Matt Ritter

While the state recently allocated funding for much-needed infrastructure repairs and improvements to our state parks and forests, Riverfront Recapture announced plans to re-open Hartford-owned Batterson Park to the public next summer.

I was proud to work with my colleagues to secure the additional funding needed to help clean up, restore and re-open Batterson, and look forward to seeing Hartford and area residents enjoy this environmental gem that had been neglected for decades. Though owned by the City, the 260-acre site sits along the Farmington-New Britain border.

In an opinion piece I wrote last year, I noted that Batterson Park was once a popular summer destination for thousands of families every year and it has the potential to be great once again.

The overall state funding of $30 million supports the Restore CT State Parks initiative, which is a targeted effort by the state legislature and governor to address the backlog of needed repairs.

Connecticut has 110 state parks and 32 state forests, and these projects will help create a better experience for everyone who enjoy spending time in the great outdoors. Since 2022, the state has committed more than $70 million of American Rescue Plan Act and state bond funds to support investment in outdoor recreation.

Here’s a complete list of planned and in-progress projects designed to upgrade our state parks system. The Connecticut State Parks system is administered and maintained by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

Improving our parks and forests will benefit everyone in the state. Access to parks promotes physical fitness by providing opportunities for hiking, biking, jogging, and much more. The outdoors also helps to improve mental health by reducing stress and anxiety. Additionally, parks provide recreational spaces where families can come together.

You can read more about the specific plan to re-open Batterson Park in this Hartford Courant article.