Hartford Parks Join Crowdfunding Effort

Hartford’s Park Challenge 2021 launched on April 30, with Mayor Luke Bronin, Sustainable CT, and the Connecticut Valley Garden Club.

The goal of the challenge is to raise funds to meet the needs of Hartford parks, which have seen increased usage in the pandemic as a place for socially distanced recreation. The crowdfunding campaign will last for two months, and participating parks will receive matching funds of up to $7,500 from SustainableCT. This privately funded grant organization prioritizes public efforts to improve the environment. Each park has identified specific needs: new trees for Bushnell Park, picnic tables, plants and benches for Colt Park, a wildflower meadow for Keney Park, and a new bed of day lilies to replace invasive weeds in Charter Oak Landing.

Why donate to this crowdfunding effort? Throughout the pandemic, parks have provided soothing, enriching, safe public spaces. Parks across the country are enjoying a marked rise in visitors. However, increased usage requires increased funding. Parks cannot meet the expectations of their visitors without help.

“The needs of our historic parks are many. We believe everyone who has enjoyed a park during the pandemic is able to contribute as little as $5 to their favorite participating park,” says CVGC Park Challenge 2021 co-chair Beth Montgelas. Connecticut Valley Garden Club has a long history of support for parks and gardens, including Sunset Overlook and the Heritage Rose Garden in Elizabeth Park, planters for Riverside Recapture, the topiary garden at Children’s Medical Center, and many more.

Please help us meet our goal, and receive the maximum matching funds! Your support means so much!