New Nature Center, Gift Shop, and Bath Houses Slated for Hammonasset

Connecticut’s largest shoreline park, Hammonasset Beach State Park in Madison, could soon be getting a facelift. Officials from the Connecticut State Parks Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/CTStateParks) confirmed that funding has been approved for design work for a new Hammonasset Nature Center. The New Haven Register (http://www.nhregister.com/articles/2011/03/24/news/shoreline/bb2mahammofunds032311.txt) reported that the center is expected to accommodate up to 100 people and would offer additional exhibits and programs. The building is slated to include a gift shop and a park supervisor office, according to the Register.(http://www.nhregister.com/articles/2010/06/28/news/shoreline/bb1mabathrooms062810.txt?viewmode=2). It is planned to be built next to the newly opened Middle Beach bathhouse building.

Funding was also approved earlier this year for a redesign of the West Beach. That proposal would demolish the bathhouses at West Beach and build new ones further from the water. West Beach experiences serious erosion problems but is one of the most popular sections of beach at Hammonasset.

The Middletown Patch () reported that the project would include the creation of a dune to combat the erosion and a boardwalk extension.

Of course, these proposals were in the works before Tropical Storm Irene hit. After the badly damaged boardwalk is fixed, hopefully there will be enough funds left to continue work on these new facilities.

The park welcomes 2 million visitors each year who enjoy strolling the boardwalk, bicycling, camping, concessions, fishing, picnicking, carry-in boating, walking trails, swimming, and of course, laying in the sun. More information about the park can be found by .