After a line of powerful storms moved through nearly two months ago, Sleeping Giant State Park is closed indefinitely, according to state officials.
The park was heavily damaged on May 15, leaving it unrecognizable.
”It really just takes you back because it looks like a different planet,” said Shana Daly of Wallingford. It’s just insane how different and really gives you a perspective of the amount of destruction that happened.”
The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection said they do not know when the park will re-open.
PHOTOS: Look Back at Damage at Sleeping Giant State Park in Hamden
”As we get further and further into the park, we are discovering more and more damage, and it’s simply not safe,” explained DEEP’s Chris Collibee. “It’s just going to take us an extensive amount of time to get the park cleared.”
State officials asked for the public’s patience as they take their time to ensure the park is safe prior to re-opening.
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“The mountain will be here another day, so please bear with us as we get the park cleaned up,” said Collibee.
State officials said the cost is substantial and could top $1 million.
”We are seeking federal reimbursement from FEMA, but as we get further into the process, we discover that there is additional damage,” said Collibee.
Wharton Brook State Park in neighboring Wallingford, which was also heavily damaged, is expected to re-open at the end of the summer.
