Connecticut’s state parks are experiencing a surge in visitation, and officials are moving to expand amenities and recreational opportunities to meet the growing demand.
According to an article by Hartford Courant, the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) has opened a new “Request for Information” process, inviting businesses, non-profits, and other stakeholders to propose potential partnerships aimed at enhancing visitor experiences across the state park system.
This latest initiative builds on the success of the first Partnerships in Parks RFI, launched in January 2024, which led to new offerings such as canoe, kayak, and paddleboard rentals at four state parks.
Officials said the new effort will continue on a rolling basis, allowing for flexibility and creativity from those interested in collaborating with DEEP.
“By keeping the RFI intentionally broad and accepting ideas on a rolling basis, DEEP hopes to make it easy for respondents to submit innovative and creative ideas that align with the agency’s vision for vibrant, inclusive and sustainable public spaces,” a DEEP spokesperson explained.
Visitation to Connecticut’s parks has climbed dramatically in recent years, rising from just under 10 million in 2019 to an estimated 15.5 million in 2024.
This reflects a larger national trend of growth in outdoor recreation, with Connecticut’s outdoor recreation economy now valued at $5.5 billion.
Federal data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis shows the state’s sector grew by 9.2% in 2023, surpassing the national average of 9%.
“Connecticut’s state parks are the finest in the nation and offer countless opportunities to create lasting memories in the outdoors,” said DEEP commissioner Katie Dykes.
“Some of my favorite moments with my family have been spent exploring our state parks by kayak and canoe. Thanks to these new partnerships, it’s easier than ever for families to enjoy these experiences, with convenient on-site rentals available right in the parks,” Katie added.
“Easy access to outdoor recreation is one of the many reasons Connecticut is such a great place to live, and with this new RFI, we’re excited to explore more ways for people to connect with nature and enjoy the great outdoors,” Dykes emphasized.
Connecticut has the second-largest outdoor recreation economy in New England, supporting more than 49,000 jobs and growing 6.5% year over year.
Since 2022, the state has invested $71 million in capital projects under the Restore CT State Parks initiative, with another $70 million allocated in the latest budget along with $10 million for recreational trails.
These investments have already enabled new programs, such as ParkConnect, which provides bus trips to four state parks in partnership with the No Child Left Inside program, and the availability of all-terrain wheelchairs at seven parks and forests to increase accessibility.
“The continued growth of Connecticut’s outdoor recreation economy signals that the public continues to seek new experiences, services and amenities at CT state parks,” said Jeff Shaw, DEEP senior advisor for outdoor industry and experiences.
“This standing RFI represents endless possibilities; and that’s exciting. We want to understand the types of partnerships that are possible from operators and align them with incredible experiences currently available in our state parks,” Jeff added.
As part of the effort, DEEP is also seeking feedback from the public through an online survey, encouraging park visitors to share ideas for services and recreational opportunities they would like to see added to Connecticut’s parks.
This initiative is significant for outdoor recreation, as it highlights how strong public demand and state investment are creating new opportunities for partnerships that enhance visitor experiences while fueling the regional outdoor economy.
