DEEP Announces New Paddlecraft Rental Operations at Five CT State Parks

New Services Build on DEEP’s Efforts to Expand Access to Outdoor Recreation Opportunities and Enhance Visitor Experiences

(HARTFORD, CT) — The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) today announced new canoe, kayak and/or stand-up paddleboard rental services at five State Parks including Burr Pond State Park in Torrington, Indian Well State Park in Shelton, Lake Waramaug State Park in Kent, Mount Tom State Park in Litchfield, and Squantz Pond State Park in New Fairfield. These vendors were chosen as part of a competitive Request for Proposals (RFP) process that DEEP offered earlier this year.

Park visitors can now rent a canoe, kayak or paddleboard at the locations listed below:

Candlewood Kayak Rental offers kayak and paddleboard rentals at Squantz Pond State Park in New Fairfield
Litchfield Paddle offers kayak and paddleboard rentals at Mount Tom State Park in Litchfield and Lake Waramaug State Park in Kent
Main Stream Canoe and Kayaks offers paddlecraft rentals at Burr Pond State Park in Torrington
Scoot and Paddle offers kayak and paddleboard rentals at Indian Well State Park in Shelton

All operators have signed multi-year contracts to provide paddlecraft rental services for the next three recreation seasons, providing Connecticut residents and visitors with unique opportunities to experience Connecticut’s parks and waterways.

“With these new partnerships, it is now easier than ever for park visitors to pursue new water-based recreation experiences, with convenient on-site rentals available at the parks,” said DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes. “Easy access to outdoor recreation is one of the many reasons Connecticut is such a great place to live, and these new rental services will enhance the already expansive list of outdoor recreation activities available in State Parks.”

This past March, the federal Bureau of Economic Analysis released the latest outdoor recreation satellite data that showed Connecticut’s outdoor recreation economy has grown for the second consecutive year, outpacing the national average. In April, DEEP’s Office of Outdoor Industry and Experiences hosted the inaugural Connecticut Outdoor Recreation Day, featuring more than 40 outdoor industries, retailers, guides and recreation groups to showcase products, services, events and informational materials to raise awareness of this growing sector. Just last month, Connecticut joined the Confluence of States, a bipartisan, national coalition of state governments dedicated to growing the outdoor recreation economy and increasing access to the outdoors. New outdoor recreation experiences, amenities and services, such as paddlecraft rentals, in CT State Parks is one way the State can support the outdoor recreation industry and increase access to the outdoors.

“Adding new paddlecraft rental services to more State Parks shows DEEP’s commitment to elevate the visitor experience, promote tourism, and increase access to the outdoors,” said Jeff Shaw, Director of DEEP’s Office of Outdoor Industry and Experiences. “These rental operations also provide an economic development opportunity for local businesses that have the experience and qualifications to provide exceptional experiences for park visitors. I encourage anyone interested in paddling to book a reservation with our new partners.”

"We are excited and honored to be part of the CT Office of Outdoor Industry and Experiences efforts to get people enjoying all the natural beauty that this great state has to offer. Paddling and other outdoor experiences provide substantial physical and mental health benefits. They also act as an economic driver that brings a definite boost to most other local and state businesses," said Adam Sherwin, Owner, Litchfield Paddle in Litchfield.

“We’re really excited for Main Stream Canoes and Kayaks to have the opportunity at Burr Pond to continue giving people a simple way to enjoy time on the water. Whether it’s a canoe, kayak, or SUP, we hope this rental location makes it easy for families, friends, and visitors to slow down, enjoy the outdoors, and make some great memories at one of Connecticut’s beautiful State Parks, said Myra Emrick, Owner, Main Stream Canoes and Kayaks in New Hartford.

"I’m excited to partner with the State of Connecticut to bring kayak and paddleboard rentals to Indian Well State Park in Shelton. I’m proud to help make these activities more accessible and share my passion for kayaking and paddleboarding with visitors who may be trying them for the first time," said Christina Pritchard, Owner, Scoot and Paddle in Milford.

“After several successful years operating under a Special Use License, we are incredibly honored to expand our relationship with the State of Connecticut through a formal Request for Proposal (RFP) partnership with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) and Connecticut State Parks. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to expanding public access to Connecticut’s outdoor recreational resources while maintaining the highest standards of safety, environmental stewardship, and visitor experience. We are proud to provide paddlecraft rental services at both Squantz Pond State Park and Squantz Cove on Candlewood Lake, helping residents and visitors alike connect with the natural beauty that makes Connecticut such a special place to live, work, and explore. As a locally owned small business, it is both humbling and rewarding to see what began as a single kayak rental operation grow into a trusted outdoor recreation provider serving thousands of guests each season. We are deeply grateful for the trust DEEP and Connecticut State Parks have placed in our organization. We look forward to continuing to enhance outdoor recreation opportunities, support local tourism, and create lasting memories on Connecticut’s waterways for years to come,” said Rachel Petrillo, Owner, Candlewood Kayak Rental.

Last year, 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 multiple State Parks. The popularity and success of these pilot services demonstrated strong visitor demand for paddlecraft rental opportunities across multiple seasons and at additional locations. Through the Partnership in Parks initiative, paddlecraft rentals were expanded to three new locations: Mount Tom, Squantz Pond, and Indian Well State Parks. Paddlecraft rentals were previously available at Burr Pond and Lake Waramaug State Parks, and the recent RFP process ensures that these services continue to be available at all five locations for the next three seasons.

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

Twitter: @CTDEEPNews

Facebook: DEEP on Facebook

Contact

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

Click here to receive DEEP Press Releases via email.