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January 11, 2024

DEEP looking for private sector partnerships to enhance state parks

Courtesy photo From left to right: a woman rides down the Farmington River in a tube; Mohawk Mountain Ski Area; the Essex Steam Train.
By Skyler Frazer

The state is looking for new private sector partnerships to help promote and strengthen Connecticut’s outdoor recreation economy, Gov. Ned Lamont announced.

Lamont, flanked by other state officials, announced Thursday at Mohawk Mountain Ski Area in West Cornwall the establishment of Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s (DEEP) Office of Outdoor Industry and Experiences. The office aims to create new partnerships with businesses, nonprofits and other private sector groups that can help expand services and amenities in Connecticut’s vast network of state parks.

Through the office, DEEP is launching a request for information (RFI) process to identify organizations willing to partner with the state on these efforts. The backdrop of Mohawk Mountain was fitting — the ski area is family owned and operated and currently has a partnership with Connecticut State Parks. 

In addition to Mohawk Mountain, DEEP has existing partnerships with Clarke Outdoors at Burr Pond State Park; the Essex Steam Train in Connecticut Valley Railroad State Park; and Farmington River Tubing in Satan’s Kingdom State Park.

Through the RFI, which can be found online, DEEP hopes to solicit ideas and concepts focused on elevating the state’s outdoor recreation experiences. Examples of what that could look like include boat or bike rentals, events, farmers’ markets, guided experiences, or other activities, to name a few.

The RFI also hopes to expand the state’s tourism destinations for visitors and increase access for everyone to enjoy Connecticut’s parks.

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