CT To Open State Parks and Beaches, Ease Some Restrictions

CONNECTICUT — The state park and boat launches will return to providing full services to visitors during the 2021 season, with some state campgrounds opening to campers with reservations as early as Friday.

The rollout plan has been determined by the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and was crafted in consultation with the Connecticut Department of Public Health, and informed by guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

"Enjoying outdoor recreation is not only good for physical health, but also for improving mental health, and I encourage everyone to explore some of the beautiful opportunities our state has to offer, particularly at those smaller, less explored state parks. Connecticut has 110 state parks and 32 state forests, offering plenty of opportunities for recreation," Lamont said during a news conference Friday.

There is a current 200-person limit for outdoor group activities in Connecticut, which may be further adjusted throughout the recreation season. Most park buildings, museums, nature centers, and other enclosed structures, including restrooms, will be opened on Memorial Day weekend. Six feet of social distancing must be maintained at all times while inside park buildings, along with adhering to mask wearing requirements. Visitors who do not abide by these rules may be asked to leave state park property, according to a news release from DEEP.

DEEP may modify the regulations at parks and beaches depending upon the daily conditions. Changes could include limitation of hours of operation, and closure of specific facilities, according to agency officials.

"We have applied many lessons learned from last year, and with careful adherence to evolving guidance and a cautious eye on daily indicators, we optimistically, but cautiously, plan to ease limitations and restore access and amenities at many of our valuable outdoor recreation and education locations to provide as much opportunity for outdoor recreation as we safely can," said DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes

The standard coronavirus mitigation protocols of mask-wearing and social distancing remain in effect the state parks and beaches, but DEEP has eased restrictions on gatherings and group size.

Indoor and outdoor structures where the public tends to congregate had been previously closed to the public. DEEP intends to open nature centers, visitor centers, Gillette Castle, Dinosaur State Park, and others on the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend. Definitive decision making will be based on current metrics surrounding community transmission and COVID-19 case rates in Connecticut and guidance from the Department of Public Health and the governor’s office.

Picnic shelters are now open for small groups and for rental. They are open for appropriately sized groups only and six feet of social distancing must be maintained. Shelter renters are responsible for being aware of and complying with current guidelines on groups size. Many of DEEP’s picnic shelters are available for reservation through Reserve America.

Picnicking is permitted in our parks and forests. Picnic tables have been returned to their usual locations for public use in accordance with applicable public health guidance and group size limits.

Special Use License and Marine Event Permit applications will be accepted not later than 60 days prior, nor earlier than 90 days prior to the event date (the application window is 60-90 days prior to the event). At the time of application, the event must be consistent with the governor’s executive orders, Department of Economic and Community Development sector rules, and Department of Public Health guidance. Applications that are not consistent with such requirements will be denied. Special Use License and Marine Event Permit applications must be submitted at least 60 days prior to the scheduled event. Applications will not be accepted if they are received less than 60 days prior to the event. Applications that have been previously submitted and are currently under review for future events that exceed the current outdoor gathering size limits will be put on an administrative hold until consistency with the most current executive order is determined by the commissioner.

Outdoor Environmental Education programs (both those conducted by DEEP as well as events hosted by others) will be permitted if current gathering guidelines are followed, including size limitations, mask use, distancing, and exclusion of symptomatic, ill, or quarantined individuals. It is incumbent on event organizers to be aware and compliant with such guidelines.

A list of every state park in Connecticut is available online here.