Recreational Facilities & Rentals

Located within Mill Woods Park, the dog park is a place where well-behaved dogs can run off-leash safely, under the watchful eyes of their owners. The dog park has a separate area for small or timid dogs.

The mission of the Wethersfield Dog Park is to contribute to the health and well-being of people and their domestic dogs. By advocating for the design, construction, maintenance, and safe operation of a legal, enclosed, off-leash recreation area, the dog park provides several immediate benefits to the community:

• The park creates a safe and controlled environment for dogs to play and exercise
• It allows for the socialization of well-behaved dogs and their owners
• The dog park promotes responsible dog ownership by encouraging dog licensing, staying current on vaccinations, spay and neuter programs, cleanup and training
• The dog park provides elderly, disabled and apartment/condo dwellers with a place to exercise their companions.

Dog Park Rules

These guidelines will help ensure that the dog park remains safe and clean. Infractions of any of these rules can result in temporary or permanent loss of park privileges.

1. Dogs must display a valid license and up-to-date rabies vaccinations.
2. Dog owners are responsible for any injuries or damage caused by their dogs.
3. Dogs must be leashed when entering/exiting dog park.
4. Dog owners must carry leash and have dog within view and voice control.
5. Dogs in heat, aggressive dogs and puppies under four months are prohibited.
6. Dogs must be removed from the dog park at the first sign of aggression towards a person or dog.
7. No more than three dogs per person.
8. For the safety of all dogs, no choke, prong, pinch, or spike collars allowed in the dog park.
9. All holes dug must be filled in immediately.
10. Dog owners must immediately clean up after their dog and dispose of waste in proper receptacles.
11. No smoking, glass containers or food (people/animal) allowed in dog park.
12. An adult must accompany anyone under 15 years of age. Children must be closely supervised.

Helpful Tips

First Time Visitors

Many dogs will be experiencing the off-leash environment for the first time and may not be used to the excitement and level of energy. Please watch your dog closely. If your dog acts aggressively, please put the dog on a leash immediately and let it "cool down." It takes time for a new dog to become comfortable. Keep in mind everyone at the park wants the same thing—socialized dogs that can have fun playing together. If you are not sure how your dog will react, try to come to the park when few other dogs are there to keep the intimidation level as low as possible. You may wish to keep your first visit to the dog park rather short to minimize the stress on your pup. Leaving early when your dog is having a good time will make it more likely that your dog will be anxious to return for another visit.

Children

Children need to be closely supervised at all times. While they are welcome, child's play is not. This is a playground for dogs, not children. Be sure to teach your children how to behave properly in a dog park environment. Playful, unsupervised children and playful, unleashed dogs mixed together could result in injury. Please understand this area is provided for dogs to interact with other dogs and your children could be considered an interruption in dog play. If you choose to bring your children within the park, you should supervise them very closely! Teach your children proper dog park behavior. They should not be allowed to run around, pick up and wave sticks, or approach animals that they do not know.

Backman Pool

411 Wolcott Hill Rd, Wethersfield, CT 06109

Community Gardens

Location: Main St, Wethersfield, CT 06109

Harvey Fuller Grounds

Location: Kimball Rd, Wethersfield, CT 06109

Heritage Way Bike Trail

Location: Highland St, Wethersfield, CT 06109

J.C. Willard Pool

Location: 30 Greenfield St, Wethersfield, CT 06109

Keeney Memorial Cultural Center

200 Main St, Wethersfield, CT 06109

Keeney Skateboard Facility

154 Prospect St, Wethersfield, CT 06109

Tanglewood Nature Preserve

Wells Rd, Wethersfield, CT 06109

The following Parks and Recreation facilities are available for rental:

• William J. Pitkin Community Center - The Community Center is available to residents and Wethersfield businesses for rentals for wedding receptions, anniversary parties, birthday parties, holiday parties, gym rentals, meetings, etc. The cost of rental is dependent on the particular room needed and the length of time the room will be used. For more information call 860-721-2750, Monday through Friday, 8 am to 1 pm.
• Eleanor Buck Wolf Nature Center - The Nature Center is available for rental for your next birthday party, as well as for your group or civic organization meeting space. Contact the Nature Center at 860-721-2780.
• Solomon Welles House - The Solomon Welles House is an historic home built in 1774 and may be used by town residents and responsible groups and organizations whose membership preferably include Wethersfield residents, and whose aims are educational, cultural and civic betterment. For rental information contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 860-721-2890. If you are interested in booking the Solomon Welles House, please fill out the Solomon Welles House Rental Intake form.
• Loretta's Dream Pavilion is located within Mill Woods Park and is available for rental to Wethersfield residents only. In this outdoor space, up to 100 guests (only 60 seated) can enjoy a wide range of events you may be interested in hosting. Although alcohol is not permitted at this location, an onsite bathroom is available for an additional fee. If you are interested in booking Loretta's Dream Pavilion, please fill out the Loretta's Dream Pavilion Rental Intake form.
• Athletic Fields - Field Rentals are available for groups and organizations throughout town on a first-come, first served basis. Liability insurance coverage is required for use of any of the fields. Alcohol is not allowed in any of the town parks. Fees vary and are dependent upon the type of event, the field being reserved, set up/ clean up time, length of the event, etc. Contact Parks and Recreation at 860-721-2890 for more information. Permits are required for use of athletic fields.
• Park Facilities - Rentals are available for groups and organizations for basketball, tennis courts, and picnic areas on a first-come, first served basis. Liability insurance coverage is required. Alcohol is not allowed in any town park. Fees vary and are dependent on type of event, length of time, facilities requested, etc. Contact Parks and Recreation at 860-721-2890 for more information. Permits are required for use of park facilities.

Located within Standish Park, the facility is a wheelchair accessible community playground which allows children of all abilities to play together on specially designed equipment.

Mikey's Place is a wheelchair accessible community playground located in Standish Park at the corner of Nott Street and Garden Street in Old Wethersfield. This playground allows children of all abilities to play together on specially designed equipment. It was built in 2000 by family and friends of Mikey. This special group raised all the funds to build the playground and continues to raise funds for the maintenance of the playground.

The playground was created in memory of Michael "Mikey" James Daversa, who passed away on May 19, 1998. He was two years and nine months old. Mikey was a very loving, bright and happy little boy who was born with the neuromuscular disease, Spinal Muscular Atrophy. This special little boy with the big blue eyes and award-winning smile taught many people about the true meaning of life - enjoy each and every day, never take anything for granted and surround yourself with goodness and love. Mikey's family hopes that the joy that Mikey brought to them will be passed on to other children and that his spirit will be kept alive through the eyes of each and every child who benefits from this very special place.

Mill Woods Park has 122.16 acres containing:

• A lighted Little League Stadium
• Little League fields
• Skate park
• A lighted softball field
• Softball fields
• A basketball court
• A beach and outdoor swimming pond
• Picnic areas
• An off-leash dog park
• Bocce courts
• A playscape
• Soccer fields
• Lighted tennis courts
• Fishing pond
• Walking trails for passive recreation
• Swimming Pool

1860 Reservoir

Location: Thornbush Rd, Wethersfield, CT 06109

Beaverbrook Linear Park

Spring St, Wethersfield, CT 06109

Broad Street Green

Broad St, Wethersfield, CT 06109

Colonel John Chester Park

Crest St, Wethersfield, CT 06109

Cove Park

Location: Main St, Wethersfield, CT 06109

Features: A baseball field and a soccer field

Farms Village Park

Location: Cedar St, Wethersfield, CT 06109

Hanmer Park

Location: Main St, Wethersfield, CT 06109

Savage Park

Location: Silas Deane Hwy, Wethersfield, CT 06109

Standish Park

Location: Hartford Ave, Wethersfield, CT 06109 

Features: A baseball field, a basketball court, a soccer field, tennis and pickleball courts, and Mikey's Place (a wheelchair-friendly community playground), featuring two accessible playscapes for children two to twelve.

Wintergreen Woods

Location: Folly Brook Blvd, Wethersfield, CT 06109

The Solomon Welles House is a historic home built in 1774. The house and grounds may be used by town residents and responsible groups and organizations whose membership preferably include Wethersfield residents, and whose aims are educational, cultural and civic betterment.

About

The Wethersfield Cove Marina is located on Wethersfield Cove in Old Wethersfield. Wethersfield Cove is a prime recreational, boating and fishing resource for the region. It is bordered by the Wethersfield Cove Yacht Club, a number of private homes, many of which are historic, the Solomon Welles House, the state Department of Motor Vehicles and the Folly Brook Natural Preserve. The Cove is the only sheltered cove with deep water access to the Connecticut River upriver from Essex. Wethersfield Cove offers both the avid and recreational boater a wonderful opportunity to access a quintessential New England town. The Town of Wethersfield allows visitors to take a step back in time to Historic Wethersfield while also serving as a doorstep to the cultural opportunities that abound in Hartford. Its central location within the state makes it an ideal transient facility site. The Marina facility includes a boat launch ramp, 51 permanent moorings, a tender dock, and 7 slips available to transient boaters with boats up to 34 feet in length.

Mooring / Tender Cleat Rentals

Moorings and Tender Cleats can be purchased online during the pre-season (starting beginning of January through Thursday, May 15). After May 15th, moorings must be purchased in-person at the Recreation Office. Renters must provide a copy of valid DMV boat registration, declaration page of insurance policy for boat (minimum coverage of $100,000) that covers the 2025 boating season (May 24 - October 13) and proof of paid 2025 Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) fee (only for boats not registered in CT). Name on application or online registration must match name on valid DMV registration.

Season Launch Passes

Season launch passes are available for purchase on site at the cove attendant shed Monday through Friday from 11 am to 7 pm and weekends from 6 am to 7 pm. Call the Parks and Recreation office at 860-721-2890 to confirm hours.

Pump-out Service

Pump-out service is available at the dock on weekends from 6 am to 7 pm on weekdays; please call the Parks and Recreation office at 860-721-2890 to confirm availability of the pump-out.

Transient Boaters

Transient boaters may register for short-term mooring and slip rentals by contacting the Parks and Recreation office at 860-721-2890.

Funding for the transient boater moorings and slips was provided by a grant from the Federal Boating Infrastructure Grant Program, administered by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and the Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Program, thanks to your purchase of fishing equipment and motorboat fuels.