park river watershed revitalization initiative

Vision

The Park River has inspired a spectrum of visions. The challenge is to synthesize the interests of property owners with the need to protect and improve the natural ecology of all waterways. In addition, there is a potential to shape scenic vistas, and where appropriate, enable public paths along greenways that provide an alternative to vehicle traffic. A collaborative design process, and subsequent construction of urban design improvements is an expensive proposition that will take decades of work.

Working collaboratively over the past year, Eastern Ct RC& D, CRCOG, the Knox Parks Foundation City of Hartford, USDA-National Resources Conservation Service, Hartford Areas Rally Together, Behind the Rocks/Southwest neighborhood, and other partners have developed a proposal for the Park River Greenway, South Branch Trail.

During the coming year a Park River watershed organizational structure will be established so as to develop a list of priority strategies to achieve systemic environmental interests. One goal of a watershed organization will be to encourage active stewardship of local waterways by neighborhood associations. All waterways in West Hartford, as well as waterways in most of Newington, New Britain, Bloomfield and parts of Farmington, Plainville, Avon, Rocky Hill and Wethersfield flow into the Park River. Rather than social and political terms, watershed boundaries are shaped by natural geological conditions.

Recently the Metropolitan District Commission (MDC) has developed a Long-Term Control Plan (LTCP) to reduce the impact of Combined Sewage Overflow (CSO) discharges into the Connecticut River via the Park River and Wethersfield Cove. The fundamental purpose of the LTCP is to improve water quality by updating aged sewer infrastructure. The Ct Dept of Environmental Protection will oversee this historic project. Increased public awareness about the value of water; water conservation; the problem of nonpoint source pollution; the need to protect wetlands along waterways; and the role of urban design within the MDC LTCP will increase the success of the design and construction process. For more information about the MDC Long Term Control Plan contact: Mathew A. Nozzolio, Public Affairs Specialist 278-7850 x3209: mnozzolio@themdc.com, www.themdc.com

In autumn of 2004, graduates students of the University of Massachusetts, Department of Landscape and Regional Planning prepared ideas and proposals during a 7 week studio. Posted below are 3 student proposals of the potential for change:
Democracy and the Park River: an interpretation of the MDC LTCP: Gregory Tuzzulo
Through Bushnell Park: Lauren M. Todd