Connecticut DEP Highlights Summer Recreational Activities & Improvements

Now that Connecticut’s state parks and forests are open for business, state residents and visitors are being encouraged to take the time to enjoy the great outdoors during this summer season.

“Connecticut’s State Parks and forests are terrific places to spend a quality day with family and friends and I encourage everyone to spend some time outside and enjoy them,” Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Gina McCarthy said during a pre-opening day park preview at Hammonasset State Park in Madison this month.  From the Litchfield hills to the Long Island Sound, there is a beautiful State Park or forest within a short distance of all of our residents.  And of course, our neighbors from surrounding states are always welcome here.

“Through the state’s ‘No Child Left Inside’ initiative we have been encouraging families to get outside and showcasing our state parks,” she continued.  “Now’s the perfect time for all families to discover that what we have been saying is true: Connecticut’s state parks are great and that a day at a state park is just what the doctor ordered for a family’s physical and mental health.”

Thomas Morrissey, DEP’s bureau chief for outdoor recreation, said, “The state of Connecticut has made key investments in state parks in recent years, such as the construction of a new visitor’s center at Putnam Park [in] Redding, a new walkway to the top of Kent Falls … and a new boardwalk through the marsh at Chatfield Hollow State Park [in] Killingworth.”

The improvements for this year started at Hammonasset State Park, where two rustic cabins are being constructed in the camping area for a Camping Cabins program. DEP employees are also working to determine the best mechanism to re-nourish and retain sand on the popular west beach area of the park.

Mr Morrissey is encouraging state residents to purchase a state parks season pass, which now sell for $40 for residents and $50 for out-of-state residents. The pass covers the cost of parking at all major state parks where daily parking fees are charged. 

Park passes can be purchased at the DEP Bookstore and at a variety of other park locations.  To find a location to purchase a park pass, visit the DEP website at www.ct.gov/dep or call the Division of State Parks at 860-424-3200.

“Money collected from state park fees goes directly back into supporting the parks and programs such as seasonal interpretive programs and lifeguards so folks purchasing passes and visiting parks know they are supporting our great state park system by their patronage,” Mr Morrissey explained.

State Park Improvements

The DEP has announced the following improvements to parks across the state:

*Fort Trumbull State Park, New London:

On May 22, Fort Trumbull State Park celebrated the return of an original cannon, which was part of the fort’s armament. The 24-pound iron flank howitzer dating from 1846 was returned to the park thanks to the Bill Library in Ledyard and the Friends of Fort Trumbull State Park.  The cannon will become part of the fort’s permanent exhibit and will be Fort Trumbull’s only original gun.

*Hammonasset Beach State Park, Madison:

The State Parks Division will be implementing a new “Camping Cabin” program during early summer 2007.  Two  rustic cabins will be constructed in the campgrounds at Hammonasset Beach State Park.  They will be log-cabin style and will be handicapped accessible.

They will be outfitted with wooden bunks, a window, door and one light. There is no running water or plumbing.

The cabins will be made available for rent through Connecticut’s campground reservation service, ReserveAmerica.

The cabins are expected to be very popular, especially for those families who do not own camping equipment but would like to try camping. All that will be needed are sleeping bags and food.

Cabins will rent for $35 each night and can accommodate up to six people.

*Lover’s Leap State Park, New Milford:

The Friends of Lover’s Leap State Park will be dedicating a restored historic bridge connecting trail systems between Lover’s Leap State Park and New Milford Town Park property.

Friends President Jeanne Garvey Stax has organized town, volunteer and private contractors to construct a new parking area near the bridge which will provide safe parking near the trail and will serve both trail and park users.

The historic area of Lover’s Leap is now a State Archaeological Preserve, protecting the former site of the Bridgeport Wood Finishing Company.

The dedication will be June 16 at the bridge.

*Sherwood Island State Park, Westport:

Work has begun on the new Nature Center located in the East Beach area. The project is a partnership between the Friends of Sherwood Island State Park and the DEP State Parks Division.  The construction, which began in mid-March, is anticipated to take one year.

*State Parks Interpretive Program: The State Parks Division will once again provide funding for the Summer Interpretive Program at the State Park Nature Centers and Campgrounds.

Seasonal Interpretive Guides are being hired and trained to be able to put on informative and exciting programs in the parks. Details will be announced and posted as soon as they are available. Kettletown State Park and Southford Falls State Park, both in Southbury, usually host these programs.

*Open Air Shelters: Construction will begin this season on six Open Air Picnic Shelters, to be located at Gay City State Park on Hebron, Hopeville Pond State Park in Griswold, Rocky Neck State Park in East Lyme, Black Rock State Park in Watertown, Dinosaur State Park in Rocky Hill, and Putnam Memorial State Park in Redding.

When completed they will be available for rent or, when not rented, on a first come, first served basis.

Fore more information on Connecticut’s State Parks, visit the DEP website at www.CT.gov/dep or call the Division of State Parks at 860-424-3200.