Press Releases
06/24/2026
MEDIA ADVISORY: DEEP to Celebrate New Paddlecraft Rental Operations at Five CT State Parks
Ribbon Cutting on June 25 at Mount Tom State Park
(HARTFORD) — On Thursday, June 25, 2026, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) will host a ribbon cutting and press conference to announce 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.
The vendors were chosen as part of a competitive Request for Proposals (RFP) process that DEEP offered earlier this year through its ongoing Partnership in Parks Initiative, which seeks to partner with the private sector to elevate outdoor recreation and visitor experiences, increase access to outdoor recreation, and expand tourism destinations in State Parks.
After the ribbon cutting and press conference, a group paddle in Mount Tom Pond is planned.
Who: DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes; Rachel Lenda, State Director of Tourism, local paddlecraft vendors, DEEP staff, invited local and state officials, invited stakeholders
What: Press conference and ribbon cutting
When: Thursday, June 25, 2026; Press conference at 1:00pm; optional paddle at 1:30pm
Where:Mount Tom State Park, Route 202, Litchfield, CT 06759 (GPS may display as Washington Depot)
- Twitter: @CTDEEPNews
- Facebook: DEEP on Facebook
Contact
DEEP Communications
DEEP.Communications@ct.gov
860-424-3110