Press Releases
03/02/2026
Connecticut Greenways Council Accepting Formal Greenways Nominations
Nominations Submit Application for New or Expanded Greenways for State Designation By May 1
(HARTFORD) – The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) and the Connecticut Greenways Council announced today that they are now soliciting nominations for official state greenway designations.
Currently there are 97 designated greenways here in Connecticut. Greenways are an integral part of any community: offering recreational opportunities, providing alternative transportation options, helping to preserve the environment, and supporting economic development. Greenways make a community a more attractive place to live by connecting living spaces with the environment. They preserve history and cultivate town pride.
“Connecticut’s extensive network of greenways is one of the many reasons our state is such a great place to live, work, and play,” said DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes. “Here in Connecticut, the outdoors is never far from home — with open space woven directly into our communities and connected across the state. We encourage municipalities and community partners to pursue official designation to help strengthen, enhance, and conserve these valuable natural resources.”
An official designation by the Greenways Council recognizes a greenway as an open space that not only meets the definition of a greenway, per Public Act 95-335, but also enhances the community and is supported by local government initiatives. Designated greenways, both for recreation and resource protection, receive higher scoring and increased consideration for a variety of grant programs, and serve as planning resources supporting Plans of Conservation and Development.
The Greenways Council will evaluate all nominated greenways for consistency with designation criteria. Those selected for designation will be announced by the Greenways Council in conjunction with their 27th Annual Greenways Awards event planned for June 5, 2026.
The deadline for submission of nominations is May 1, 2026.
The nomination form is available as a word document or a PDF. The preferred method for submission of completed nomination forms is by e-mail to Kimberly.Bradley@ct.gov and DEEPCTtrails@ct.gov. Digital photos and maps are preferred (digital photos of hard copy maps are acceptable).
For more information, please visit the Official Connecticut Greenways website.- Twitter: @CTDEEPNews
- Facebook: DEEP on Facebook
Contact
DEEP Communications
DEEP.communications@ct.gov
860-424-3110