Labor Day weekend is the unofficial end of summer, and although it’s hard to say goodbye to the season, it’s been one to remember at state parks and forests.
It’s been a busy long weekend at Hammonasset Beach State Park, where families got up early Sunday to soak up the sun along the Long Island Sound.
Overall, attendance at state parks and forests increased by double digits this summer. The Connecticut Forest and Park Association estimates it went up by 2 million people over the last two years.
They say part of the is due to the Passport to Parks program they have going that lets you visit any of the state parks for free by just adding a $5 fee to your car registration.
With families celebrating the end of the season and gas prices being the lowest they’ve been for Labor Day weekend in 3 years, Hammonasset Beach State Park is a particularly popular spot for families looking for some last-minute summer fun.
“We’re kind of enjoying our last day at the beach before we have to go back to school,” said Alyssa Setson from Ellington.
“We cooked a pork-roast last night,” Lisa Flagge from Clinton said. Flagge is staying the weekend at the campgrounds with a group of eight campers. “We’re having a great weekend and the weather’s been wonderful.”
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Many state park campgrounds close this weekend, but some will still have walk-in availability in the coming weeks.
