There is a plan to stop the decline in Pope Park and restore the park for our city’s residents today, and for future generations to come. The Pope Park Master Plan provides this vision.   The Pope Park Plan came about as a result of The Hartford Parks Master Plan, prepared in 1992 by the City of Hartford. This report addressed the need “for wise stewardship of all parks” and made recommendations for improvements in thirty-two city parks. In 2000, The Friends of Pope Park, a group of neighborhood residents concerned about the condition of the park, started working with Pope Hartford Designated Fund and Knox Parks Foundation to address the recommendations made in the Hartford Parks Master Plan.  A specific plan for Pope Park was developed.   The Master Plan was developed by Carol R. Johnson Associates and is the result of work by Friends of Pope Park, public meetings, user surveys and historic research. The Master Plan reflects a thorough examination of the existing conditions and historic elements.  It also reflects the needs and desires of city residents, who gave their feedback as this report was being developed. Restoring Pope Park will expand on the capital investments already made in this area of the city in terms of road improvements, public safety and the emergence of a more vibrant, livable city.   What needs to be done?  Although the integrity of the Olmsted design is still visible in the Pope Park of today, many significant features from the original design have disappeared. Updates for modern uses have increased the volume of vehicular traffic and a lack of formal parking spaces has degraded the health of the lawn. Formal garden plantings and stately trees have been lost. The health of the pond has declined and it is in jeopardy. Only a few remnants of the original pedestrian pathways can be seen – pathways that used to connect the sections of the park together, and connect the park to the surrounding neighborhood.  Specific improvements include: Providing safe road crossings and entries into the park from surrounding residential areas for children and families Redesigning the intersection at Sigourney Street and Russ Street to regain lost park land and provide safe pedestrian connections to Pope Park North Creating safe connections to Pope Park from Dominick F. Burns School Recreating historic gardens and formal spaces on High Mall Developing historic path system to provide visitors with access to all areas of park and connections with adjoining neighborhoods Providing an amphitheater as a location for outdoor performances Creating interpretive play spaces and flush spray fountains for seasonal use for both children and toddlers Providing new vehicular entry and expanded parking lot for Recreation Center and park Incorporating a wet meadow as a natural filtration system for storm water Closing and removing Pope Park Drive to remove non-park vehicular traffic and to restore the integrity of the park's open space Making a serious commitment to the maintenance of the restored park The Master Plan Report describes the costs of the plan, the potential funding sources and the ability to construct the project over a 3 or 4 year time period.  (A complete copy of the Master Plan is available at The Parisky Group offices, 30 Arbor Street, Hartford , CT , 06106.)   How much will it cost? The implementation of the Master Plan is projected to cost $13.5 million in 2006. This goal reflects annual cost escalations since 2002 when the Master Plan cost estimates were prepared. The categories of the renovation work are shown on the following chart. Where will we get the money? It is the intention of the Friends of Pope Park to seek funding at the city, state and federal levels to achieve the vision outlined in the Master Plan. However, the funding environment is tight and extremely competitive. It will take concerted effort to achieve these goals: State of Connecticut :                              $6 million   City of Hartford Court of Common Council:   $1.7 million   Federal Government:                                $5 million   Private/Foundation:                                 $800,000 That is where you can help. City residents and neighborhood organizations can play a vital role in demonstrating their support and advocating for a revitalized Pope Park. The Friends of Pope Park are seeking your active endorsement of this initiative. There are many ways you can get involved, including:   Display a poster or sign in your place of business demonstrating your support of the Plan. Distribute flyers to your customers, employees or neighbors. Advocate for the funding within your personal and professional networks and to your elected officials.   Posters and other advocacy materials are available by request. If you would like to demonstrate your active support of this initiative by distributing these materials, please contact: Steve Mirsky at (860) 985-3902 or by email. Please support this important initiative for Hartford ’s future. Thank you.