The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection wants to get public input after a proposal to add paddle-board rentals in five Connecticut state parks.

The agency said it will be taking public comments until Nov. 7, 2025.

Currently, DEEP is only accepting public comments on the draft request for proposal. After the comment period concludes, DEEP officials say they will review and consider the feedback received, and release and announce a final RFP for which proposals will be accepted.

The proposal seeks partners to operate canoe, kayak, and stand-up paddle-board rental services at Hopeville Pond State Park in Griswold, Indian Well State Park in Shelton, Mount Tom State Park in Litchfield, Pattaconk Reservoir/Lake Recreation Area, Cockaponset State Forest in Haddam, and Squantz Pond State Park in New Fairfield.

DEEP officials said they would like the public to provide comment on the following questions:

How will paddlecraft rentals at these locations enhance your experience at the relevant state park?
What qualifications or experience should be required of vendors?
What factors should be added or removed from the evaluation criteria?
How could DEEP make it easier for small and local businesses to apply, qualify and compete for the final RFP?
Do you have other comments on the draft (e.g., scope of services, terms, or selection process)?

However, the agency said general comments or feedback outside of these questions are also welcome.

In 2024, DEEP launched its Office of Outdoor Industry & Experiences by asking businesses, organizations and the general public to submit ideas to its Partnership in Parks Request for Information, which resulted in piloting new kayak, canoe, and standup paddleboard rental services at four state parks.

“The popularity and success of these pilot services have demonstrated visitor demand for paddlecraft rental opportunities that extend across multiple seasons and locations. Through this draft RFP, DEEP aims to continue the pilots and expand rentals to additional State Parks, advancing our goals of enhancing recreation, increasing access, and supporting tourism,” the agency said in a statement.

Members of the public may submit comments to the draft RFP by email to DEEP.parksdivisionRFP@ct.gov with the subject line “Paddlecraft Rentals Draft RFP Comments.”

Stephen Underwood can be reached at sunderwood@courant.com

https://www.courant.com/2025/10/26/paddle-board-rentals-at-state-parks-deep-wants-to-know/