Riverside Park Conservancy

Riverside Park is a lovely 18-acre wooded open space that rises from the Thames River to the Northeast New London neighborhood and the Winthrop Elementary STEM Magnet School. Created in 1893, the park was a popular recreation spot - for games, picnicking, swimming and viewing the annual Yale-Harvard Regatta - for generations of New Londoners, until it became isolated due to the construction of I-95 and urban renewal. It remains a hidden gem whose unique landscape and sweeping views offer peaceful respite from the stresses of everyday life. Directions to the park.

On Saturday, July 12, 9-11am, we will be doing general clean-up and pollinator planting on the slope, from upper Stanners St. down to the big rock that abuts the sunchoke stand. Park and meet nea  the gazebo. We'll be planting native grass and perennials to replace invasive knotweed and hops, to prevent erosion, and enhance the beauty and accessibility of this part of the park. All helpers welcome!    .      

Phase 1 of the new pollinator garden at Hodges Square was planted on the drizzly morning of June 14. The native plants added to the site include a black tupelo tree (thanks, NL Trees!), chokeberry shrubs, and a variety of heat-tolerant native grasses and perennials (little bluestem, butterfly weed, asters, goldenrods, and more). Phase 2 is planned for the fall and anticipated to include inkberry bushes to replace the burning bush that's being removed. Come by to take a look!