Keney Park in Hartford has a terrific pond to start kids paddling and Batterson Park in Farmington has a lake-sized body of water to which we “graduate” after conquering new skills at Keney. The kids are amazed they can cross Batterson in two trips and get out and walk around on the park land. They feel a great sense of accomplishment looking across from shore to shore. Both parks are owned by the City of Hartford.
Located in one of the most beautiful parks in our capital city, Keney Park Pond in Hartford is the ideal place for kids to learn paddling and safe canoeing and kayaking. It’s only 10 feet deep in certain parts and has plenty of shallow, sandy areas from which to easily launch their water craft. There are a few small islands that provide interesting obstacles to navigate, and plenty of reeds to explore and sneak up on birds, or find a giant goose egg. And on a hot day, who doesn’t like to race and paddle near the pond’s fountains for a cool summer shower?
We are so grateful to the Friends of Keney Park (FOKP), who partnered with us in our first year to help us get started. We couldn’t have done it without them.
Batterson Park is unfortunately, a neglected gem of a park. From the 1940’s, it was the local “beach” for many Hartford families to go spend the day swimming, fishing, playing, picnicking and relaxing. Allowed to fall into disrepair, the park was closed in 2015 during Hartford’s financial crisis. Now with $7 million dollars from the CT State Legislature, Batterson Park may soon become a local swimming and recreational beach hotspot for Hartford and New Britain families again. Until that becomes a reality, CITY PADDLES will use the convenient state boat launch from which to shove off on our lake excursions. Look at us secretly exploring the lands of Batterson on a snack break from our paddling!
