DEEP Clarifies Scantic River State Park Policies

ENFIELD, CT — The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) has clarified the recent removal of the No Picnicking and No Swimming signs at the Scantic River State Park in the Powder Hollow section of Hazardville.

DEEP staff members removed the No Picnicking signs at the start of the Independence Day holiday weekend, but the No Swimming signs were stolen and will be replaced, according to DEEP public information officer Will Healey.

Swimming is still prohibited in the river, and the DEEP is "still monitoring and enforcing social distancing among picnickers," Healey said.

An official statement from the DEEP, emailed to Patch Tuesday, reads:

"With the initial response to COVID-19 and limitations on group sizes to not more than five people, picnicking was not allowed at Connecticut State Parks and picnic tables were removed or stacked to prevent use. Signage was also developed to notify the public of the recommendation. Based on changes to public health guidance and public demand, picnicking is now allowed as long as social distancing occurs. No Picnicking signs at Scantic River were left over from the initial COVID-19 response and were recently removed by park staff. The No Swimming signs were stolen and will be replaced by park staff as soon as possible."

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