Malloy waives fees for Connecticut state parks, museums for this weekend Governor encourages people to visit a park where they have not been

From left, Gov. Dannel P. Malloy; DEEP Commissioner Susan Whalen; Hamden Mayor Scott Jackson; DEEP Commissioner Robert Klee; House Speaker Brendan Sharkey; and state. Sen. Joe Crisco were at Sleeping Giant State Park in Hamden Wednesday to announce a free weekend at state parks. less From left, Gov. Dannel P. Malloy; DEEP Commissioner Susan Whalen; Hamden Mayor Scott Jackson; DEEP Commissioner Robert Klee; House Speaker Brendan Sharkey; and state. Sen. Joe Crisco were at Sleeping Giant ... more Photo: Mara Lavitt — New Haven Register Photo: Mara Lavitt — New Haven Register Image 1 of / 24 Caption Close Malloy waives fees for Connecticut state parks, museums for this weekend 1 / 24 Back to Gallery

HAMDEN >> State parks across Connecticut will be open to the public at no charge this weekend.

To celebrate the centennial celebration of state parks, Gov. Dannel P. Malloy announced parking and state museum fees will be waived Saturday, July 26, and Sunday, July 27, with the exception of fees for campgrounds.

At Sleeping Giant State Park Wednesday, one of 107 parks in the state, Malloy encouraged the public to visit a park they have yet to attend.

The weekend celebration includes parks such as Hammonasset Beach State Park, Silver Sands State Park and Sherwood Island. It also includes inland lakes with beaches.

Robert Klee, commissioner of the Department of Energy & Environmental Protection, said on a normal weekend, with good weather, state parks can see about $120,000 in revenue.

Sleeping Giant, like other state parks, is seeing some construction as part of a broader, statewide-effort to improve infrastructure including repaving as well as rebuilding boat houses, trails and nature centers.

Mayor Scott Jackson joined Malloy and other state officials to celebrate the legacy of the parks.

Jackson, who was raised in town, said it’s important for residents to get out and experience the parks.

“I didn’t get here (Sleeping Giant) until I was 18 years old. That’s a shame,” Jackson said.

House Speaker Brendan Sharkey, D-Hamden, commended Malloy on his efforts to revitalize state parks.

“It’s a commitment to parks that we haven’t seen in years. We are focusing on the jewels (parks) we have around the state,” Sharkey said.

Chuck Shall, president of the Sleeping Giant Park Association, said the free parks weekend was a great idea.

“By removing the parking fees, more people will come out and they’ll keep coming. Once you get out into the woods, it’s addictive,” Shall said.

A brochure outlining the history of the parks will be available at the ticket booths at all parks.

“Most of our parks have a reached capacity so make sure you get out there early and enjoy the summer weather,” Malloy said.

For more park information and for history brochures, go to www.ct.gov/deep.

Call Ebony Walmsley at 203-789-5734. Have questions, feedback or ideas about our news coverage? Connect directly with the editors of the New Haven Register at AskTheRegister.com.