Batterson Park — Attraction in Farmington

It is more diverse than other locations I find myself in, a bit out of my element leading to slight fear of the unknown. There are many regular fishers and the water backs to many very nice homes on the east side. Looks like the northern side is open to development where I imagine there are plans to build several million dollar homes. Will be interesting to see what becomes of the under maintained boat entrance and parking lot. I would advise against going here after dark. Everyone deserves to enjoy nature, and during the day I think that is what everyone there was doing, in their own way. Reading the reviews I see how they are all very true. Yes it is a bit scary due to the nefarious element. But the patrons are trying to relax, enjoy nature, and I don't believe they go there with any ill intent. I don't think anyone would put more than a kayak or small boat in the water. Nothing motorized! It has been very rainy for weeks and so water levels are not irregular, but the water was very shallow. In the center there is a small white buoy where it is less than 4 feet deep. Even though the water wasn't very clear it was possible to see the bottom or plant life obscuring the bottom in most of what I experienced. The bottom is mostly made of 50 lb stones, many have very jagged edges. There are also stray fishing hooks. So you really want to avoid falling in the water. And don't come here with any ideas of swimming. There are signs posted not to swim. Maybe for more reason than the treacherous bottom. But there need to be more free places where people can go to enjoy nature. This is one, and overall it...

Batterson Park is best experienced from the water (Boating). The "park" portion was closed by the city of Harford years ago. The City of Hartford owns the resevoir . It was established once as water supply resevoir but it was never used (Nepug was built for that). The State of CT owns the boat lauch area. There is no public access except for the boat ramp. . There is no swimming anywhere. It is a fine place to canoe and kayak as motorized boats are limied to use small electric trolling motors. Even if you encouter a large bass boat it will be moving on its trolling motor. I have caught LMB,, Sunfish and Yellow Perch. The pond also has Carp, Channel Cat's, Crappie and Walleye (I have however not personally encountered one.) Just make sure you clean your boat when leaving the water. There are lot invasive weeds in here. Litter is a problem. The parking lot seems to attract a lot of bud light and heniken cans and nips. Some fisherman are the messiest groups I encounter. I have picked up more chicken liver (must be catfish then) , worm containers, fishing line, cigaretter boxes and cigar wrappers than I should...

Property is owned by City of Hartford, used to be a former Reservoir years ago. The whole Beach area and picnic areas are closed for the last 3 year's. The grassy areas which are quite large at least 10 to 15 acres are highly overgrown. It's up to a person's waist. Not only does it look terrible, but all this area has turned completely Brown and dry it is a horrible nightmare waiting to happen as far as a fire it would spread faster than any California fire. and I think Hartford should find time to maintain their at thier grassy areas.... I know if it was anybody else's property, any City would send letters out tell him they're in violation of an ordinance. And the town will Bill the owner of the property for cuttings. Why is in the City of Hartford getting away with this violation from a former Beautiful Park and Pond, it turned into a...