Since its founding in 1981 as the Bushnell Park Foundation, the Bushnell Park Conservancy has been the primary steward of America’s first publicly funded park and its assets. The future of Bushnell Park will always rest with citizens who care enough to protect and maintain it.

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Why I’m Running — Preserving Hartford’s Arch for the Next 140 Years

This year marks the 140th anniversary of the dedication of the Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Arch — Hartford’s gateway, a tribute to service, and one of the most meaningful landmarks in Connecticut. For generations, runners have found their own reasons to pass beneath it on marathon day: celebration, healing, determination, remembrance, joy. It’s the moment that defines the Eversource Hartford Marathon finish. This year, I’m running my first‑ever marathon to help ensure that moment endures.

As Executive Director of the Bushnell Park Conservancy, I see every day how deeply the Arch matters, to Hartford, to Connecticut, and to everyone who finds something personal in the experience of running beneath it toward their finish. But after 140 years, the Arch now requires significant preservation work. Recent engineering assessments confirm that restoring and protecting it will require a $1.5 million investment to address active structural deterioration and ensure its long‑term stability, along with raising funds to support the ongoing preservation that will be needed over the next 140 years.

The Arch was dedicated in 1886 to honor the 4,000 Hartford citizens who served in the Civil War, including the 400 who died for the Union. It has stood for generations as a symbol of courage, remembrance, and community. Now, it’s our turn to care for it.

So I’m putting my miles — and my heart — into this cause. As a former Lewis Mills High School track captain returning to the sport with purpose, I’m dedicating every training run and every step of my race to raising awareness and support for the Arch’s restoration. This marathon is my way of honoring its history and rallying the community to preserve it for the next century of runners, families, veterans, and visitors who will pass through its towers and feel what makes Hartford special.

We’re preserving the Arch for Hartford, for Connecticut, and for everyone who finds their own reason to run beneath it this year — and for the next 140 years to come.

Your support helps us keep Bushnell Park vibrant, beautiful, and accessible for all. Your donation will:

As the first publicly funded park in the United States, Bushnell Park holds a special place in Hartford’s history. But more importantly, it remains a vital part of our city’s present and future.

Photo of a group of Park visitors being led on a tour of Park monuments, in front of the statue of Horace Wells.

Bushnell Park is not just a park—it’s the heart of Hartford. It’s where we gather to celebrate life’s moments, both big and small. It’s where families share picnics under the shade of century-old trees, where children laugh as they ride the historic Carousel, and where friends come together for concerts, festivals, and quiet walks. It’s a space for reflection, connection, and community—a place that belongs to all of us.

When you give, you’re not just supporting a park—you’re supporting the people, memories, and traditions that make Hartford stronger.

Help us keep Bushnell Park the place where Hartford comes together—today, tomorrow, and for generations to come.

Together, we can ensure that Bushnell Park continues to thrive as a space for joy, beauty, and connection.

  • Invest in beautification projects like flower beds, clean walkways, and improved seating areas.
  • Fund free movie nights under the stars, bringing families and neighbors together.
  • Support new community events that foster connection and celebration throughout the year.
  • Plant and care for new trees to ensure the park remains a green oasis for generations to come.
  • Offer guided tours that share the park’s rich history and inspire new visitors.
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Bushnell Park Carousel Hours:*
Open for the season!

*Subject to change, visit our Carousel page and follow us on social media for updates. Please note the Carousel typically closes in March for winter cleaning and repairs.

Our Ornaments are back!

Now you can hang our tree 🌳 on your tree🎄!! In addition to our beautiful wooden Carousel Horse and Memorial Arch ornaments from last year, we proudly introduce our new Scion of the Charter Oak ornament! Quantities are limited. Buy yours at the Carousel front desk or reserve & pre-pay here.

Pond Dredging Project

The Pond Dredging Project is complete! Cleaning the pond was one of our most anticipated activities for 2025. Visit the Pond page for more information and project timeline.