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, January 13, we'll be back in Riverside Park so we can toss the seed balls we made last month. We have different seed combinations for the sunny, shady, wet, and dry areas of the park. All are welcome, whether you helped make the seed balls or not. Registration is not required, but we'd appreciate if you let us know you're coming here.

Download a flyer

If you didn't get a chance to come to Rico Chow to see this year's plein air paintings from Riverside Park, we are in the process of creating an online gallery. Check back soon!

Next spring, we are inviting artists back for Neighbor Day on May 19, and will also have art supplies for families to use as well. More information will be available as it gets closer.

Riverside Park Conservancy is in the process of making plans for this area across from the pavilion, where historically there was a small playground that was removed when the old equipment became unsafe. A rain garden is in the works at the north end, near the US Coast Guard Academy fence, but there is ample space for recreational amenities to be added to the rest of the parcel.

A couple benches have been ordered, but we are seeking public input on what sorts of recreation should be provided (creative play? adult fitness? nature trail? for visitors to the north end of the park.

Please complete our online survey, or download a pdf document that you can mail (or email) to us. Thank you!