Officials foresee Squantz squeeze
NEW FAIRFIELD — With many beach guests expected to descend upon Squantz Pond, state officials are urging people to consider visiting one of Connecticut’s other parks this holiday weekend.
“There are lots of other really great options to visit state or local parks that do not have the same limited capacity and congestion issues,” the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection stated in a statement ahead of the Fourth of July weekend.
Along with an uptick in
visitation, walk-in problems and safety concerns often arise at Squantz Pond State Park during the summer months and holidays due to its parking lots quickly reaching capacity.
With no alternative parking available, people have parked in other parts of town and walked along Route 39 to get there. Town officials have said for years that it’s a safety concern and have tried to restrict people walking along the busy roadway into the park.
“We want everyone to have an enjoyable and safe experience while visiting New Fairfield, and ask that everyone observe posted ‘No Parking’ signs once the park has reached capacity,” First Selectman Patricia Del Monaco said.
Once Squantz Pond reaches its 250-vehicle capacity, the park closes for the day and new visitors are turned away.
The state DEEP warns that vehicles that park or unload on local roadways and parking lots risk getting ticketed or even towed.
“If you do go to New Fairfield to visit Squantz Pond State Park, please remember that there is no parking allowed on nearby streets outside of the park, unloading near the park, or any other violations of posted traffic signage,” according to the department.
In the event that Squantz Pond reaches capacity, the state DEEP recommends people check out other parks like Sherwood Island State Park in Westport, Silver Sands State Park in Milford or Hammonasset Beach State Park in Madison.
“There are lots of other really great options to visit state or local parks that do not have the same limited capacity and congestion issues,” states the department’s press release.