Re-Opening Date Set For Tyler Mill Preserve In Wallingford

WALLINGFORD, CT — Tyler Mill Preserve in Wallingford will reopen on Saturday, May 25 after being closed for a little more than a year due to storm-related damage, town officials recently announced. The open space preserve has been closed since last May when a devastating storm wreaked havoc across Connecticut. Wednesday (May 15) marked the one-year anniversary of the storm.

The storm system spawned four tornadoes and several macrobursts that leveled trees and damaged homes. Two people were killed in New Fairfield and Brookfield and several others were injured across the state.

The storm became infamous for destroying a large swath of Sleeping Giant State Park's forest and closing the park for more than a year. Other parts of Hamden, including Quinnipiac University also saw many trees knocked down or completely uprooted. In total 86 properties in Hamden were classified as being destroyed by the storm.

Tornadoes touched down in Winsted, Barkhamsted, Oxford/Southbury and Hamden/Beacon Falls. A macroburst was also confirmed in New Fairfield and Brookfield.

The state hasn't fully recovered from the damage. Sleeping Giant State Park remains closed, but is expected to open at some point this season. The storm caused about $23.7 million in damage and cleanup costs for state and local governments in Connecticut, according to the Hartford Courant. Many agencies are still awaiting federal reimbursement.