The Harwinton Green is a small triangular greensward bordered by Route 4 and South Road. South Road splits at the southern point of the green to form both the eastern and southern boundaries. The area is primarily rural and residential. The church faces the green but sits on higher ground slightly to the east of it. Route 4 effectively cuts the church off from the green today as the traffic is heavy and fast and negotiates a dangerous curve at this point. However, the church is dramatically sited as it dominates the hilltop. It is particularly impressive from the southern end of the parade ground where it can be seen as sitting above the historic center of Harwinton, symbolic of its central role in the development of the community.

The green is mostly flat, rising slightly to the northeast corner opposite the church. It is dominated by a single large spruce tree which serves as the town Christmas tree. The span of the lower branches covers about one-third of the green. This is the third spruce tree on the site. (Local controversy has occurred over the cost to illuminate it and a proposal has been made to remove it but the matter remains in dispute.) Local veterans' organizations object that the tree is obscuring the one war memorial on the green, a tablet-like granite block with a plaque. A wooden sign in the shape of a box at the western point of the green indicates directions and distances to neighboring towns. The Connecticut Historical Commission town sign is north and east of the spruce tree. Just west of this sign is a flower bed planted with annuals and perennials.

The historic parade ground starting at the green and lining either side of South Road and bounded by a well-maintained continuous stone fence the length of the old town center is the most impressive feature of the community. The 18th and 19th century houses and their related buildings are sited behind the fences, emphasizing the width of the parade ground.

The green itself is little more than a traffic island greatly diminished by highway expansion. It is cut off from foot traffic from across Route 4 because of heavy and fast traffic, although the highway has been designated a local scenic road. South Road is quiet, providing safe access to the green, but the town sign and war memorial face Route 4.