Mortensen Riverfront Plaza

Mortensen Riverfront Plaza is the centerpiece of the Riverfront Recapture park system in Hartford, Connecticut. Located along the Connecticut River, this urban park spans over Interstate 91, connecting downtown Hartford with the riverfront. The plaza features a stage at the river's edge with seating for 2,500 people on a grassy terrace, providing a scenic venue for various performances and events.

The plaza is part of a larger effort to revitalize the banks of the Connecticut River in Hartford and East Hartford. This transformation has turned what was once an overgrown area, walled off by flood dikes and cut off by Interstate 91, into a vibrant public space. The park offers stunning views of the Connecticut River and the Hartford skyline, making it a popular destination for both locals and visitors.

Mortensen Riverfront Plaza serves as a hub for recreational activities and community gatherings. It's connected to other parks in the Riverfront Recapture system via riverwalks, allowing for extended exploration of the area. The park is open from sunrise to sunset, providing ample opportunity for visitors to enjoy its amenities throughout the day.

As part of the Lincoln Sculpture Walk, the plaza hosts several sculptures that are part of a collection of 16 pieces about Lincoln and different aspects of history surrounding him. These sculptures, scattered along the riverfront, add an educational and artistic element to the park experience.

The plaza's design incorporates both functionality and aesthetics, with paved and lighted walkways that make it accessible and safe for visitors. Its location over Interstate 91 serves as a unique example of urban planning, effectively bridging the gap between the city's downtown area and its natural riverfront asset.