CT Parks Rules: I wonder how many people it took to come up with this plan?

The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) released its operational plan that outlines the current guidelines for use of state park grounds, trails, beaches, boat launches and other areas.

DEEP guidelines to note:

• DEEP is permitting swimming at shoreline state parks only. Swimming will not be permitted at inland state parks with swimming areas.

• DEEP will reduce parking capacity and shut down a beach if social distancing isn’t maintained.

• Lifeguards will not be on duty this early in the season.

CLICK HERE to view DEEP’s complete guidelines.

State parks and beaches will be open this season. The water where you are allowed to swim [Long Island Sound] is colder than the water where you are not allowed to swim [lakes and ponds]. I wonder how many people it took to come up with this plan?

Connecticut residents pay to enter parks to utilize all of their benefits. There have not been lifeguards at state parks in almost a decade—this should not be an excuse to limit swimming.

Let’s see if there is staffing at park gates to charge out-of-state visitors to keep things fair.

Please let me know if you visit a state park and do not find someone in the entrance booth.

You can email me at [email protected]

Kent Falls State Park

According to DEEP’s website, the park is still closed and will remain so for the duration of the public health emergency. The time has come to reopen Kent Falls State Park.