Adventures in Urban Kayaking: The Park River

(Sad City has a long and storied history with the Park River. This post is from the first time we attempted to conquer Hartford's hidden river, originally posted back on August 4, 2010 (before Sad City became the soulless corporate behemoth it was destined to become). 

We are looking back on this Park River post to celebrate Art Walk opening this Friday December 7 at from 6-8 at the Hartford Public Library. The Art Walk will be featuring incredible images from our good friend Senator Joe McCarthy, who has spent countless hours on the Park River documenting and photographing the tunnels beneath our fine city. It's really some fine work. Be sure to stop by and check it out. Rumors has it that there may even be a photo of Jumper and Hakaan in the gallery. 

Keney Memorial Campground

The Keney Memorial Tower is one of Hartford's great forgotten landmarks.  Tucked away across from the Church and Ann Main, Albany and Ely intersection, an area we refer to as Hartford's Bermuda Triangle, the Keney Memorial Tower is right next to downtown, yet remains unnoticed by many.

With Spring now in bloom, the season for one of Hartford's natural phenomenons, mattress season, has arrived. Sad City reader Dave P. sent in this picture that captures not only Hartford's forgotten landmark, but a rare off sidewalk mattress sighting.

Another Look at Hartford's Park River

We've been fascinated by Hartford's "Hog" River for a long time. Many don't even know about Hartford's underground river that used to run through downtown before it was buried. This summer we spent an afternoon attempting to kayak Hartford's forgotten river. Though we failed to make it the entire length of the river, the adventure provided plenty of highlights and lowlights for the afternoon. Later attempts to kayak the underground portion of the river were thwarted by lack of rainfall.

Urban Kayaking Update - Poop Park

The Sad City Hartford team attempted to paddle through the famed Park River Conduit on Sunday. Unfortunately, due to low water levels, the team was unable to make the journey. The team expects try to attempt the journey again once the river levels get a bit higher.


Overall, Sunday's outing was a complete borefest. The only amusing incident occurred when Jumper was wandering in the woods behind Pope Park and he almost tripped over a man who was relieving himself. The man, who was in "full poop squat" postion, seemed alarmed when he noticed Jumper, but not alarmed enough to stop his bowel movement. Jumper sprinted out of the woods and back into blusuburbansky's car, screaming like a frightened man-child the entire time.


From now on, Pope Park will be known as "Poop Park."


[Image courtesy of agiantfart.com]