Press Releases
07/12/2024
Seaside State Park Planning Process Continues to Move Forward
DEEP Seeking Additional Public Participation to Help Inform Passive Park Design of Connecticut’s Newest State Park
(HARTFORD) — Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) seeks public input to help inform the design of the Passive Park concept as it continues to make progress in its planning process for Seaside State Park in Waterford.
Last year, DEEP announced the path forward for Seaside with $7.1 million of committed funding to implement a Passive Park concept that will improve waterfront access along the Long Island Sound for visitors and protect the site from coastal flooding. The Passive Park concept was identified as an option in the Comprehensive Planning Process in which DEEP engaged with local leaders, community members, and stakeholders. Through the Passive Park concept, the deteriorated buildings on site will be removed, and site improvements including restrooms, walking trails, shoreline improvements, picnic areas, parking improvements, features to memorialize and commemorate the architecture and historic significance of the site, and other elements, will be implemented.
DEEP has been working with a consultant, FHI Studio, to meet with various local stakeholder groups and is now seeking public participation in a survey to inform the historical commemoration of the buildings that will be removed, learn what activities or features visitors might like to see in the park, and better understand how the site is currently used. Survey responses are due by August, 5th, 2024.
DEEP will also conduct a public meeting later this year to solicit input from park users and the local community.
While people are welcome to visit the park, no on-site work has been conducted at Seaside, and the buildings remain closed to the public due to their unsafe condition. After the public outreach is completed, the architectural/engineering firm contracted for the project will use the information and ideas gathered through the outreach and planning process to prepare a design for the Passive Park concept.
“DEEP is thrilled to continue to move forward in the planning process around Seaside State Park,” DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes said. “Engaging with stakeholders to inform the Passive Park concept will help us commemorate the historic buildings, as we work to bring Seaside up to the standard of our other State Parks, and provide residents with an improved, unique, and beautiful opportunity to access one of our greatest assets - the Connecticut shoreline.”
“I am pleased the State of Connecticut has chosen to seek input from the Town of Waterford and its citizens regarding the future of this precious regional historic and environmental resource,” said Waterford First Selectman Rob Brule. “We look forward to when Seaside State Park is able to be fully enjoyed by the public based on a plan which incorporates their needs and concerns.”
“This opportunity allows for members of our local communities to provide feedback on this important project,” said State Senator Martha Marx (D-Waterford). “Seaside State Park is an important local resource and this will preserve local shoreline access and invest in the future of the region. I encourage anyone with ideas for how it can be improved to contact DEEP and help move this forward.”
”After many challenges, much due diligence, RFPs, and public engagement over many years on various park concepts that became unfeasible, I am looking forward to advancing work with DEEP, town officials, and the community in order to realize a safe Passive Park concept at Seaside," State Representative Kathleen McCarty (R-Waterford) said. "It is my hope that education placards regarding the historical and cultural value of the buildings on site and adaptive reuse of some of the buildings' historical features will be part of the planning process and incorporated into the new design. Participation by the public in the survey will be key and will bring new and creative ideas on how best to bring about a unique and beautiful passive park in our community.”
Seaside became a State Park in 2014 after serving for many years as a state health care facility, first for children with tuberculosis and then for many years as a mental health care facility. DEEP then engaged in a multi-year planning process to identify future concepts and funding for the park that included extensive community engagement. DEEP is looking forward to investing in Seaside State Park by honoring its historic legacy while also providing improved access to the Connecticut shoreline for generations into the future.
Links:
Seaside State Park Planning Project: https://portal.ct.gov/deep/state-parks/seaside-state-park-planning-project
Seaside State Park Passive Park Concept Survey: https://fhistudio.surveysparrow.com/s/Seaside-State-Park-Survey-/tt-gG3zNqPz6A7Z2Rwwcuq6p2
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Contact
DEEP Communications
DEEP.communications@ct.gov
860-424-3110