From Westport to Waterford, changes are being made to Connecticut State Parks at a time when the system celebrates its 100th Anniversary.
Sherwood Island
On Connecticut’s western shoreline, the pavilion at Sherwood Island State Park will be completely renovated with solar photovoltaic panels on the pavilion, energy efficient lighting, and the implementation of water conservation programs. New water lines have already been installed as a major utility upgrade to the park.
Silver Sands
As for the Silver Sands State Park in Milford, the next phase of development will begin which includes a bathhouse and other improvements.
The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is hopeful that the portion of the boardwalk damaged from Hurricane Sandy is replaced by Memorial Day 2013.
Hammonasset
At Hammonasset Beach State Park in Madison, a new Meigs Point Nature Center will be built with alternative energy initiatives including geothermal heating and cooling as well as photovoltaic panels for electricity.
“The Department of Construction Services tells us that they hope to have a ‘shovel in the ground’ for the Nature Center by October,” said Henry Alves, Park Supervisor in “On the Shoreline”.
Alves also said visitors can expect to see a new West Beach recreation area which will “provide year-round-accessible bathrooms, a concession area, a lifeguard/first aid station, basketball courts, and other forms of recreation.”
He said new playground equipment has already been installed in the campground area and the Greenways Trail footbridge by the entrance of the park has also been completed.
Water, electric, and gas lines have already been upgraded at the park as part of a major utility upgrade.
While 100 cabins are being built in state park campgrounds across the state, Hammonasset currently has rustic cabins available for rent.
In 2011, the park’s boardwalk from Middle Beach to West Beach was damaged from Hurricane Irene.
While the portion in Middle Beach was rebuilt, it is hoped by some visitors that the remainder of the boardwalk is rebuilt to connect to the new bathhouse.
Rocky Neck
At Rocky Neck State Park in East Lyme, renovations have been made to the Ellie Mitchell Pavilion. The cobblestone building is available for reservations from Memorial Day to Columbus Day for summer weddings and parties along with corporate events, receptions, and social gatherings.
Harkness
Further down the shoreline at Harkness State Park in Waterford, major renovations were completed on the park’s support complex. Thanks to help from the Friends of Connecticut State Parks, the park’s historic Lord and Burnham greenhouses will be restored.
Other Accomplishments
While not on the shoreline, the DEEP also is proud of the new Discovery Room at the Dinosaur State Park in Rocky Hill where visitors can enjoy new state-of-the-art exhibits for children and adults.
They are also happy to report on the development of natural and cultural history programs and exhibits, including an interpretive exhibit on the Civilian Conservation Corps, at the Chatfield Hollow State Park in Killingworth.
Today, Connecticut State Parks and Forests system has 107 state parks, 32 state forests, 121 public boat launches, and hosts 8 million visitors annually.
The DEEP hopes to usher in another 100 years through its new Connecticut State Parks mobile app, statewide improvements to facilities including new picnic pavilions and energy efficient heating and lighting systems, technological upgrades at many parks including expanded credit card processing, and its commitment to acquisition of open space.
