State Sen.: Scantic River Park Becoming a Dumping Ground

A state senator is appealing to the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection to step up efforts to protect the pristine setting of Scantic River State Park that is attracting large crowds who leave behind the remains of their day.

In response to an Aug. 13 letter State Sen. John Kissel (R-7) wrote to DEEP Commissioner Rob Klee, the department expects to step up police presence in the 700-plus acre park and also is considering a ban on alcoholic beverages, according to a NBC Connecticut report.

“Many residents have expressed dismay about the way it is being treated by out of state visitors utilizing the space for large barbecues, drinking and unsupervised swimming,” Kissel wrote in his letter. “There is also a concern that drugs and other illegal activities and substances [are] being used within the park.”

Kissel says despite the efforts of volunteers who clean up the park, large groups who picnic and party there on weekends leave behind litter and debris.

The complete NBC Connecticut report can be found here.

Photo: from the town of Enfield website.