The park’s expansive site presents a unique opportunity for reimagining public engagement with a more accessible and dynamic riverfront. Key components of the plan include:

Garmany Cove: The cove anchors the park, reaching far into the site to bring the water to the edge of the community plaza. Perfect for boating of all skill levels, the cove provides recreational opportunities, water storage during flood events, and critical habitat for local ecosystems.

Joe Marfuggi Riverwalk: A shared-use trail will connect with the Windsor Riverwalk, linking the region from South Windsor to the south end of Hartford and East Hartford. 

Park Development Area – Utilizing a park planning process that incorporates meaningful community engagement, We envision building a park that will support recreation, youth programs, large-scale community events & festivals, trails, public art, and community gathering spaces.

Commercial Development Site –  Approximately 10 acres of the project site have been identified for complementary commercial development to support future park operations, act as a catalyst for economic development and increase property values in adjacent areas. As part of the remediation process, the 10 acres of uplands will be raised out of the floodplain utilizing soil excavated from Garmany Cove. The site is well suited for mixed-use development, including multifamily housing, retail, and dining.

Windsor Meadows State Park – Riverfront Recapture will open and maintain 16 acres of previously inaccessible public land through a management agreement with the State of Connecticut. Plans for this park area include picnic groves, meadow plantings, and secondary trails.

Riverfront Ecologies: The site will be home to distinct yet connected ecological zones. The woodland forest, upland meadow, cove wetland, and stormwater wetland all work together to provide habitat, ecosystem services, and education at the park.

Water Access: Visual and physical connection to the water is prioritized throughout the park. Visitors can view the water from overlooks, the hill, the plaza, or the iconic bridge. Boaters can launch their watercraft into the cove from public floating docks. River paddlers can pull up near Deckers Brook for a day trip or to explore the fishing pier and cove edges.

Read the executive summary of the Master Plan here.