Booze Ban Imposed At State Park In Middletown

MIDDLETOWN, CT — The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection has imposed a temporary alcohol ban for 10 state recreation areas, including Wadsworth Falls.

The ban is in effect from Tuesday, Aug. 18 through Sunday, Nov. at the following locations:

• Gardner Lake State Park and State Boat Launch, Salem
• Paugusset State Forest (Upper Section)/George Waldo State Park, Southbury
• Wadsworth Falls State Park, Middletown/Middlefield
• Lake Waramaug State Park, New Preston
• Quaddick State Park, Thompson
• Beach Pond Boat Launch, Voluntown, including a portion of Pachaug State Forest, bordered by Beach Pond Boat Launch to the west, private property, held in trust, to the east, and Beach Pond to the south, to an area 500 yards from shore
• Billings Lake Boat Launch, North Stonington, including a portion of Pachaug State Forest, bordered by the Billings Lake Boat Launch to the east, private property to the west, north along the private property, then west to private property, then south to the shore of Billings Lake and east along the shore to the Billings Lake Boat Launch
• Naugatuck State Forest, Naugatuck, Oxford and Beacon Falls, to include the areas commonly known as Seymour Reservoirs #1, # 2, #3, and #4 and the lands immediately surrounding the reservoirs
• Pattaconk Recreation Area (Cockaponset State Forest), Chester
• A section of Rocky Neck State Park, including the area south of the train tracks, west of the beach area and bound by Long Island Sound to the south and western border of the park, not including the Ellie Mitchell Pavilion

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Seasonal alcohol bans were enacted at these locations May 20 through Aug. 17 due to "increased crowding and alcohol consumption, which have contributed to misconduct, unruly behavior, property damage, trespass and complaints from visitors and surrounding communities," officials said.

The action re-issues the bans through November 15.

A section of Rocky Neck State Park was added to the ban earlier this season. This section is directly adjacent to the beach, where alcohol use already is prohibited. The campground and Ellie Mitchell Pavilion at Rocky Neck State Park are not included in the ban.

"Connecticut's state parks, forests, and boat launches are places where all of our residents should feel welcome, safe, and able to enjoy the outdoors," Acting DEEP Commissioner Emma Cimino said. "These temporary alcohol bans support DEEP's Environmental Conservation Police and State Parks staff in maintaining a safe, respectful, and welcoming environment for all visitors."