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12/05/2024

DEEP Releases New Book Celebrating 100 Years of Connecticut State Parks

(HARTFORD)--The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) announced today the release of a new book, Connecticut State Parks: A Centennial History by Alan Levere, published by DEEP’s State Parks & Public Outreach Division.  This book presents the history of Connecticut State Parks through the celebration of its first hundred years.

The book’s 250 pages chronicle the storied growth of the Connecticut State Parks system, the philosophic maturity from preservation to recreation, and the acquisition of its many historic locations, complemented by over 400 photographic images from the State Parks Archives to enhance the narrative. The creation of this volume provides the opportunity to reflect upon and connect with the many varied and interesting stories that led to the creation of the park system.

“Connecticut State Parks were conceived and acquired to provide much needed outdoor space and recreation opportunities for Connecticut residents. We are so proud of the efforts of Alan Levere and the DEEP State Parks & Public Outreach Division to enable everyone to relive the over 100-year history of our beautiful State Parks and their mission of sharing Connecticut’s natural treasures with the public,” said DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes. “The renewed interest in outdoor recreation has taught us that equitable public access to the outdoors is just as important today as it was 100 years ago. Thanks to the Passport to the Parks program, residents in Connecticut-registered vehicles can enter all 110 state parks without paying an entrance fee.”

Today’s nearly 35,000 acres of State Park lands provide a geographic, ecologic, and recreational haven to millions of park visitors annually. The century-plus history of how 110 park locations came together in Connecticut is related here through photographs and prose for all to enjoy.

"Celebrating the Centennial of our State Park System gave us a great opportunity to remind ourselves of the many great stories about the early days of the system. We are also incredibly fortunate to have available thousands of photographs from those early years.  I'm sure that readers who love our state parks will thoroughly enjoy this book!" said Tom Tyler, retired State Parks Director and a member of the centennial book project committee.

“Connecticut State Parks has long awaited the opportunity to release this book. A Centennial History represents the timeline of the past 100 years that takes us through the journey of Connecticut State Parks,” said Acting State Parks Director Jeremy Hall. “The author, Alan Levere, is a 37-year veteran of DEEP, with his final 12 years dedicated to Connecticut State Parks Public Outreach. He has done a masterful job of bringing these stories to life through words and pictures.”

Publishing of this book was funded by donations and with the fiduciary support of the Friends of Connecticut State Parks.  Their assistance through this process is greatly appreciated.

Connecticut State Parks: A Centennial History is being made available free of charge to state and local libraries, as well as all public high school libraries across the state, so that Connecticut residents, history and outdoor enthusiasts and others can enjoy this informative read as well.  It is also available for $20.00 from the DEEP Online Store (Connecticut State Parks: A Centennial History – DEEP Store (ctdeepstore.com)). For orders delivered prior to the holidays please have all orders in by December 19, 2024.

Established in 1913, the mission of the Connecticut State Park System is to provide natural resource-based public recreational and educational opportunities through a system of state park and forest recreation areas, environmental centers, and nature centers that provide an understanding of, access to, and enjoyment of, the state’s historic, cultural, and natural resources.
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