The state recently allocated $30 million toward much-needed infrastructure repairs and improvements to our state parks and forests.

A total of $3 million of that investment will fund urgent repairs at parks that were damaged in historic floods in August. The storm caused significant damage to Larkin Trail State Park (Middlebury, Naugatuck, Oxford, Southbury), Kettletown State Park (Southbury), Southford Falls State Park (Southbury) as well as other outdoor recreational areas.

This funding supports the Restore CT State Parks initiative, which is a targeted effort by the state legislature and governor to address the backlog of needed repairs. Since 2022, the state has committed more than $70 million of American Rescue Plan Act and state bond funds to support investment in outdoor recreation.

Connecticut has 110 state parks and 32 state forests, and these projects will help create a better experience for everyone who enjoy spending time in the great outdoors.
Included are projects across the state to improve ADA access, repair historic and cultural infrastructure, such as Gillette Castle, Fort Trumbull, and Heublein Tower, and address critical maintenance backlogs, such as paving, bath houses and utility repairs.

Here’s a complete list of planned and in-progress projects designed to upgrade our state parks system.  The Connecticut State Parks system is administered and maintained by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

Improving our parks and forests will benefit everyone in the state. Access to parks promotes physical fitness by providing opportunities for hiking, biking, jogging, and much more. The outdoors also helps to improve mental health by reducing stress and anxiety. Additionally, parks provide recreational spaces where families can come together.

Ultimately, this investment will increase the quality of life in our state for everyone while at the same time preserving Connecticut’s natural beauty.