Bushnell Park - Hartford, CT

Bushnell Park is a classic example of an urban park in every sense of the word. It is located directly in the heart of downtown Hartford, CT. And is directly adjacent to several of the city's and state's most important buildings and institutions. Directly to the north of the park is the Hartford Amtrak station, an historically vital and still important transportation node. Directly to the south of the park is the Connecticut state capitol. Finally, it is surrounded on all sides by the high-rises of downtown Hartford. Therefore, the park acts as a de-facto centerpiece of Hartford and state life. It has also been linked to Hartford throughout much of its history, as it is actually the oldest publicly funded park in the United States.

The park was conceived in the mid-1850s and completed by 1868. It was in this era that the need for open space in rapidly growing urban areas was starting to be realized. In this context, a 50 acre portion of downtown real estate was preserved for open space for the public to use and enjoy. The belief, which proved to be true, was that setting aside this land could increase the value of the surrounding land while also improving the quality of life for all in the city. The park quickly became a favored location for cultural events, music festivals, and other similar events and activities. It was originally conceived by Reverend Horace Bushnell and designed by Jacob Weidenmann, who was recommended by Frederick Law Olmsted, who himself could not work on the park as he was preoccupied with the implementation Central Park in New York at the time. The design of the park was originally fairly simple, proving that not a whole lot of intricate work was needed to create a classic park.

The park features paths that meander throughout that are shaded by stately trees. In between the paths lie several meadows and grass fields, which allow for either relaxation or recreation. The Connecticut state house commands quite a presence in the park, as it located directly on edge of it. The ornate architecture of the capitol building almost gives the park a sense of royalty. Another attraction within the park adds to this noble character. In 1886, the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch was added to the park. It is located on Trinity Street which is the main thoroughfare that runs north-south through the park. The Arch is a gothic-style design composed of two medieval towers adjoined at the top to make an arch. It was implemented as a memorial to the Civil War.

The city of Hartford has changed in character since its inception. As is typical in northern cities, it experienced an economic decline and a population shift to the suburbs in the middle of the twentieth century. However, the very heart of downtown Hartford is still a dynamic and scenic area due largely to the presence of Bushnell Park, which has been vital to maintaining a high quality of character in the area. Hartford may not be as important or booming as it was in the early twentieth century, but Bushnell Park has played a key role in keeping what remains a scenic and desirable area.