact, nearly every Hartford resident lives within a half-mile of a city park. These include 6 major parks and 19 smaller ones. For more details on these facilities click here.