Press Releases
06/29/2023
DEEP Reminds Visitors to State Parks to Plan Ahead this Weekend Arrive Early and Have a Back-up Plan
Parks Such as Squantz Pond State Park Close Once Parking Capacity Fills
(HARTFORD) — Ahead of the July 4th Weekend, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), the Connecticut State Police, and municipal leaders remind visitors to state parks and boat launches to plan ahead, arrive early, and have a back-up plan in case the location of your choice is full and closed to new visitors.
State parks such as Squantz Pond State Park in New Fairfield often fill to capacity and close to additional visitation on holiday and other nice summer weekends. Parking illegally outside of a park can result in a ticket or your vehicle being towed. If a park is closed, we encourage guests to consider visiting one of DEEP’s 110 state parks, many of which are less crowded.
At Squantz Pond State Park specifically, on nice weekend days in the summer, more visitors often arrive to visit than can be accommodated at the park. Would-be visitors might encounter traffic congestion, parking issues, or being turned away.
“We want visitors to the state parks, beaches, and boat launches this holiday weekend and throughout the summer to have a safe and enjoyable time in our beautiful outdoor spaces,” said DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes. “Planning ahead, arriving early, and having a back-up plan among our more than 100 parks and forests contribute to a fun, relaxing time outside. Our outdoor destinations are why residents live here and tourists visit, so we encourage everyone to be safe in whatever outdoor activities they engage in this and every weekend.”
“New Fairfield welcomes all visitors to Squantz Pond State Park,” New Fairfield First Selectman Patricia Del Monaco said. “We want everyone to have an enjoyable and safe experience while visiting New Fairfield, and ask that everyone observe posted “No Parking” signs once the Park has reached capacity.”
“We know that Squantz Pond is an attractive day trip for many people inside and outside of Connecticut. We encourage people to enjoy all state parks safely and consider other destinations within our state,” Colonel Stavros Mellekas, Commanding Officer of the Connecticut State Police, said. “We continue to work in collaboration with CT DEEP, the town of New Fairfield and other locations to develop strategies that allow everyone to visit and safely enjoy our natural resources.”
Connecticut offers many great state or local parks that do not have the same limited capacity and congestion issues. The state park system offers opportunities for hiking, camping, swimming, boating, fishing, and picnicking, among many others. Just a few ideas include Sherwood Island State Park in Westport, Silver Sands State Park in Milford, Hammonasset Beach State Park in Madison, or you can try a lesser known “hidden gem” park. More ideas for great state parks to visit can be found on the DEEP website or here.
If you do go to New Fairfield to visit Squantz Pond State Park, please remember that there is no parking allowed on nearby streets outside of the park, unloading near the park, or any other violations of posted traffic signage. Violations can result in vehicles being ticketed and/or towed. Once capacity is reached, the park is closed, and will remain closed for the rest of the day.
A new law (PA 23-43) was recently passed that, starting in 2024, will restrict walk-in visitors from entering Squantz Pond State Park once it has reached capacity. DEEP will be providing more information regarding the new law in the upcoming months to ensure the public is well informed ahead of the implementation date, which is on or before January 31, 2024.
“Please plan ahead when visiting Squantz Pond during the busy summer months,” said State Representative Patrick Callahan, R-New Fairfield. “The park can reach its capacity early in the morning. Please remember there is no safe street parking in the area and walking into the park can be dangerous along the busy road.”
Up-to-date closure notifications are posted on the CT State Parks Twitter account @CTStateParks and @CTBoatingInfo. DEEP recommends checking these prior to venturing out to a park, and to have a back-up plan in mind in the event a park closes while you’re en route. It’s important to remember that many state parks and boat launches reach capacity and close early on holidays and nice summer weekend days, with some smaller state parks reaching capacity by 9:00 a.m.
- Twitter: @CTDEEPNews
- Facebook: DEEP on Facebook
Contact
DEEP Communications
DEEP.communications@ct.gov
860-424-3110