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Committee OKs resolution to authorize Batterson Park MOU; DEEP passport funding to support Riverfront management
Summary
Committee forwarded a resolution authorizing agreements to have Riverfront Recapture operate and maintain Batterson Park, with the state DEEP Passport to Parks fund proposed to provide $800,000 per year to Riverfront Recapture for park management; the park is scheduled for a targeted September reopening.
The Creation and Environment Committee voted to forward to the full City Council a resolution authorizing the City of Hartford to enter into agreements that would make Riverfront Recapture the park operator for Batterson Park and to accept state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Passport to Parks funding to support management.
Paul Drummy and Riverfront Recapture CEO Mike Zaleski described a three-part set of agreements under discussion: (1) a three-way memorandum of agreement between DEEP, the city and Riverfront Recapture to connect Passport to Parks funding to the project; (2) a park management agreement between the city and Riverfront Recapture for day-to-day operations; and (3) an allocation of project funds for Riverfront to purchase equipment and vehicles needed to begin management.
Funding and operations
Staff told the committee the current draft contemplates DEEP making a grant allocation of $800,000 a year to Riverfront Recapture directly to manage Batterson Park, for an initial five-year contract with two five-year renewal options. The agreements are intended to fund day-to-day maintenance so the operational burden would not come out of the city's general fund for those years.
Planned improvements and use
City and Riverfront staff said the park's planned first-phase reopening would include trails, an event lawn, an amenities building and a splash pad; project work is on a schedule that staff said aims for a September reopening. Staff also said future phases could allow for expanded water access such as kayak or canoe launches and other recreational water uses if future funding and environmental conditions allow.
Community access and fees
Staff emphasized that acceptance of Passport to Parks funds means admission cannot be charged at the site; instead, DEEP funding supports public access. Riverfront representatives said there may be non-paying incentives to encourage Hartford residents to use the park and that public transportation options to the site will be publicized.
Outcome
Committee members praised the partnership and the resolution was forwarded to the full council with a favorable recommendation.
Votes at a glance: motion to send Batterson Park management resolution to full council with a favorable recommendation — passed (unanimous).
