Connecticut State Parks: A Centennial History

Coming soon! Release date & price to be determined.

As the Connecticut State Parks system planned for its Centennial in 2013, DEEP produced a history pamphlet that was distributed to thousands of park visitors.  What became clear in that effort was that to even begin to tell the story of the first hundred years of our state parks would take many more pages. Author Alan Levere began the daunting task, first as a DEEP employee and later as a retiree, of expanding the history-telling effort that has culminated in this book.

These 250 pages chronicle the storied growth of the Connecticut State Parks system, the philosophic maturity from preservation to recreation, and the acquisition of its many historic locations, all in combination with over four hundred photographic images from the State Parks Archives to enhance the narrative. The creation of this volume provides the opportunity to reflect upon and connect with the many varied and interesting stories that led to the creation of our parks. 

Today’s nearly 35,000 acres of State Park lands provide a geographic, ecologic, and recreational haven to millions of park visitors annually. The century-plus history of how 110 park locations came together in Connecticut is related here through photographs and prose for all to enjoy.

Author Alan Levere is a 37-year veteran of DEEP (formerly DEP), with his final 12 years dedicated to Connecticut State Parks Public Outreach.