CT Opening Inland State Parks For Swimming

CONNECTICUT — The state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection will open inland swimming areas at eight state parks Saturday.

DEEP will also reopen Seaside State Park and the marsh boardwalk at Silver Sands State Park Saturday.

Visitors are still required to social distance and wear masks if social distancing becomes difficult to maintain.

Swimming areas at inland parks were closed due to concerns about small beach areas that made social distancing difficult.

“It is an encouraging step that we are able to provide more amenities and services at this time as a result of the state’s progress in reducing infection rates,” said DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes. “Our continued progress toward re-opening at a safe, responsible pace relies on the public’s adherence to proven practices of wearing masks and social distancing for the well-being of everyone.

The swimming areas that will re-open are:

• Stratton Brook State Park in Simsbury
• Wharton Brook State Park in Wallingford
• Day Pond State Park in Colchester
• Gay City State Park in Hebron
• Chatfield Hollow State Park in Killingworth
• Black Rock State Park in Watertown
• Hopeville Pond State Park in Griswold
• Lake Waramaug State Park in Kent.