[Cambium]

I was shocked and yet not surprised to see this new fee. The clean air act is one thing but charging someone for Park access when they may never use the parks is crazy.


The good news is.. For those of us that use the parks a lot, it's only $5 a year now vs paying what ever the park would charge you.

The bad news is.. It was free for residents to use parks in their own town but now they're being charged.

[Cambium]

Here's a link with FAQ's and info.


DMV: Passport to the Parks FAQs

What is Passport to Parks?
A. Connecticut wants to make state parks, forests, trails, historic sites and beaches more available to our residents so they can enjoy the many attractions and beauty they offer. Under this program parking fees are now eliminated at Connecticut State Parks for those with Connecticut registered vehicles. To make this possible, an increase in registration fees was passed by the General Assembly.


Q. Why is everyone being charged the fee?
A. Connecticut has many beautiful state parks, forests, trails, historic sites and beaches. These are all included in the new free parking for Connecticut-registered vehicles. Our residents should have equal access to these wonderful natural resources that are the economic driver for our state and the communities in which they are located. When people visit our state parks they also visit local restaurants, shops and local farms. This program brings many economic benefits for our state.


Q. I am a part-time Connecticut resident, but register my vehicle in another state. Can I access the parks for free?
A. No – your vehicle must be registered in Connecticut to receive the benefit of free parking where a fee is charged. Out-of-state registered vehicles are welcome and would pay the daily parking fee that is in effect, or purchase a season pass.



Q. How many people use the parks each year?
A. Each year more than nine million people visit our state parks – this makes Connecticut state parks one of the top tourism destinations in the state.

[kidyankee764]

Don’t CT residents already pay for the maintenance of these parks through tax dollars? I don’t care how minimal this fee seems; it’s another way for the broke state of CT to nickle and dime it’s residents.

[Cambium]

And haven't the parks been maintained before this?? Its not like they were neglected or in disarray.

Q: How will the fee be used to support the state parks and beaches?

A. The fee allows the State of Connecticut to give more to the public that has now invested in our park system: Increased lifeguards, improved park maintenance, shoulder season camping for opening day of fishing and into the fall foliage, and longer hours at our museums and nature centers.

I'd like to see the changes from here on out. Sounds like we'll have to pay employees more too.

This is going to lead to increases in the future and we won't be able to do anything about it.

[synchem]

I know in principle many people will be against it. But as someone who uses the parks this will save me money pretty quickly compared to the parking fees I'd pay. At $5 a year, one visit and I'm already ahead.

[Cambium]

Originally Posted by synchem

I know in principle many people will be against it. But as someone who uses the parks this will save me money pretty quickly compared to the parking fees I'd pay. At $5 a year, one visit and I'm already ahead.

That's true about 1 visit being ahead and that means one thing... for sure the fee will go up in the near future. Why not make it $10 a year instead?


For those that camp this is worth it for sure because some sites charge upwards of $40/night.


Here's a list of parks that charge.


DEEP: Parking and Camping Fees - CT State Parks and Forests






I have to admit, while I hesitated going to parks that charge I now have an incentive to go there and check them out so I'll get much more than $5/yr worth..


So that means there will be more foot traffic since more people will be using the parks. Think about that.. More rowdy kids? More garbage? More Trail use. Noise? Smoke? Fire hazards? Am I over thinking this or speaking truth??

[Cambium]

And is it me or wouldn't the state make more money just charging people $15 to use a park than $5 per vehicle? Nevermind, don't answer that. lol


So they rather have more foot traffic to make more money?

[RunD1987]

Think it's an awesome idea. I am not sure what is $5 but last I knew all in-state residents didn't have to pay entering a park.

The parks have lost of money over the years. The whole park needs a stat increase of funds to revamp some parks and expand. Need more open land in the State to hike.

[keekski]

So, how do we get the pass? And now I won't get charged to go to Rocky Neck or Hammonasset?

[JayCT]

I believe this came about as a way to get dedicated funding to maintain state parks instead of it being at the whim of a budget. While you are right, before the parks were free but residents paid for some parks like Hammonasset and Rocky Neck. Now they are free for all residents with a Connecticut registered vehicle. I don't really go to state parks that charge to park there but do understand and accept the reasoning behind this. Jay