Big Changes Coming to Hammonasset Beach State Park

By Jack Kramer, Correspondent

MADISON, CT – An added benefit to ending parking fees at state parks is the likelihood of the end of long lines of car clogging up Route 1 in Madison on busy summer weekends. At least that’s the way that State Rep. Noreen Kokoruda sees it.

The recently approved state budget includes the Passports to the Parks program, meaning as of Jan. 1, 2018, there will be no more parking fees at Hammonasset Beach State Park.

This past year the parking fee was $13 for one weekend to Hammonasset Beach State Park in Madison and $9 at most other parks, according to Eric Hammerling, executive director of the Connecticut Forest and Park Association (CFPA).

“I live very close to the park and we are all hoping that this change also cuts down on the long line of cars trying to get into the park,” said Kokoruda. “That added tax last year ( which required counting out change/coins) really clogged up Route 1 every Saturday and Sunday.”

To pay for the program, and cover the parking fees, the program adds a $10 charge (or $5 per year) to Department of Motor Vehicle registration two-year renewals.

“We’re really pleased that the Passport was approved, and we look forward to a more secure financial future for Connecticut’s great state parks,” Hammerling said.

Hammerling added that with no cost for parking involved one other big bonus of the program might be more state residents visiting Connecticut state parks, which could translate to even more tourism dollars.