New Signs Say Swimming, Picnicking Prohibited At Scantic Park

ENFIELD, CT — New signs have been posted at the Scantic River State Park in Powder Hollow, prohibiting picnicking and swimming in accordance with an executive order issued by Gov. Ned Lamont in response to coronavirus pandemic concerns. However, with no state officials on hand to enforce the rules Thursday, dozens of people ignored the signs and did what they wanted.

The small park, which contains an 8-car parking lot at the junction of South Maple Street and Powder Hill Road, has been the subject of numerous complaints in recent years. Its intent is to provide scenic nature hikes, with trails winding alongside the river, but neighbors say large groups of 20 or more have been coming to the park, bringing grills, tents, rafts and other gear.

A major concern has been the mess left behind by revelers, including soiled diapers, food containers, empty boxes and bags. On several occasions, volunteers have organized cleanup days at the park, only to see it trashed again by nightfall.

The park, which is under the jurisdiction of the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), had new signs placed last week, indicating swimming in the river and picnicking in the park are prohibited, at a penalty of a $75 fine per person. Yellow police tape has also been placed in front of the "no parking" signs in the small lot, as well as on both sides of the curvy Powder Hill Road.

Around 4 p.m. Thursday, at least 50 people were in the water or on the banks, with music blaring, coolers filled and flotation devices aplenty. With one exception, every car in the lot, including three parked in the "no parking" areas, bore Massachusetts plates.

Enfield Police Chief Alaric Fox said his department will continue to support Connecticut Environmental Conservation Police, or EnCon, particularly during the upcoming Fourth of July holiday weekend.

"Specific officers will be assigned there during the peak hours of the day on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, as is the norm during high-traffic days during the summertime," Fox said. "During less high-demand periods, concerns are addressed by the district patrol officer."

Fox said the department's primary focus is on roadway safety, with many vehicles getting ticketed annually for ignoring no-parking signs alongside both sides of Powder Hill Road. Vehicles who attempt to park at the adjacent Powder Mill Barn, which is privately owned, or at any businesses on Dusthouse Road are also subject to towing at the owner's expense.

"It’s been maddening for all of us to deal with," one area business owner said. "It’s become a public safety issue."

A neighbor said, "I and many of the other locals just want the peaceful serene historic area back so we can enjoy it quietly. It’s not equipped to be a waterpark."

Another resident said he drove by the entrance recently "and the trash pile is disgusting. Whatever vile human beings did that should never be let back again."

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