Alcohol Banned At 6 State Parks For Summer: Officials

HARTFORD, CT — In an effort to curb “unruly behavior” and property damage, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is banning alcohol at six state parks this summer, officials announced Thursday.

The bans are in effect until Aug. 25 at the following locations:

• Gardner Lake State Park, Salem
• Paugussett State Forest (upper Section)/George Waldo State Park, Southbury
• Wadsworth Falls State Park, Middletown/Middlefield
• Lake Waramaug State Park, New Preston
• Quaddick State Park, Thompson
• Beach Pond Boat Launch, Voluntown, as well as the portion of Pachaug State Forest, within 500 yards inland from the Beach Pond shoreline.

Officials said that in recent summers, including last year, those locations have “experienced increased crowds and alcohol consumption, which led to increased incidents of misconduct, unruly behavior, property damage, trespass, and complaints by other visitors and the surrounding communities,” according to a news release.

“We want our parks, forests, boat launches, and waters to be peaceful, family-oriented places where adults and children can feel welcome and safe,” said Mason Trumble, deputy commissioner for Environmental Conservation. “This measure, combined with continued supervision and education by DEEP staff and officers, will help restore a welcoming and safe atmosphere for all.”

A temporary alcohol ban provides DEEP’s law enforcement officers with an “enforceable tool to dissuade inappropriate use of the state outdoor recreation areas and has been an effective tool employed to reduce negative behaviors and make state parks, forests, and boat launches safe and enjoyable for all,” according to the news release.