Alcohol Ban Imposed At State Park In Middletown

MIDDLETOWN, CT — The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection has imposed a seasonal alcohol ban for seven state recreation areas, including one in Middletown.

This ban went into effect Wednesday and will run through Aug. 12 according to the DEEP.

The following locations have the ban:

• Beach Pond State Boat Launch, Voluntown, including a portion of Pachaug State Forest
• Billings Lake State Boat Launch, North Stonington, including a portion of Pachaug State Forest
• Gardner Lake State Park and State Boat Launch, Salem
• Lake Waramaug State Park, New Preston
• Paugussett State Forest (upper section)/George Waldo State Park, Southbury
• Quaddick State Park, Thompson
• Wadsworth Falls State Park, Middletown/Middlefield

DEEP officials said that, in recent summers, the locations have experienced "increased crowds and alcohol consumption, which led to increased incidents of misconduct, unruly behavior, property damage, trespass, and complaints by other visitors and the surrounding communities."

Added commissioner Katie Dykes, "Connecticut’s state parks, forests, and boat launches should be peaceful and family-oriented places where visitors can feel welcome and safe while recreating outdoors. This measure, combined with continued supervision and education by DEEP staff and law enforcement officers, will help ensure a safe and enjoyable visit to these public spaces by citizens of all ages."