Press Releases
05/02/2025
DEEP Issues Request for Proposals (RFP) for Food & Beverage Concessions in Three Connecticut State Parks
Restoring Concessions at Gillette Castle State Park in East Haddam, Lake Waramaug State Park in Kent, and Mount Tom State Park in Litchfield are Examples of Partnerships in Parks Initiative’s Vision for Enhancing Experiences & Services in State Parks
(HARTFORD) — The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for qualified food service vendors to provide services to the public at existing concession buildings at Gillette Castle State Park in East Haddam, Lake Waramaug State Park in Kent, and Mount Tom State Park in Litchfield. The Lake Waramaug concession includes a camp store serving the park’s 73-site seasonal campground. The RFP is available on the CTsource Bid Board as solicitation number DEEP04212025MM, and proposals are due May 29th.
The three State Parks selected for the RFP offered food and beverage services previously, and restoring these concessions is part of DEEP’s effort to provide enhanced services in Connecticut State Parks. The Partnerships in Parks Initiative is considering concessions, rentals, performances, stewardship programs, and other partnerships that can elevate outdoor recreation experiences for all visitors, increase equitable access to the outdoors, and expand tourism destinations in Connecticut State Parks.
These activities highlight a larger trend of significant growth in the outdoor recreation economy. Data recently released by the federal Bureau of Economic Analysis shows Connecticut's Outdoor Recreation economy, already valued at $5.5 billion, grew by 9.2% in 2023, outpacing the national average of 9% and demonstrating a continued trend of strong growth since the pandemic.
“Connecticut’s incredible State Parks provide many wonderful ways to experience the outdoors. Thanks to the Passport to the Parks program and Restore CT State Parks initiative, we continue to invest in our parks to meet the growing demand for outdoor experiences,” said DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes. “Continued investments combined with new partnerships with the private sector and increasing participants will boost Connecticut’s economy by adding outdoor recreation opportunities in Connecticut State Parks.”
DEEP recently hired Jeff Shaw as the first office director of its newly formed Office of Outdoor Industry & Experiences, which was originally established last year by Governor Ned Lamont and Commissioner Dykes. The Office’s goal is to grow Connecticut’s $5.5 billion outdoor recreation economy by creating partnerships with the private sector to expand services and amenities in State Parks and promoting Connecticut as a great place to live, work, and play outside.
“I’m excited about the possibilities to enhance outdoor recreation experiences in Connecticut’s State Parks for residents and visitors,” added Jeff Shaw, DEEP Senior Advisor for Outdoor Industry & Experiences. “The numbers speak for themselves. Connecticut’s outdoor recreation economy grew by double-digits on average over the last three years, thanks to our beautiful, welcoming, and historic State Parks, which have experienced a surge in visitation since the Covid-19 pandemic. I look forward to exploring additional partnerships to continue expanding outdoor recreation opportunities in Connecticut.”
The office issued a Partnerships in Parks Request for Information (RFI) to solicit ideas from private sector partners. Businesses, nonprofit organizations, and others initially submitted over 45 suggestions for partnerships that could expand and add services, amenities, and events in State Parks. DEEP implemented four in the Summer of 2024 through its existing Special Use License program.
- Kingfisher Adventures provided paddlesport rentals at Lake Wintergreen in West Rock Ridge State Park in New Haven and Hamden.
- Candlewood Kayak Rental offered on-site kayak and paddleboard rentals at Squantz Pond State Park in New Fairfield.
- Kraftwich Food Truck offered refreshments at Gillette Castle State Park in East Haddam; and Keith’s Ice Cream Truck served visitors at Dinosaur State Park in Rocky Hill.
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Contact
DEEP Communications
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