Riverside Park Conservancy

Three years have passed since the formation of, Riverside Park Conservancy 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 2014, the Riverside Park Conservancy:

• Completed the restoration of restroom facilities at the park.

• In collaboration with New London Landmarks, created an educational rain garden along the southeastern edge of the park, to reduce stormwater runoff and control invasives.

• With support from the City of New London, installed charcoal grills to create new picnic areas near the Adelaide Street entrance into the park.

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

• Sponsored events: CT Trails Weekend walk from Fulton Park to the Old Mill; 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.

• Expanded the Riverside Community Garden, installing an ornamental border fence and water service (thanks to FRESH New London!).

• Brought sustainable land care consultant Michael Nadeau to New London to share ideas for stormwater control and waterfront access in three parks: Riverside, Fulton, and Greens Harbor; in addition, he presented a public workshop on "Landscaping for Clean Waterways" at the NL Senior Center.

• Supported the efforts of Eagle Scouts to construct attractive pet waste bag dispensers in the park.

• Supported student painted mural projects on the park’s bath house and entrance road.

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!