HARTFORD, Conn. (WTIC Radio)—Riverfront Recapture is creating a new walkway along the Connecticut River waterfront as a tribute to the organization's former president and CEO, Joe Marfuggi.
The Joe Marfuggi Riverwalk will extend 2.5 miles between Hartford's Riverside Park and Windsor Meadows State Park featuring natural scenery and artwork honoring Marfuggi's legacy.
"It will create connections from Windsor to downtown Hartford and to East Hartford and beyond," Michael Zaleski, President and CEO of Riverfront Recapture, said.
The riverwalk will feature fun and interactive displays of artwork that will capture the memory of Marfuggi with stories from loved ones, Zaleski said.
Riverfront Recapture is fundraising to make the creative project possible.
"We have a $750,000 campaign of which we have already raised a third, and that's without even starting," Fundraising Committee Co-Chair Susan Clemow said to a round of applause while at the Community Boathouse at Riverside Park Monday morning.
The funds will go toward art installations, overlooks, benches and a tribute area for the riverwalk, she said.
Artists can submit their ideas for the project through an application which will be on the organization's website starting August 18.
Construction for the riverwalk is set to begin next spring. It's expected to be complete by the end of next year, officials said.