The Friends of Keney Park is pleased to announce the appointment of Deirdre Brickhouse as its new Executive Director, marking an exciting new chapter for the organization dedicated to supporting and activating one of Hartford’s most historic and beloved public spaces.
A lifelong Hartford resident, Brickhouse has both personal and professional ties to the park and the surrounding community. As a child, she spent time in Keney Park as a member of the Keney Park swim team, an experience that helped shape her connection to the park and her belief in the power of public spaces to bring communities together.
Throughout her career, Brickhouse has focused on advocacy, education, and expanding access to opportunities for Hartford residents. She has worked with several nonprofit organizations across the city, centering her efforts on creating pathways and programs for individuals and families who may otherwise face barriers to participation.
One of the highlights of her career was her work with the Greater Hartford YMCA, where she served as Director of Aquatics. In that role, she helped spearhead a six-figure grant that created opportunities for thousands of children in the City of Hartford to learn how to swim. The program continues to run today, providing life-saving water safety skills and access to aquatic education for local youth.
Brickhouse now brings that same passion, community-centered perspective, and program development experience to Friends of Keney Park. As Executive Director, she will work alongside the board, community partners, and volunteers to expand programming and strengthen the organization’s role as a steward and advocate for the park.
“Keney Park has always been a special place for me,” said Brickhouse. “Having grown up in Hartford and spent time in the park as a child, it’s meaningful to now help lead the organization that supports its future. I’m excited to bring together community voices, partnerships, and resources to continue building programs and opportunities that make the park welcoming and accessible for everyone.”
Friends of Keney Park is currently advancing several initiatives designed to expand community engagement and strengthen the park as a cultural and gathering space. These efforts include a planning process for creating a bandshell that will host concerts and public events, and a vision for a new Pond House building that will serve as a community and nature center, significantly expanding the organization’s ability to host events, programs, and educational activities at the park.
In her spare time, Brickhouse stays active by rowing on the Connecticut River in Hartford, continuing her lifelong connection to outdoor recreation and the city’s natural spaces.
With deep roots in the city and a career dedicated to community impact, Brickhouse’s leadership signals a promising future for Friends of Keney Park as it continues its mission to support, activate, and celebrate one of Hartford’s most treasured green spaces.
About Friends of Keney Park
Friends of Keney Park is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the preservation, programming, and community engagement of Keney Park. Through partnerships, events, and stewardship efforts, the organization works to ensure the park remains a vibrant and welcoming space for residents and visitors alike.
Photo by Marty Aligata – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=162686624
