Sports and Recreation Access in Hartford
Introduction & Background
In July 2025, the Connecticut Data Collaborative (CTData) was awarded the Local Data for Equitable Communities grant, an initiative funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation in collaboration with the Urban Institute to support local communities in using data to improve local conditions and help residents live their healthiest lives. This grant allowed CTData to provide data and insights to address the barriers Hartford families face in accessing quality sports and recreation amenities for their families. Over the last 20 years, youth and families in Hartford have experienced a disinvestment in local amenities such as fewer recreation centers, shorter pool hours, and fewer affordable program options despite the clear need for physical and social development.
Youth involvement
CTData staff is partnering with 6 alumni of its Hartford Youth Data Fellowship program who have prior data training and experience, to provide additional skills and research guidance. John D'Souza; Nashali Johnson; Samra Mujcinovic Alex Roberts; Jahlani Ustanny; and Tatiana Watson worked with CTData staff weekly from late August 2025 through May 2026 and received additional training in focus group facilitation, qualitative analysis, and survey development to lead this research.
Partnerships
CTData is supported by the City of Hartford’s newly created Sports and Recreation (S&R) Department and Active City. S&R is a new initiative to expand recreational access for children throughout the city and provides subject matter expertise. Active City is a Hartford non-profit organization dedicated to expanding access to quality, affordable youth sports activities.
Research Questions:
What sports and recreation facilities and programs are currently available in Hartford and where are they located?
Do Hartford’s existing sports and recreational program offerings and facilities meet the needs of Hartford children and youth? What types of programs are families looking for?
What barriers limit children and youth’s participation in Hartford’s sports and recreation activities? (e.g., cost, lack of resources, location, time)
What capital improvements should the City of Hartford prioritize to increase access to sports and recreation for children and youth?
Methodology:
CTData’s Hartford Data Collaborative and our six youth researchers held four focus groups in October and November 2025 at Hartford Public Library Park Street and Albany Branches and one online. We had two youth focus groups and two parent focus groups, with 32 total participants. Each participant received a gift card for participating.
The focus groups yielded themes of access and opportunity, benefits, communications, the types of sports and recreation available and what residents wished were available, and limitations and barriers to participation in activities.
Youth helped develop an online survey for parents and guardians of Hartford children ages 18 or younger. This survey was distributed in English and Spanish through Hartford Public Schools, Active City, and local organizations working with youth in Hartford.
CTData staff and youth researchers analyzed findings and developed recommendations.
Findings and Recommendations:
Questions about the project? Contact: Kate Eikel; keikel@ctdata.org