Connecticut’s state parks are set to receive a significant boost with a $30 million for improvements. This funding, approved by the State Bond Commission is part of the Restore CT State Parks Initiative, aimed at addressing repairs and refurbishments across the state’s 110 parks and 32 forests according to an article by Fox61.
A portion of this allocation, $3 million, is designated for parks damaged by severe flooding in southwestern Connecticut on August 18. These funds will support urgent repairs, damage prevention, and address public safety concerns in affected areas, including Larkin State Park Trail, Kettletown State Park, and Southford Falls State Park.
The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is spearheading various improvement projects. These include historical and cultural repairs to sites such as Gillette Castle, Fort Trumbull, and Heublein Tower. The efforts also encompass critical maintenance tasks like paving, bathhouse renovations, and utility repairs.
Connecticut has demonstrated a substantial commitment to its state parks. Since 2022, the state has allocated more than $70 million through federal relief funds and state bond funds. With this new $30 million investment, the total now exceeds $100 million.
Governor Ned Lamont emphasized the importance of these improvements, stating, “Our state parks and forests are a big part of our incredible quality of life in Connecticut. These destinations are also well-loved, welcoming an estimated 17 million visitors annually – that’s more than four times the population of Connecticut. We’re restoring our parks to ensure that residents and visitors now and into the future can have a wonderful outdoor recreation experience in Connecticut.
DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes reported on the progress made, saying, “We’ve made significant progress addressing our backlog of repairs and refurbishment, completing dozens of projects with many more projects in process.”
These enhancements are expected to improve visitor satisfaction and potentially attract more tourists to Connecticut’s outdoor attractions. For campground and RV park owners in the vicinity of state parks, these improvements may lead to increased visitor numbers and opportunities for collaboration with state park facilities.
