Friends of Elizabeth Park

The Friends of Elizabeth Park was formed in 1977. At that time, the gardens in the park had fallen into disrepair and were being sorely neglected. The Hartford City Council faced budget cuts that threatened to destroy the gardens. A group of volunteers formed the Friends to raise funds to provide a much needed boost to the ailing park. Since that time the Friends have raised funds to renovate and improve the gardens and buildings, purchase plants and supplies, and increase the awareness and enjoyment of Elizabeth Park.

In the winter of 2001-2002, the Friends, with help from the Ethel Donaghue Trust, the Pond House Café, and others moved an antique Lord and Burnham greenhouse to the park from a nearby property.

The City of Hartford owns and maintains Elizabeth Park, employing the staff gardeners. The Friends of Elizabeth Park helps support the City’s work with volunteers and by funding projects.

The Friends of Elizabeth Park sponsors a series of tours and educational workshops that are free and open to the public, and which run from March to November.