Connecticut Office of Outdoor Industry & Experiences
Connecticut’s office of Outdoor Industry and Experiences exists to grow Connecticut’s outdoor recreation economy in the following ways:
- Partnering with the private sector to provide outdoor recreation experiences in CT State Parks.
- Promoting Connecticut both as an outdoor recreation tourism destination and as a place to live, work and play outside!
- Expanding and protecting equitable access to the outdoors.
Connecticut’s $4.6B outdoor recreation economy is the second largest in New England and has demonstrated robust growth each year since the pandemic – expanding by 20% in 2021 and by another 11% in 2022. To build on this momentum, DEEP launched a new, interactive State Parks website, and Governor Lamont and the Legislature committed an historic $80M to the Restore CT State Parks initiative.
Partnerships in Parks Initiative - Request for Information (RFI) Seeks Partnership Concepts to Expand Outdoor Recreation in CT State Parks
DEEP seeks to build upon successful partnerships in Connecticut State Parks – such as the Essex Steam Train, Farmington River Tubing, and Mohawk Mountain Ski Area – by inviting businesses, non-profits, and other private sector stakeholders to submit concepts to an RFI, which is intentionally broad to encourage innovative, creative concepts that meet the following goals:
- Elevate outdoor recreation and visitor experience
- Expand tourism destinations
- Provide equitable and sustainable access to the outdoors
Informational Webinar & Public Notices
- On January 11, 2024, Governor Lamont and Commissioner Dykes announced the Partnerships in Parks Request for Information. View the press release here.
- DEEP will host an Informational Webinar on Tuesday, February 6, 2024, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. for anyone considering submitting a response to the RFI or interested in providing other comments. Please register in advance.
- Anyone may provide feedback on the RFI by submitting written comments that will be shared on this website. Email deep.partnershipsinparks@ct.gov, by Friday, February 16, 2024, with “Parks RFI Comment” in the subject line.
- Formal Notice of Request for Information, Opportunity for Public Comment, and Public Meeting. Download the public notice here.
Due Dates, RFI Document & Submission Template
- Friday, March 1, 2024, 11:59 p.m. (EST) Submissions for low-impact partnership concepts for implementation in 2024
- Tuesday, April 30, 2024, 11:59 p.m. (EST) Submissions for all partnership concepts for implementation in 2025 and beyond
Complete details and instructions can be found in the RFI & Submission Template
- Partnerships in Parks Request for Information [PDF file]
- Appendix A Submission Template [PDF file] [DOC file]
Specific Park Locations & Facilities
DEEP is accepting submission of partnership concepts involving any State Park. However, DEEP is highlighting the following facilities – all of which are located in parks that host weddings and/or events – to provide additional information to help inform concepts that meet the goals and considerations of the RFI.
THE ELLIE MITCHELL PAVILION
AT ROCKY NECK STATE PARK
Download the brochure for more details
THE EOLIA MANSION
AT HARKNESS MEMORIAL STATE PARK
Download the brochure for more details
THE CARRIAGE HOUSE
AT HARKNESS MEMORIAL STATE PARK
Download the brochure for more details
THE CONCESSION BUILDING
AT GILLETTE CASTLE STATE PARK
Download the brochure for more details
THE OSAKI HOUSE
AT GILLETTE CASTLE STATE PARK
Download the brochure for more details
Next Steps After the RFI
- DEEP will post a summary of concept submissions on this website after the final due date.
- Partnerships with State Parks are commonly formalized through a competitive RFP process. Submitting a concept to this RFI helps DEEP identify the types of outdoor recreation services that partners may be interested in providing, which helps DEEP design potential subsequent RFPs.
- DEEP currently expects to review RFI concepts in Summer 2024, with the release of subsequent draft RFP(s) anticipated in Fall of 2024.
- DEEP will offer a public comment period on draft RFPs issued through this initiative.
- Low impact partnership concepts may be directed to DEEP’s Special Use License program for further review.
Content last updated January 2024