Sherwood Island, Two Other State Parks To Get Upgrades

Governor M. Jodi Rell announced Tuesday Sherwood Island State Park in Westport would benefit from $750,000 the state plans to use to repair and improve Connecticut's three major shoreline state parks this summer. The projects are expected to be approved when the State Bond Commission meets July 13, Rell said in a news release.

"These funds are needed to repair and upgrade infrastructure, such as the electrical and water systems at Hammonasset Beach, Rocky Neck and Sherwood Island State Parks," Rell said.  "The parks are the most popular destinations in our state park system and it is critical that we continue making the investments necessary for them to be safe and attractive places for our residents."

Rell said the Connecticut Dept. of Environmental Protection, which administers state parks, conducted a comprehensive and detailed analysis of the three shoreline parks to develop a plan for infrastructure improvements.

"These bond funds will allow us to accomplish projects outlined in the first phase of this plan – which are the items of most immediate importance," Rell said.

Plans call for work to replace and upgrade several electrical control panels at the three parks in addition to repairing or replacing fire hydrants that are part of the water system in their locations.

The governor noted that the electrical and water systems at the three parks were developed in a piecemeal fashion as the parks expanded and grew in size and services over the years.  She also said parts of these systems date back many decades and have not previously benefited from upgrades.

Hammonasset Beach State Park is located in Madison and Rocky Neck State Park is located in East Lyme.