Beloved Glastonbury Park Reopens After Summer Of Tumult

Town of Glastonbury

GLASTONBURY, CT — A popular nature preserve that was closed over the summer due to the behavior of guests has reopened, with new rules now in place to ensure it stays serene.

The Cotton Hollow Preserve, 500 Hopewell Road, Glastonbury, reopened to the public effective Tuesday, Oct. 1.

Town officials temporarily closed the preserve this past July following a series of incidents involving unpermitted activities and public safety concerns.

During the closure period, the Town of Glastonbury staff partnered with volunteers to remove trash throughout the site, and the town’s contractor performed tree work.

Town staff also developed a proposal to amend town ordinances and implement a number of infrastructure improvements for enhanced public safety.

At their meeting on Sept. 24, the Glastonbury Town Council approved several of the proposed ordinance changes.

Specifically, the amended ordinances prohibit picnicking, cooking, camping, building a fire, and playing music that is audible to others.

"These regulations are consistent with other town parks and are designed to protect the Preserve and the public’s ability to enjoy the natural environment," wrote the town in a statement Tuesday.

In addition to the ordinance revisions, the town council appropriated funding to implement various safety improvements at Cotton Hollow.

Those include a video surveillance system; new gates at the Grange Pool entrance/exit, Cotton Hollow parking lot on Hopewell Road, Matson Hill Road parking lot, and emergency access drive; signage outlining site rules and prohibited activities; and parking lot enhancements.

"These projects are underway and will be supported by a public education campaign focused on protecting the natural beauty of the preserve and showcasing the many opportunities it provides for safe recreation," wrote the town.

For the coming 2025-26 budget year, the town manager anticipates requesting increased funding for an expanded police and park ranger presence at the preserve.

"The town appreciates the patience and understanding of community members as we continue efforts to protect this historic site," wrote Glastonbury officials.

For more information on the Cotton Hollow Preserve, click on this link.