Press Releases
05/24/2019
Gov. Lamont Kicks Off 2019 Connecticut State Parks Season, Highlights Recreational Opportunities Across State
Passport to Parks Program Provides Connecticut Registered Vehicles Free Access to All State Parks
(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont and Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Commissioner Katie Dykes today kicked off the beginning of the state parks summer season in Connecticut. As a result of the Passport to Parks program, vehicles registered in Connecticut will be provided free entry into all of Connecticut’s state parks and forest recreation areas.
“Our state parks are among the premier tourism destinations in the region, and we expect to welcome 10 million visitors this year. These visitors help boost the state and local economy,” Governor Ned Lamont said. “I encourage all Connecticut residents – and visitors to our great state – to explore the many outdoor recreation opportunities this state has to offer.”
Connecticut has 110 state parks and 32 state forests located throughout the state, which include 14 campgrounds, 23 designated swimming areas, thousands of miles of trails and hundreds of thousands of acres to enjoy. The state park system offers opportunities for hiking, camping, swimming, boating, fishing, and picnicking, among many other outdoor activities. A directory of every state park in Connecticut can be found online by visiting www.ct.gov/deep/stateparks.
The Passport to Parks program went into effect in February 2018 and is supported through a $10 fee ($5 per year) included with all non-commercial vehicle registrations through the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles. The funding allowed a number of previously reduced services to be restored, such as the reopening of several previously closed campgrounds, increased staffing of state beaches during the summer season, and the restoration of regular hours of operation at certain nature centers and museums. Fees to reserve overnight campgrounds for both in-state residents and out-of-state visitors will still apply.
“Our state parks are among the premier tourism destinations in the region, and we expect to welcome 10 million visitors this year. These visitors help boost the state and local economy,” Governor Ned Lamont said. “I encourage all Connecticut residents – and visitors to our great state – to explore the many outdoor recreation opportunities this state has to offer.”
Connecticut has 110 state parks and 32 state forests located throughout the state, which include 14 campgrounds, 23 designated swimming areas, thousands of miles of trails and hundreds of thousands of acres to enjoy. The state park system offers opportunities for hiking, camping, swimming, boating, fishing, and picnicking, among many other outdoor activities. A directory of every state park in Connecticut can be found online by visiting www.ct.gov/deep/stateparks.
The Passport to Parks program went into effect in February 2018 and is supported through a $10 fee ($5 per year) included with all non-commercial vehicle registrations through the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles. The funding allowed a number of previously reduced services to be restored, such as the reopening of several previously closed campgrounds, increased staffing of state beaches during the summer season, and the restoration of regular hours of operation at certain nature centers and museums. Fees to reserve overnight campgrounds for both in-state residents and out-of-state visitors will still apply.
“I hope everyone with a Connecticut license plate will take advantage of free entry to our parks as part of the Passport to Parks program,” Commissioner Katie Dykes said. “Thanks to Passport to Parks, visiting Connecticut's state parks has never been more convenient and enjoyable, with free parking at our premier destinations and improved services and amenities across the park system. DEEP's park staff are looking forward to welcoming you this weekend and throughout the year."
Implementation of the Passport to Parks program has allowed a number of services throughout the state parks system to be restored, including
Implementation of the Passport to Parks program has allowed a number of services throughout the state parks system to be restored, including
-
The reopening of four previously closed campgrounds, and the expansion of camping seasons to include spring and fall camping at many of our 14 campgrounds across the state.
-
Increased lifeguard staffing at state park beaches for the summer season, starting on Memorial Day weekend. At the beginning of the season, lifeguards will be on duty on weekends and then will expand to five or seven days per week by the end of June. This includes Hammonasset Beach, Rocky Neck, Sherwood Island, Silver Sands, Black Rock, Burr Pond, and Squantz Pond State Parks. (Staffing is contingent upon adequate levels of lifeguards being available each season and adjustments may be made in the fall when many lifeguards typically begin school.)
-
Restoration of regular hours of operation at the state’s museums and nature center hours between Memorial Day to Labor Day, including at Dinosaur, Gillette Castle, Meigs Point Nature Center, and Fort Trumbull.
DEEP Continues to Accept Applications for Seasonal Lifeguard and Other Summer Jobs
Lifeguard positions and other seasonal jobs remain available at the many of the state park beaches this summer season. For more information and to apply for any of these positions visit: www.ct.gov/deep/seasonaljobs
For more information on how to use the online application visit: DEEP Online Employment Center Guide
Positions Available
• Lifeguards in Shelton, Torrington, Westport
• Lifeguard Supervisors Shelton, Torrington, Westport
• Seasonal Patrol Officers
• Other Seasonal Park Positions for park operations and maintenance
Lifeguards and Lifeguard Supervisors: State Park lifeguards conduct surveillance of certain designated swimming areas, administer first aid and emergency care as needed, and perform beach-related maintenance work.
In general, we are on duty daily from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Our typical work week is 40 hours, including weekends and holidays from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
We are certified in American Red Cross lifeguarding with waterfront skills. We practice our skills throughout the summer by doing in-service training which includes both physical conditioning and technical skills review so we are always performing at our best. Must be at least 16 years of age. Free training provided-contact Sarah.Battistini@ct.gov or DM us on Facebook or Instagram @CTStateParkLifeguards
Lifeguard positions and other seasonal jobs remain available at the many of the state park beaches this summer season. For more information and to apply for any of these positions visit: www.ct.gov/deep/seasonaljobs
For more information on how to use the online application visit: DEEP Online Employment Center Guide
Positions Available
• Lifeguards in Shelton, Torrington, Westport
• Lifeguard Supervisors Shelton, Torrington, Westport
• Seasonal Patrol Officers
• Other Seasonal Park Positions for park operations and maintenance
Lifeguards and Lifeguard Supervisors: State Park lifeguards conduct surveillance of certain designated swimming areas, administer first aid and emergency care as needed, and perform beach-related maintenance work.
In general, we are on duty daily from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Our typical work week is 40 hours, including weekends and holidays from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
We are certified in American Red Cross lifeguarding with waterfront skills. We practice our skills throughout the summer by doing in-service training which includes both physical conditioning and technical skills review so we are always performing at our best. Must be at least 16 years of age. Free training provided-contact Sarah.Battistini@ct.gov or DM us on Facebook or Instagram @CTStateParkLifeguards
Seasonal Patrol Officers: This position works under Environmental Conservation Police Division, and requires a current POST certification. This is a 40 hour per week position with both first and second shift available. The locations are primarily at State Parks and recreation areas. The preferred candidate will have considerable interpersonal skills, knowledge of Connecticut police procedures and the ability to work weekends and holidays. As a primary visitor contact, interacts with the public to assist them in the safe and orderly enjoyment of department resources and activities; enforces laws and regulations governing visitor behavior and the use of department lands and facilities; investigates and prepares reports of unusual occurrences; may supervise other seasonal employees as assigned. Salary: $20 per hour. Length of position: May 2019 through October 2019.
Seasonal Park Positions: A number of different seasonal positions are available across the Connecticut State Park system, including season maintainers, campground supervisor, interpretive guide, camp office staff and other positions. Most positions are typically first shift, but other positions will be second or third shift. Typically positions are 5 days per week, and may include mandatory weekend shifts
Tree Removal
As visitors arrive at their favorite state park or campground you may notice that trees have been recently removed, or there is tree work currently happening. Several years of severe storms and drought, resulting from our changing climate, and major insect infestations have left many damaged or dead trees in forests and residential areas. Damaged, dead, and diseased trees can fall without warning, potentially causing injury or property damage.
As you hike the trails or visit picnic areas and campgrounds, be extra cautious:
Seasonal Park Positions: A number of different seasonal positions are available across the Connecticut State Park system, including season maintainers, campground supervisor, interpretive guide, camp office staff and other positions. Most positions are typically first shift, but other positions will be second or third shift. Typically positions are 5 days per week, and may include mandatory weekend shifts
Tree Removal
As visitors arrive at their favorite state park or campground you may notice that trees have been recently removed, or there is tree work currently happening. Several years of severe storms and drought, resulting from our changing climate, and major insect infestations have left many damaged or dead trees in forests and residential areas. Damaged, dead, and diseased trees can fall without warning, potentially causing injury or property damage.
As you hike the trails or visit picnic areas and campgrounds, be extra cautious:
-
Look up and be aware of your surroundings.
-
Be particularly watchful when it is windy or when branches are covered with snow.
-
Avoid parking, picnicking, camping, hiking, and hunting in areas where dead trees or dead limbs are more likely to fall.
-
Walk around, not over, downed limbs and trees.
While the chances of being struck by a falling tree or branch are low, being vigilant while in the woods can reduce the odds even more. Find more information on this topic here: www.ct.gov/deep/treedamage
Campground Reservations Can Be Made Now
While state park and forest campgrounds are fully booked for the Memorial Day weekend, there is lots of availability to the rest of the summer season, and we encourage residents to explore what your state campgrounds have to offer. Campground reservations for all state campgrounds can be made online or by calling 1-877-668-CAMP (2267).
While state park and forest campgrounds are fully booked for the Memorial Day weekend, there is lots of availability to the rest of the summer season, and we encourage residents to explore what your state campgrounds have to offer. Campground reservations for all state campgrounds can be made online or by calling 1-877-668-CAMP (2267).
- Twitter: @CTDEEPNews
- Facebook: DEEP on Facebook