We know that time spent outdoors contributes to our mental and physical health and access to close-to-home parks make communities more resilient to flooding, severe heat, and the effects of the climate crisis. Our Hartford ParkScore® Analysis provides community leaders with the information they need to improve these green spaces, close the park equity gap, and connect more Connecticut residents to the benefits of the outdoors. It rates park systems across the U.S. by comparing five categories: equity, access, investment, amenities, and acreage.

Based on our analysis, Hartford’s park system received a ParkScore rating of 59 out of a possible 100 points, indicating that it ranks slightly above average when compared to the most populous cities in the country. A strength of Hartford’s park system is that 96% of its residents live within a 10-minute walk of a park (see Access Map in Data Supplement). Residents in low-income neighborhoods have access to 46% less park space per person than those in high-income neighborhoods. This divide is even starker when comparing the availability of park activities or assessing park condition. But there’s opportunities to improve the city’s park system by investing in park and recreation facilities.

Our report provides the data needed to strategically update and improve Hartford’s parks to better serve all residents regardless of zip code.

Want more details? Download the Hartford ParkScore®Analysis.