Riverside Park Conservancy

In December 2011, Riverside Park Conservancy was formed as a nonprofit Connecticut corporation whose purpose is to “restore, manage and enhance Riverside Park, in partnership with the public and local government, for the enjoyment of present and future generations, and to improve the quality of open space for all New Londoners.” Recognized as a tax-exempt public charity under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, RPC strives to conserve and enhance the park’s natural resources, as well as to improve facilities and host events, to encourage people to visit and enjoy the park’s unique views and landscape.

The conservancy works in partnership with the City of New London and a varied group of local organizations. In 2013, the Riverside Park Conservancy:

• Received a $5,000 grant from Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut to complete the restoration of restroom facilities at the park.

• Received a $500 grant from Captain Planet Foundation to work with Drop-In Learning Center students to create a “Peace Pollinator” Butterfly Garden.

• Received a $1,047 grant from the City of New London Community Development Block Grant
program to install charcoal grills in the park.

• Hosted park clean-ups with community members and local educational institutions.

• Sponsored events: Yale-Harvard Regatta Brunch; Down By the Riverside Festival (a full day of music, crafts, walks, and plein air painting); and “Scenes from Riverside Park” exhibit and reception at Union Station.

• Expanded the planting areas along Crystal Avenue, Stanners Street, and within the park, focusing on the use of native and wildlife-friendly plants.

• Initiated and supported the establishment of Riverside Community Garden on a city-owned parcel adjacent to the park.

In 2014, in addition to maintaining our existing events and projects, we are launching a campaign to raise funds to rebuild the pavilion in its former location, for use by the public as well as Winthrop School students, and to install a drinking fountain in the park.

We invite you to join the Riverside Park Conservancy to support these activities. Our membership brochure outlines opportunities for supporting our activities through volunteering and donations.

Thank you, and see you in the park!