Connecticut residents ready for Memorial Day weekend festivities

Milford, Conn. (WTNH) — Beachgoers enjoyed a mid-week visit to Silver Sands State Park in Milford on Wednesday, but are they prepared for Memorial Day weekend?

“[We’re] easily prepared with snacks, easily prepared with drinks, with hats,” said Samantha Guardino, of Danbury. “We’re ready.”

The park served as the backdrop, as Connecticut state leaders announced the start of the recreation and tourism season.

“Connecticut has placed itself on the map,” said Anthony Anthony, chief marketing officer for Connecticut’s Office of Tourism. “We’re transforming the perception that Connecticut is a ‘drive-thru’ state, and we’re becoming a ‘drive to’ state.”

Leaders said the Nutmeg State is a local and tourist destination with 142 state parks and forests, nearly two dozen swimming areas and beaches, and more than 300 miles of coastline.

Once again this summer, residents can enter any Connecticut state park for free. Several parks are also offering free public transportation.

Gov. Ned Lamont said the state has made great strides to offer access to clean areas.

“I grew up on Long Island Sound as a child, and you couldn’t swim in the water. It was so horrible, and I was a kid, and I knew it was horrible,” Lamont said. “Today, the water is as clean as it’s ever been.”

But leaders are warning you about the water this Memorial Day.

“Be careful,” said Mason Trumble, the deputy commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. “No matter how warm the air is, the water is much colder.”

DEEP said five state parks will have lifeguards on duty this holiday weekend. They’re still in the process of hiring 20 more.

“We’re still working on hiring guards at the three remaining parks,” Trumble said. “That’s Burr Pond State Park, Squantz Pond State Park, and Indian Well State Park; but we’re confident that we’ll have guards in place by July 4th.”

Leaders said more than 17 million people visited Connecticut’s state parks and forests during Memorial Day weekend in 2023, and they want everyone to enjoy another holiday safely.

There’s a new state park website to help you plan your next trip. You can visit ctparks.com.

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