Irony in State's Decision to Make Changes at Wadsworth Falls

There is a bit of irony to this week's decision by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection to address the vandalism and overcrowding at Wadsworth Falls in Middlefield by banning swimming and picnicking.

On Thursday, state officials, including DEEP commissioner Daniel Etsy, gathered at Dinosaur State Park in Rocky Hill for a ceremonial kick-off to the centennial celebration of Connecticut's state parks.

“One hundred years ago, a newly formed State Park Commission began acquiring properties that became the successful state park system we have today," Etsy said in a statement prior to Thursday's ceremony.

Billed as a year-long celebration of the "parks system’s historic past, dynamic present, and exciting future," the state is using the anniversary to highlight investment in state parks, including the construction of 100 camping cabins statewide, a new Meigs Point Nature Center and other utility and technology upgrades.

"With 107 state parks, visited by eight million visitors a year, Connecticut looks forward to a year-long Centennial Celebration showcasing our beautiful landscapes, waterways, and historic and cultural locations that inspire and amaze everyone who sets foot in our parks," Etsy said.

The 100th anniversary kick-off celebration came just a day after the DEEP announced that it planned to remove charcoal grills and picnic tables from the area known as the "Big Falls."

"... it is an area intended for short visits to view the scenic falls," the state's website, which was altered to reflect the changes, now reads.

Officials say the state's parks generate over $1 billion for Connecticut each year.

The decision to restore the area of the Big Falls is likely to reduce any financial burden on the DEEP which has been forced to clean up the park on a daily basis over the last two summer seasons.

“Today’s citizens are the lucky beneficiaries of multi-generational efforts to protect these priceless places. Hopefully, they will be inspired this Centennial year to help steward our state treasures so that every future family may also revel in our shared landscapes,” said Eileen Grant, President of Friends of Connecticut State Parks.

One hundred years ago (September, 1913), a State Park Commission was formed by Governor Simeon Baldwin to acquire land and create a state park system. The first priority of the six Commissioners was to survey the state for potential park sites.

That task was given to Yale graduate and Civil Engineer Albert M. Turner, the first state park employee. Within seven months he traversed the entire coastline, investigated 50 lakes, visited dozens of the highest peaks and assessed the the major rivers.

With coastline property a priority the first purchase of land was a five-acre parcel in Westport that established a foundation for Sherwood Island State Park. Purchased in 1914, this property did not have public access until 17 years later.

By 1920, Connecticut’s first shoreline park, Hammonasset Beach State Park, opened to the public, drawing large crowds to its beach, boardwalk and pavilion. From the day it opened over 90 years ago, it remains the most visited state park in Connecticut.

During the Depression, work crews from the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) improved land purchases by building miles of roads, picnic shelters, stone structures and swim areas in at least 25 state parks. Much of the work the CCC “boys” remains intact today.

Wadsworth Falls State Park was deeded to the Rockfall Corporation by Colonel Clarence C. Wadsworth of Middlefield and turned over to the state in 1942.

Following World War II, the outdoor recreational boom led to the expansion and growth of state parks and formation of “Friends” groups, who supported them and are still in existence today.

In 1971, the State Park and Forest Commission held its last meeting and turned state parks and forests over to the newly created Department of Environmental Protection.