Connecticut Parks: Spring Crowds, New Fees, Jobs

0:00Connecticut State Parks, Forests, and beaches are ramping up for spring crowds, drawing over 15 million visitors yearly, especially now through Memorial Day Weekend. Officials with the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection are enforcing parking fees for out-of-state vehicles from April 1 through October 31 to handle the traffic and fund upkeep. Connecticut residents get in free year-round thanks to the Passport to Parks program, and $8 annual fee baked into vehicle registrations. Every three years, out-of-state folks can pay online through Reserve America or at staffed booths on weekends with season passes available for frequent visitors at 1, $112 plus $2.50 shipping for next year. Campgrounds open April 10 for early season stays, the running water is off until later. Portable toilets are on hand instead. Gillette Castle and East Hat are mcelling tour tickets now, $6 for adults over 13, $2 for kids, 6 to 12, free for under, 6 with advanced bookings key for peak times.

1:05All terrain wheelchairs roll out free starting June 7 at spots like Gillette Castle and Rockeneck boosting access. Lifeguards hit beaches, Memorial Day Weekend, so play it safe in cold waters, no swimming alone, life jackets for kids and boaters, constant, supervision. As Parks gear up, deep is hiring hundreds for seasonal gigs in conservation and recreation check portal.ct.gov-d2, apply and help. Keep these spots thriving for everyone. I'm Corey with the story, and you've been listening to Hartford News today, AI-powered