Request for Information
The Connecticut Office of Outdoor Industry & Experiences’ Partnerships in Parks Initiative, launched by Governor Lamont and Commissioner Dykes on January 11, 2024 (view press release), welcomes input from businesses, non-profits, State Park visitors, and others as it works to expand outdoor recreation in Connecticut State Parks.
Feedback from Park Visitors
DEEP is seeking feedback from park visitors regarding the types of experiences, services and amenities they would like to see in State Parks. To provide feedback, complete the short survey.
Partnership Suggestions from Businesses and Organizations
DEEP is issuing a standing Request for Information (RFI) to facilitate ongoing submission of ideas from businesses, non-profits, and other interested stakeholders on potential partnerships in Connecticut State Parks. This RFI is intentionally broad to encourage creativity and innovation. DEEP will review submissions for viability on a quarterly basis.
Partnerships with State Parks commonly are formalized through a competitive Request for Proposals (RFP) process. Submitting ideas to this RFI helps DEEP identify the types of outdoor recreation services partners may be interested in providing, which helps DEEP design potential subsequent RFPs.
Links and Downloads:
- Public Notice
- Updated Request for Information (RFI)
- RFI Submission Template (Appendix A)
- RFI Specific Park Locations & Facilities (Appendix B)
- Recently Submitted RFIs: Summaries of ideas submitted to the updated RFI in 2025 and beyond will be posted here quarterly.
- Informational Webinar: DEEP hosted an Informational Webinar about the opportunity and welcomed businesses, organizations and individuals who were considering submitting ideas to join. The informational webinar was held on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, from 10:00-11:00 a.m. on Zoom. View the meeting recording and presentation slides.
- Summary of ideas submitted to the initial RFI in 2024–2025
- Summary of ideas submitted to the Standing RFI Q4-2025
Special Use Licenses
Please note some ideas may qualify for a Special Use License, whereby DEEP authorizes temporary special use of State Park or State Forest Recreational Lands for public purposes that are not in conflict with park or forest purposes. This includes, but is not limited to, fundraising events, trail races, seasonal mobile food and beverage trucks, historical reenactments, rowing regattas, guided programming, and piloted partnerships.
SUL-eligible ideas do not need to be submitted through this RFI in order to be issued a SUL. To learn more on Special Use or if you feel your idea may better align with Special Use, visit the Special Use website here for more information or connect with the Program Specialist for Special use via DEEP.SpecialUse@ct.gov.
Stay Connected
Sign up for the Connecticut Outdoor Industry & Experiences email newsletter. Connecticut has 110 State Parks with amazing facilities, trails, beaches, campgrounds, and more for the public to enjoy. Through new and expanded partnerships, we aim to elevate outdoor recreation experiences, increase equitable access to the outdoors, and expand tourism destinations in these State Parks. This email newsletter will deliver the latest information about these efforts and new partnership opportunities.
Newsletter archive: October 2025 | August 2025 | May 2025
Contact DEEP.PartnershipsInParks@ct.gov with any additional questions.
Content last updated August 2025