Hammonasset Beach State Park's New Additions Now on Display

MADISON, CT - Governor Dannel P. Malloy today joined state officials and state park advocates to kick-off the start of the first summer holiday weekend by cutting the ribbon to officially open a new nature center and bath house at Hammonasset Beach State Park, Madison.

“Connecticut has a state park system that we're all proud of, and we’re doing everything we can to ensure that it can enjoyed by future generations of residents and visitors. Whether it's our beaches, our open spaces, or our trails, our recreation system is truly something to celebrate,” said Governor Malloy in a prepared statement. “These improvements at Hammonasset – including the new, modern, Meigs Point Nature Center and West Beach Bath House – will be important assets in our efforts to provide first-class outdoor recreation opportunities for the Connecticut families of today and tomorrow.”

The new nature center provides a modern, state-of-the-art environmental education venue, and the West Beach improvements include a new bath house, which gives park visitors a comfortable, modern and attractive service area and replaces a building that was heavily damaged by storms.

Meigs Point Nature Center

The new, 4,000-square-foot Meigs Point Nature Center replaces the existing, outdated facility, and provides a modern, year-round environmental education facility for use by the public and educators. The building has environmental exhibit space, modern bathroom facilities and an outdoor observation deck for environmental education classes.

The former nature center will remain as an administration building. The Friends of Hammonasset have been partners in this project and raised funds to design, fabricate, and install all exhibits. The heating and cooling for the building is provided by a geothermal system.

West Beach Bath House

Storm damaged facilities at West Beach have now been replaced with a 3,430-square-foot building that includes new, modern bathrooms and changing areas, offices for Environmental Conservation (EnCon) Police, a First Aid Station, and Concession Service Area with covered outdoor dining area.

The project also includes reconstruction of a parking area – with spaces for 750 cars as well as bus parking – and new recreational facilities including beach volleyball courts, a children’s play area, and a paved pedestrian bicycle trail.

"Long Island Sound is the keystone environmental asset of our state, and Hammonasset Beach State Park is the perfect place for this state-of-the art environment educational center," said State Senator Ted Kennedy, Jr. (D-Branford), Senate Chair of the Environment Committee in a statement. "Thanks to the Friends of Hammonasset, Connecticut's children will be able to understand the importance of a clean environment and biological diversity. We are also grateful to Governor Malloy for sharing our vision of environmental education, protection and stewardship, and for making Meigs Point Nature Center one of his top priorities."

“We appreciate the support of the Governor and legislature, who have made funding available for capital improvements throughout our park system,” Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Commissioner Rob Klee said in a statement. “We also appreciate our longstanding partnership with Friends of Hammonasset, and today we begin a new relationship with them as we open this new nature center – a terrific example of a public/private partnership.”

Klee added, “It is also important to note that we have relocated the new West Beach bathhouse to move it further inland and also building it up higher off the ground. This is in recognition of climate change impacts and changing conditions on our shoreline.”

Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Catherine Smith said,
“Hammonasset and the state park system are resources that add to the quality of life in our state and attract residents and tourists alike. The parks system and the activity it generates also has a positive impact on our economy, as visitors spend money on equipment and supplies or make a ‘day’ or ‘weekend’ of their visit by eating out or staying at nearby lodging.”

Department of Administrative Services Commissioner Melody Currey said, “The staff in our Construction Services division take immense pride in projects like these. They are projects that will have a tremendous impact on Hammonasset Beach now and in the future. Our DAS team cannot think of a better way to kick off the beginning of the Memorial Day weekend than this ribbon cutting for these two new facilities for Connecticut.”

“We are very fortunate to have such a destination here in our state and the Friends of Hammonasset was glad to be a part of the project,” said Christine Koster, President of the Friends of Hammonasset.

Connecticut’s state park system features 109 parks that offer swimming, hiking, picnicking, camping, boating, fishing, and nature programs. The parks attract more than eight million visitors each year.

History of Hammonasset
Hammonasset Beach State Park opened to the public on July 18, 1920. It was an immediate success, attracting over 75,000 visitors – from across the state and nation - in the first season.

During World War II, the park was closed to the public and loaned to the federal government as an army reservation. Meigs Point functioned as an aircraft range. Planes flew over Clinton Harbor, fired at the range and then flew out over Long Island Sound.

Today, over two million people visit the 1,100-acre Hammonasset Beach State Park each year. Out of all the Connecticut state parks, it has the largest beach frontage, measuring two miles, and attracts the most visitors. Park visitors enjoy everything from swimming, walking on the beach and boardwalk, camping, bicycling, and picnicking. It is also the perfect spot for bird watching. With more than 231 species of birds at the park, Hammonasset is one of the premier bird-watching spots in America.