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10/24/2025

DEEP Seeking Public Comment on Draft RFP for Paddlecraft Rentals in Five CT State Parks

Paddlecraft RFP is Part of DEEP’s Partnership in Parks Initiative; Comments Due November 7, 2025

(HARTFORD, CT) — As part of its Partnership in Parks Initiative, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is seeking public comment on a draft Request for Proposal (RFP) for paddlecraft rentals in five Connecticut State Parks. Comments are due November 7, 2025.

Currently, DEEP is only accepting public comments on the draft RFP – this is not a call for formal proposals. After the comment period concludes, DEEP will review and consider the feedback received, and intends to release and announce a final RFP for which proposals will be accepted.

The draft RFP seeks partners to operate canoe, kayak, and/or stand-up paddleboard rental services at any or all of the following locations:

  • Hopeville Pond State Park, Griswold
  • Indian Well State Park, Shelton
  • Mount Tom State Park, Litchfield
  • Pattaconk Reservoir/Lake Recreation Area, Cockaponset State Forest, Haddam
  • Squantz Pond State Park, New Fairfield

Submit comments to the draft RFP by email to DEEP.parksdivisionRFP@ct.gov with the subject line “Paddlecraft Rentals Draft RFP Comments.” DEEP asks the public to review the draft RFP and provide comment on the following questions:

  • How will paddlecraft rentals at these locations enhance your experience at the relevant state park?
  • What qualifications or experience should be required of vendors?
  • What factors should be added or removed from the evaluation criteria?
  • How could DEEP make it easier for small and local businesses to apply, qualify and compete for the final RFP?
  • Do you have other comments on the draft (e.g., scope of services, terms, or selection process)?
  • General comments or feedback outside of these questions are welcome.

In 2024, DEEP launched its Office of Outdoor Industry & Experiences by asking businesses, organizations and the general public to submit ideas to its Partnership in Parks Request for Information (RFI), which resulted in piloting new kayak, canoe, and standup paddleboard rental services at four state parks. The popularity and success of these pilot services have demonstrated visitor demand for paddlecraft rental opportunities that extend across multiple seasons and locations. Through this draft RFP, DEEP aims to continue the pilots and expand rentals to additional State Parks, advancing our goals of enhancing recreation, increasing access, and supporting tourism.

“Connecticut’s State Parks offer countless opportunities to discover new passions and create lasting memories in the outdoors,” said DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes. “Thanks to these new partnerships, it’s easier than ever for park visitors to pursue these experiences, with convenient on-site rentals available right in the parks. Easy access to outdoor recreation is one of the many reasons Connecticut is such a great place to live. These types of partnerships will enhance the already expansive list of outdoor recreation activities available in State Parks.”

DEEP is excited to pursue long-term partnerships with vendors as well as add locations for paddlecraft rental services. “We’ve had great success authorizing paddlecraft rentals under Special Use Licenses. As those licenses are seasonal, now is the time to pursue long-term agreements to ensure these services are available without interruption for park visitors for the next few years,” said Jeff Shaw, Director of DEEP’s Office of Outdoor Industry and Experiences.

The draft RFP is the first step toward expanding paddlecraft rental services by providing long-term partnership in Connecticut State Parks. This past season, park visitors could rent a canoe, kayak, paddleboard or tube at the locations listed below.

Led by DEEP’s Office of Outdoor Industry and Experiences, the Partnership in Parks Initiative aims to elevate outdoor recreation and visitor experiences, expand access to the outdoors, and strengthen Connecticut’s State Parks as tourism destinations.

Businesses, non-profits or individuals interested in partnering with Connecticut State Parks through this initiative are welcome to submit proposals to DEEP’s Partnerships in Parks Request for Information (RFI), which accepts submissions on a rolling basis.

For more information, visit the Office of Outdoor Industry & Experiences webpage.

Also, submit comments to the draft RFP by email to DEEP.parksdivisionRFP@ct.gov with the subject line “Paddlecraft Rentals Draft RFP Comments.”

To view the draft RFP, go here.
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Contact

DEEP Communications  
DEEP.communications@ct.gov
860-424-3110