After the Connecticut River Flood of 1936, the Park River was diverted into a massive underground conduit (45 feet wide and 30 feet high). The pond that sits in Bushnell Park today was designed and built by the Olmsted Brothers in 1943 near Jewell Street, tracing the gentle, serpentine path where the Park River once flowed.
The original pond, constructed with brownstone walls, developed drainage issues almost immediately and was often plagued by mud and shallow, murky water. Thanks to the support of thousands of New Englanders, the Bushnell Park Foundation undertook a major reconstruction in 1983, giving the pond a more stable form and renewed life.
A notable addition came in 1990 with the dedication of Harmony, the stainless-steel sculpture by Norwalk artist Charles Perry, gifted to the park by Travelers. The sculpture still floats above the water near the Carousel as a signature feature of the landscape.
In 2024, the pond underwent its most significant restoration since the 1980s — a $2.8 million project funded by the City of Hartford. Overseen by Beta Group, with construction by Yield Industries and long championed by Bushnell Park Conservancy, this restoration addressed long-standing structural, drainage, and water-quality issues, ensuring the pond remains a healthy, vibrant centerpiece of the park for decades to come. More details are below.
Pond Dredging Project, Summer 2025
OCTOBER 5 UPDATE
After nearly six months, the fence around the pond is down, the grass is growing in, and work is almost complete!
SEPTEMBER UPDATES
A major step for our Pond Restoration started the week of September 22: Refilling the pond! Contractors are now completing all electrical work and will then install the aerators and fountains. Our Physical Parks Committee is working on a set of steps to help maintain the pond in partnership with DPW employees and the community.
In recent weeks, crews have:
- Removed the railroad ties and gravel that were protecting the lawn in front of the Carousel from heavy equipment
- Re-installed our 1939 World’s Fair-replica benches around the pond perimeter
- Removed the rest of the heavy equipment from inside the fenced area
- Hydroseeded all damaged lawn areas inside and outside the fenced area
- Started refilling the pond!
As a reminder, this long-awaited project includes:
- Restoring pond depth and health by dredging accumulated sediment
- Repairing historic stonework and improving drainage
- Upgrading utilities, paths, and visitor amenities
We can see the finish line and can’t wait to show off this section of the park again.
Week of September 8: Exciting progress continues on our Pond Restoration project! Contractors have now completed the removal of sediment from the project area, which means less heavy construction equipment in the park and a more peaceful experience for visitors. With sediment dredging behind us, the team has begun grading the site in preparation for grass planting—a major step toward restoring the natural beauty of the area.
In recent weeks, crews have:
- Repaired the historic brownstone walls surrounding the pond
- Finished pouring walkway concrete
- Removed most of the heavy equipment from inside the fenced area
As a reminder, this long-awaited project includes:
- Restoring pond depth and health by dredging accumulated sediment
- Repairing historic stonework and improving drainage
- Upgrading utilities, paths, and visitor amenities
The project remains on schedule and is still expected to be completed this Fall.
AUGUST UPDATE
So far this month, the contractors have added river stone to the pond bed and made repairs to the pond’s brownstone walls. The two fountains and the paths surrounding the pond will soon be replaced.
The project is still on schedule and is expected to be completed this Fall.
JULY UPDATE
Bushnell Park Pond Restoration is a key infrastructure improvement project led by the City of Hartford and its Department of Public Works. With oversight from the city and lots of cheerleading support from all of us here at the Bushnell Park Conservancy, the effort brings together municipal leadership and expert consultants to rejuvenate one of Bushnell Park’s most cherished landmarks. BETA Group, Inc. is serving as the general contractor on this project, guiding construction led by Yield Industries.
This long-awaited project includes:
- Dredging accumulated sediment to restore pond depth and health
- Repairing historic stonework and improving drainage
- Upgrading utilities, paths, and visitor amenities
We are pleased to report that the project is on schedule and is expected to be completed this Fall. Bushnell Park Conservancy is thrilled to see the city’s vision come to life and is proud to cheer from the sidelines as this transformative and long-awaited park improvement project unfolds.
JUNE UPDATE
One of the biggest changes this year is happening at the pond. A long-awaited restoration project is now underway, with work that began in early May and is expected to conclude in September.
The project includes:
- removing built-up sediment
- restoring the pond bottom
- repairing the historic brownstone walls
- installing new concrete sidewalks & modern well pump
- updated electrical systems
- and new benches
This project has been years in the making and will be a literal fresh start for the aesthetic and ecological future of the pond.
Watch a video describing the project in more detail below and look for updates on our Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn.
Funded by the City of Hartford, the project is being overseen by Beta Group, with construction by Yield Industries. Bushnell Park Conservancy has championed this restoration for many years, and we’re thrilled to see it finally coming to life.