Fernridge Park

The 30-acre Fernridge Park was established as early as 1927, and is comprised of pieces of land acquired in 1893 and 1944. The pool opened in 1931, and a number of renovations have been completed over the years. Most recently, a new pool with zero depth entry was built and a splash pad installed. Outside of the pool, the park includes paved walking trails, a river canal, and places for family-friendly fun. The pond at Fernridge hosts an annual Family Fishing Day each spring. 

The neighborhood group Friends of Fernridge Park, active from 2014 to 2021, helped develop a park plan to preserve the grounds for future generations. The plan featured a wide, central circular path around the pool area, with spokes connecting to various park entry points. Fundraising efforts attracted the support of former park neighbor, comedic writer and producer Michael Schur, who donated funds to name the promenade after Leslie Knope, a fictional character in the television sitcom Parks & Rec. 

Amenities

Fernridge Park offers a variety of amenities for public use, including two playgrounds, basketball courts, a baseball diamond and six (6) tennis courts (post-tension concrete installed in 2025). Fernridge Pool and splash pads are open seasonally. Fernridge Pool is a 25 yard, 6 lane pool with a zero-depth entry area, and water features. Many plant and animal species call this park home, both in the Fernridge pond and the acres of land that this park covers.

Operating hours

Fernridge Park is open from 30 minutes before dawn to 30 minutes after dusk. Fernridge Pool operates from late June to mid-August. View our outdoor pool schedules.

How to get here

Fernridge Park is located on Fern Street, a short drive away from West Hartford Center. The park also borders Fairview Cemetery, though there is no access to cemetery property from the park.  The nearest bus route is Bus 72 on Fern Street.