A WALK IN THE PARK

It was cold, cloudy, and showery when officials from the State Department of Environmental Protection gathered at Chatfield Hollow State Park in Killingworth for the kick-off of the summer season at Connecticut state parks. You may be surprised to know there are 106 state parks and 32 state forests.

If you've lived in Connecticut for a while, you're probably familiar with the most-used parks: Hammonasset in Madison, Sherwood Island in Westport and Rocky Neck in East Lyme. That's where the saltwater beaches and/or campsites are—hence the popularity.

Gina McCarthy, the ebullient Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), wants you to explore more of the state parks and forests this year. McCarthy has a Boston accent so thick that when she talks about her first fish stocking with DEP workers, it sounds as if she's saying: "fish stalking," conjuring up the image of a state official tracking down an elusive trout! But McCarthy's enthusiasm is infectious.

"Every one of our state parks is ready (for the summer), and welcoming, and we want you out there!" the commissioner declared. Rising gasoline prices and airline fares may play havoc with vacation plans, but the DEP said state parks and forests can provide a valuable alternative.

"You don't need to take a plane to get anywhere great," said McCarthy. "If you live in Connecticut you can vacation right here, and have a wonderful time with your family." She added: "No matter where you live, we have a facility that has terrific things going on."

Though state agency budgets are tight and will face more pressure as the year wears on, the DEP already has upgraded many state parks and put in place programs for the summer ahead.

A new nature center will open up July 1 at Sherwood Island. Educational programs staffed by 40 park interpreters will be run at 25 state parks, forests, and historic sites. You can see a new exhibit at Putnam State Park in Redding that describes the park's connection to the Revolutionary War. At Squantz Pond State Park in New Fairfield, the scene of tragic drownings in recent years, new safety patrols will be in place.

The DEP is investing time and money into a host of educational ventures tied to the parks, because officials believe that once families make a connection and become involved with the parks, they will be more protective and supportive of the facilities. Greater public awareness should make it easier to win funding for the parks system over time.

One award-winning program, "No Child Left Inside," continues its drive to get kids (especially city kids) outdoors to explore the elements of nature all around them. A new effort dubbed "Give Children Back the Night" will offer evening programs that focus on finding owls, taking moonlight walks in the parks, and astronomy lessons. The goal is to break down natural fears about being out after dark and worrying about "things that go bump in the night."

If you grumble about parking fees at some state parks, at least take comfort the money will be well used. "Money collected from state park fees goes directly back into supporting the parks and programs, so people purchasing (seasonal) passes and visiting parks know they are supporting our great park system by their patronage," according to Tom Morrissey, chief of the DEP's Bureau of Outdoor Recreation.

By the way, frequent users of the state system who want to buy a state parks season pass can visit the DEP website to find out where they can be purchased. The cost is $50 for residents and 75$ for out-of-staters. The DEP website also offers detailed information about state parks and activities.


Posted 5/18/08

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