DEEP Seeks Public Comment on Draft Request for Proposals for Farmers’ Markets in Three Connecticut State Parks

Comments Due August 28, 2026, for New Program in DEEP’s Partnership in Parks Initiative

(HARTFORD, CT) — The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) invites the public to comment on a draft Request for Proposals (RFP) to operate farmers’ markets in three Connecticut State Parks. This RFP is an exciting next step in DEEP’s Partnership in Parks Initiative. Comments are due August 28, 2026.

Through the Partnership in Parks Initiative, managed by the DEEP Office of Outdoor Industry & Experiences, businesses, organizations, and members of the public have been invited to share ideas to enhance recreation, increase access, and support tourism in Connecticut State Parks. Among the most common suggestions received through this process have been expanded food and beverage services. Specifically, commenters urged DEEP to consider providing opportunities for farmers' markets to operate in state parks. Building on that feedback, and the success of previous food and beverage concessionaires in state parks, DEEP is inviting the public to weigh in on opportunities for farmers' markets by seeking public comment on this draft Request for Proposals (RFP).

Feedback received on this draft RFP will help DEEP better understand impacts to the park visitor experience as well as market manager interest in offering farmers’ markets in the following state parks:

Fort Trumbull State Park, New London
Harkness Memorial State Park, Waterford
Sherwood Island State Park, Westport

“Connecticut’s State Parks are wonderful places for people to gather, enjoy the outdoors, and support healthy lifestyles,” said DEEP Acting Commissioner Emma Cimino. “Farmers’ markets increase public access to fresh, locally grown food while supporting Connecticut’s farmers and strengthening the local economy. We’re grateful for the feedback we’ve received so far and encourage both park visitors and farmers’ market managers to continue sharing their ideas as we explore this exciting new opportunity.”

“Exploring farmers’ markets in Connecticut State Parks is an exciting opportunity to enhance the authentic, local experiences visitors seek while expanding access to fresh, Connecticut Grown products further strengthens our farms and local businesses,” said Connecticut Department of Agriculture Commissioner Bryan P. Hurlburt. “We look forward to public feedback as we work together to elevate the park experience and showcase Connecticut agriculture.”

“We’ve received growing interest in new or expanded food and beverage options, such as farmers’ markets, in Connecticut State Parks and are excited to pursue long-term partnerships with new vendors and locations,” said Jeff Shaw, Director of DEEP’s Office of Outdoor Industry and Experiences. “We appreciate the public’s feedback to ensure potential farmers’ market operations in State Parks would be well received by park visitors and of interest to vendors. I encourage Park visitors as well as managers of farmers’ markets to submit public comments on this opportunity by the August 28, 2026, deadline.”

At this time, DEEP only seeks comments on the draft RFP. This is not yet a call for formal proposals. After the comment period concludes, DEEP will review and consider the feedback received and may announce and release a formal RFP for which proposals will be accepted.

Submit comments to the draft RFP by email to DEEP.parksdivisionRFP@ct.gov with the subject line “Farmers’ Market Draft RFP Comments.” The Farmers’ Market Draft RFP is also posted on the CTsource Bid Board, search for Solicitation # DEEP-2027-002-MM.

DEEP asks the public to review the draft RFP and comment on the following questions:

How should a farmers’ market enhance the visitor experience at the proposed State Park locations?
Should DEEP offer opportunities for a farmers' market to operate in other State Parks beyond those that are currently included in the RFP, such as a park with a campground? If so, what park(s)? Would a farmers’ market operating in a State Park campground enhance the camping experience?
Are there any scheduling or timing conflicts (times of day, weekdays/weekends, reoccurring events, etc.) when DEEP should avoid offering a farmers' market? Likewise, are there times when DEEP should try to offer a farmers' market? (Please provide location-specific feedback.)
Is it reasonable to require farmers' market managers to have three years of experience operating a farmers’ market? Please explain.
Are there any concerns or feasibility issues with requesting prospective bidders to submit two years of financial statements? Please explain.
Are the minimum annual rents to be paid to DEEP a reasonable baseline: $5,000 at Sherwood Island State Park and $2,000 at Fort Trumbull and Harkness Memorial State Parks? If you have concerns, please provide your rationale and what you consider feasible.
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, or selection process) that you want to add?

Led by DEEP’s Office of Outdoor Industry & 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. Earlier this year, DEEP announced new, multi-year paddlecraft rental services becoming operational in five State Parks. Businesses, non-profits, or individuals with additional ideas are welcome to submit suggestions to DEEP’s Partnerships in Parks Request for Information (RFI) on a rolling basis.

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