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Hartford Gets Grant For Batterson Park

Money To Pay For Creating Camping, Hiking Areas

By Jenna Carlesso

October 19, 2010

HARTFORD — —

The city has received a $139,100 state grant to create a camping area and hiking trails at Batterson Park, city-owned property located largely in Farmington.

The grant, part of the Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition Grant Program, was awarded by the state Department of Environmental Protection. It requires that the city match 35 percent of the grant, but officials said that could be in the form of services, such as construction and brush-clearing.

Planners have envisioned blazing a trail near the park's pond. The campground would take up a half-acre at the west end of the park.

Kevin Burnham, director of the city's public works department, has said the project would probably take three to five months to complete. It is unclear when construction will begin.

The grant "gives the city the opportunity to build on the momentum of our 'week of the parks' efforts," said Mayor Pedro Segarra, referring to the citywide park cleanup in August.

Segarra called Batterson Park a regional asset that "provides a slice of the country without even leaving the city. Just a short ride away is a place where Hartford families can enjoy a 'staycation' of swimming, camping and hiking."

Seven Connecticut cities and towns were awarded the Urban Green & Community Garden grants. Besides Hartford, funding to help refurbish parks and gardens went to New Haven, New London, Bristol, Norwalk, Windham and Bridgeport.