Community Leaders Celebrate Opening of Renovated Pavilion at Sherwood Island State Park in Westport

Celebrating the opening of the newly renovated pavilion at Sherwood Island State Park in Westport on June 23 are, from left, in the front row, state Sen. Tony Hwang (R-28), Susan Whalen, Deputy Commissioner of the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), and Liz-Ann Koos, President of the Friends of Sherwood Island State Park; and in the back row, from left, state Sen. Toni Boucher (R-26), state Rep. John Shaban (R-135), Westport First Selectman James Marpe, state Rep. Gail Lavielle (R-143), and state Rep. Laura Devlin (R-134).

WESTPORT – Just in time for summer, Connecticut’s oldest state park has some brand new digs.

Sherwood Island State Park in Westport on June 23 are, from left, in the front row, state Sen. Tony Hwang (R-28), Susan Whalen, Deputy Commissioner of the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), and Liz-Ann Koos, President of the Friends of Sherwood Island State Park; and in the back row, from left, state Sen. Toni Boucher (R-26), state Rep. John Shaban (R-135), Westport First Selectman James Marpe, state Rep. Gail Lavielle (R-143), and state Rep. Laura Devlin (R-134).” title=”side2-Hwang-Boucher-Sherwood-Island-Pavilion-01″ width=”270″ height=”200″ class=”alignright size-full wp-image-33794″ />Celebrating the opening of the newly renovated pavilion at Sherwood Island State Park in Westport on June 23 are, from left, in the front row, state Sen. Tony Hwang (R-28), Susan Whalen, Deputy Commissioner of the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), and Liz-Ann Koos, President of the Friends of Sherwood Island State Park; and in the back row, from left, state Sen. Toni Boucher (R-26), state Rep. John Shaban (R-135), Westport First Selectman James Marpe, state Rep. Gail Lavielle (R-143), and state Rep. Laura Devlin (R-134).

Celebrated Westport photographer Larry Silver presents Susan Whalen, Deputy Commissioner of the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), with a limited edition poster of a photograph he took at Sherwood Island State Park on Independence Day.

The newly renovated pavilion at Sherwood Island State Park in Westport incorporates environmentally friendly features and provides excellent views of the Long Island Sound.

In celebration, state and local officials joined with volunteers and environmental advocates Tuesday for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the completion of a $3.5 million renovation to the pavilion at Sherwood Island State Park in Westport.

Public official in attendance included state Senators Tony Hwang (R-28) and Toni Boucher (R-26), and state Representatives Gail Lavielle (R-143), John Shaban (R-135) and Laura Devlin (R-134). Westport First Selectman James Marpe was also on hand, along with Liz-Ann Koos, President of the Friends of Sherwood Island State Park, Susan Whalen, Deputy Commissioner of the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), and Pasquale Salemi, Deputy Commissioner of the state Division of Construction Services (DAS), as well as well-known photographer and Westport resident Larry Silver.

One of Connecticut’s most popular state parks, Sherwood Island’s history dates back to 1914. The pavilion, which offers panoramic views of the Long Island Sound, was built in 1961. It was last renovated 26 years ago and with upgrades just completed now boasts an environmentally friendly and aesthetically enhanced design.

“Sherwood Island State Park provides public access for all Connecticut residents to enjoy and appreciate the Long Island Sound,” Sen. Hwang said. “It offers visitors an awesome combination of majestic natural beauty and environmental education opportunities, and is an ideal setting for community gatherings, family picnics, bicycle rides and runs, a perfect place to read a book or just enjoy a nice leisurely stroll along our beautiful coastline. It truly is a state treasure that deserves our legislative support, even amidst the economic challenges within our state budget.”

Sen. Boucher said, “What a pleasure to see renovations that have been long overdue completed. This will make Sherwood Island State Park a premier park for generations to come.”

“I applaud the renovations at Sherwood Island as part of the effort to maintain our state parks,” said Rep. Shaban. “Our broader goal of responsible environmental stewardship – whether it be the Long Island Sound Blue Plan, preservation of open space or creating a sustainable funding mechanism for state parks – must stay at the top of our to do list.”

Rep. Devlin said, “Sherwood Park is a beautiful recreation destination for Connecticut residents, and is home to Connecticut’s 9/11 Living Memorial. I encourage everyone to visit the park and experience everything the park has to offer.”

“The Friends of Sherwood Island remain committed to a strong partnership with the state of Connecticut and the DEEP to make certain this park remains a scenic, active, and vibrant location for all families looking to enjoy time in the outdoors,” Koos said.
Funding for the project was approved last year by the State Bond Commission, and DEEP noted that construction contributed 56 jobs to the local economy.

Upgrades and improvements to the pavilion include:

• A new roof
• Renovation of the kitchen and concession facilities
• Replacement of seating and tables
• Improved interior design with a skylight effect that will bring more natural lighting
• Improved landscaping making access to the pavilion more scenic
• Installation of a bathroom that will be heated during the off-season

The renovations also include renewable energy and energy efficiency features, such as:

• Installation of 6.9 kw solar photo voltaic cells capable of providing 10,000 kilowatt hours of power per year as well as hot water
• Replacement of lighting fixtures with energy efficient fluorescent and LED lighting that operates with motion activated occupancy sensors
• Replacement of older toilets and sinks with new low flow fixtures
• Provisions to accommodate electric vehicle charging stations that will be installed in the adjacent parking area in the near future

Interesting facts about Sherwood Island:

• It’s Connecticut’s oldest state park
• It encompasses just over 235 acres
• There is an “airport” for model airplane enthusiasts
• It’s home to Connecticut’s 9-11 Living Memorial
• It contains a Nature Center, which hosts free nature walks, bird watching outings, and lectures, and features exhibits on the rich diversity of plant and animal life found in the park

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