Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection

Emergency Burn Ban In Effect 10/26/24 - An emergency burn ban is now in effect for all Connecticut State Parks, Forests, and Wildlife Management areas, prohibiting the use of all outdoor grills, firepits, and campfires, and the kindling and use of flame outdoors. DEEP and local agencies are working to contain several active fires across the state. Please avoid all affected State Parks and Forests, as well as the blue-blazed Mattabesett Trail. The Enduro Trail in Voluntown and portions of North Stonington within the Pachaug State Forest are closed at this time. Please note that today's forest fire danger report remains at an 'extreme' level. More information about the current fire danger, burn ban and recommended safety measures can be found here

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:

  1. Partnering with the private sector to provide outdoor recreation experiences in CT State Parks.
  2. Promoting Connecticut both as an outdoor recreation tourism destination and as a place to live, work and play outside!
  3. 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 hosted 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.
  • The public was invited to provide feedback on the RFI by submitting written comments that will be shared soon on this webpage.
  • Formal Notice of Request for Information, Opportunity for Public Comment, and Public Meeting. Download the public notice here.
Due Dates, RFI Document & Submission Template
  • The initial deadline for submissions has passed. New submissions are welcome and will be reviewed at a later time.
  • Complete details and instructions can be found in the Partnerships in Parks Request for Information [PDF file].
  • Submission Template [PDF file] [DOC file].
Specific Park Locations & Facilities

DEEP is accepting submissions 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. 

 
The Ellie Mitchell Pavilion 

At Rocky Neck State Park

Download the brochure for more details

Eolia Mansion at Harkness Memorial State ParkThe Eolia Mansion

At Harkness Memorial State Park

Download the brochure for more details

Carriage House at Harkness Memorial State ParkThe Carriage House

At Harkness Memorial State Park 

Download the brochure for more details

Concession Building at Gillette Castle State ParkThe Concession Building

At Gillette Castle State Park

Download the brochure for more details

The Osaki House at Gillette Castle State ParkThe Osaki House

At Gillette Castle State Park 

Download the brochure for more details

  


 Next Steps After the RFI
  • 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 July 2024