A walking tour and lunch at Effie’s Place will be held on Saturday, Sept. 21, and the following weekend there will be a community clean-up.
Quaker Diner in the 1930s. From ‘The Diner Hunt.’ Submitted photo
By Ronni Newton
The next several Saturdays will bring a bevy of activity to West Hartford’s Park Road neighborhood.
On Saturday, Sept. 21, at 10 a.m., award-winning architectural historian Mary Donohue will conduct a walking tour of West Hartford’s “charming and quirky” Park Road neighborhood. The tour will begin at the eastern corner of Park Road and Washington Circle.
Landmarks to be included on the tour include the Art Deco-style A.C. Petersen Farms, vintage Quaker Diner, and the duplex neighborhood of Washington Circle, organizers said.
Quaker Diner. Submitted photo
“Take a look at some of West Hartford’s signature triple-deckers and learn the fascinating backstory of the Playhouse on Park Theater. Park Road was the ‘hub’ of West Hartford back in the day when the automobile was just becoming popular and most women did not drive. Come learn more …” an announcement of the event states.
Following the tour, attendees can enjoy lunch at Effie’s Place at 91 Park Rd., where diners can choose from Greek and American specialties and sweet treats. The “walking tour special” lunch menu will include a meal, soft drink or coffee, and dessert.
The walking tour and lunch is sponsored by the Park Road Association, and reservations can be made at www.parkroadct.com in advance for $23 for the lunch and the tour. The fee for the walking tour only is $15 in advance. Cash payment only will be accepted for the walk on the day of the event.
Walkers are asked to wear comfortable shoes and be prompt because the tour will begin right at 10 a.m. and should last approximately one hour. Street parking is available, but participants should not park in the A.C. Petersen’s parking lot.
The following Saturday, Sept. 28, the Park Road Association’s “Beautification Club” will hold its annual September community clean-up walk in preparation for the Park Road Parade, which is the following Saturday, Oct. 5.
Volunteers are asked to sign up in advance via this link on the Park Road Association website.
Check in for the clean-up/walk begins at 8:45 a.m. at Playhouse on Park, 244 Park Rd., and participants will be split up into five different walking routes at check-in. Maps will be provided.
Rubber gloves, trash bags, and t-shirts (as supplies last) will also be provided by the Beautification Club.
A minimum of 25 volunteers are needed to cover all five routes, and organizers are still looking for a few additional walk captains.
Several local restaurants plan to offer breakfast and lunch specials or other discounts for Beautification Club walkers, and organizers are thankful to all who participate.
More information about the Park Road Association, its Beautification Club and/or the community clean-up walks held in April and September along with monthly walks, can be found at www.ParkRoadCT.com.
Look for more details to come about the Park Road Association’s signature event – the Park Road Parade – scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 5, beginning at 10:30 a.m.
Throughout the remainder of September and during October, parade organizers are asking the community to bring their returnable bottles and cans to ShopRite at 46 Kane St. to support the 21st annual Park Road Parade.
ShopRite and “TOMRA Makes Change” are proving the opportunity to choose “Park Road Parade” as the beneficiary of the nickel return fees.
“Every nickel adds up to a significant donation at the end of the two-month period. Donations help offset the expenses of the Park Road Parade, a volunteer-driven event now in its 21st year,” organizers said in a news release.
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[…] Lots of Park Road happenings, including a walking tour, clean-up, parade, and opportunity to donate to the parade by redeeming returnables at ShopRite. Click here for details. […]