Riverside Park Conservancy

2012 was a busy year for the Riverside Park Conservancy, with a lot of firsts. The conservancy formed in December 2011, and was recognized less than a year later as a tax-exempt public charity under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Working to improve conditions in the park, and in partnership with the City of New London and a varied group of local organizations, RPC:

• Received a $500 grant from the New London Water Authority Foundation towards the renovation of restroom facilities at the park.

• Hosted park clean-ups with community members, including collaborations with the Drop-In Learning Center and Connecticut College Office of Volunteer and Community Services (OVCS).

• Sponsored events, including Yale-Harvard Regatta Day on May 26, featuring live music by the Silver Hammer Band before the start of the races; Down By the Riverside on September 15 (a full day of music, games, bike helmet distribution, voter registration and plein air painting); “Scenes from Riverside Park” reception on October 20 at Union Station, where we displayed the DBTR plein air paintings; and a Fall Festival (activities for children, book giveaway, helmet distribution) on October 27.

• Received recognition from the New London Beautification Committee for planting flowers along the park wall on Crystal Avenue and Adelaide Street.

• Supported and participated in New London Landmarks’ Creative Placemaking project, at Art Jams, charrettes, and planning meetings.

Looking ahead to 2013, we plan to complete the restroom renovation, extend flower gardens onto Stanners Street, stabilize the park's feral cat population with a trap-neuter-release program, host community events and clean-ups, expand the Plein Air painting, and seek funding for additional picnic areas, invasive species control, stormwater management and appealing play equipment.

We can't wait! See you in the park.