Press Releases
02/02/2026
DEEP Issues Request for Proposals for Paddlecraft Rental Services in Seven CT State Parks
RFP Builds on DEEP’s Efforts to Expand Access to Outdoor Recreation Opportunities and Enhance Visitor Experiences; RFP Webinar to be Held February 5
(HARTFORD, CT) — The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for canoe, kayak and/or stand-up paddleboard rental services at seven state parks including Burr Pond State Park in Torrington, Hopeville Pond State Park in Griswold, Indian Well State Park in Shelton, Lake Waramaug State Park in Kent, Mount Tom State Park in Litchfield, Pattaconk Lake/Reservoir Recreation Area in Cockaponset State Forest in Chester/Haddam and Squantz Pond State Park in New Fairfield.
The RFP is available on the CTsource Bid Board as solicitation number DEEP-2026-011-MM and proposals are due February 27, 2026. To apply for the RFP and better understand the application process and locations available, check out the following information:
- Connecticut Office of Outdoor Industry and Experiences webpage
- Paddlecraft Rental RFP Location Descriptions & Photos
- RFP - State Contracting Portal (CTsource) Bid Board) search solicitation # DEEP-2026-011-MM
- Public informational meeting to be held on February 5, 2026, from 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. EST via Zoom. To join the informational webinar, click here.
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.
“Connecticut offers the most accessible outdoor recreation in the country, and our state parks are at the heart of that experience,” said DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes. “Through the Office of Outdoor Industry & Experiences, DEEP is working closely with private-sector partners to create new, convenient ways for people to enjoy the outdoors, including exploring lakes and ponds right in our State Parks. These partnerships help us expand access, enhance visitor experiences, and ensure our parks continue to meet the growing demand for outdoor recreation across the state.”
The need for new and convenient equipment rentals highlights a larger trend of significant growth in the outdoor recreation economy. Data released by the federal Bureau of Economic Analysis shows Connecticut's Outdoor Recreation economy, already valued at $5.5 billion, grew by 9.2% in 2023, outpacing the national average of 9% and demonstrating a continued trend of strong growth since the pandemic. Similarly, data released by the Outdoor Industry Association shows outdoor participation grew by 3% in 2024, to a record-breaking 181 million people nationally.
Offering new equipment rentals in more State Parks supports our goals to elevate outdoor recreation and visitor experiences, increase access to the outdoors, and support tourism. These types of partnerships with the private sector may fuel additional growth in Connecticut’s outdoor recreation economy. And Connecticut is ready for that growth. Through the Passport to the Parks program and Restore CT State Parks initiative, Governor Lamont and the State Legislature continue to invest into our parks to meet the growing demand for outdoor recreation experiences.
“Adding 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. “This opportunity also provides an economic development opportunity for local businesses. We encourage all canoe, kayak, stand-up paddleboard, or paddleboat operators and outfitters to review this RFP, attend the informational meeting on February 5 and site visits from February 9-11 and apply before the deadline of February 27, 2026.”
DEEP aims for these services to be operational during the 2026 recreation season. Below is additional information related to the Paddlecraft Rental RFP:
DEEP will host a Public Informational Webinar about the RFP and welcomes all interested parties who are considering submitting proposals to join. The informational meeting will be held on February 5, 2026, from 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. EST via Zoom. To join the informational webinar, click here.
DEEP will host site visits at each state park location listed in the RFP to answer questions from prospective proposers. Attendance at the site visits is optional however registration is required. To register, email Tenia Seay at DEEP.parksdivisionRFP@ct.gov no less than twenty-four hours before the site visit. The site visit will only occur if DEEP receives registration requests.
A Location Specification Sheet highlighting the concession area and background information of each state park listed is also part of the RFP.
Site visits will take place from February 9-11, 2026, following the schedule below:
- February 9, 2026
- 10:00am: Indian Well State Park in Shelton
- 1:00pm: Squantz Pond State Park in New Fairfield
- February 10, 2026
- 10:00am: Hopeville Pond State Park in Griswold
- 1:00pm: Pattaconk Lake Recreation Area in Chester/Haddam
- February 11, 2026
- 10:00am: Lake Waramaug State Park in Kent
- 11:30am: Mount Tom State Park in Litchfield
- 1:30pm: Burr Pond State Park in Torrington
For more information, visit the Office of Outdoor Industry & Experiences webpage.
To apply to the RFP, visit CTsource Bid Board and enter DEEP-2026-011-MM in search field- Twitter: @CTDEEPNews
- Facebook: DEEP on Facebook
Contact
DEEP Communications
DEEP.communications@ct.gov
860-424-3110