House Republican Press Release

February 29, 2008

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Mike Alberts Lauds $300,000 to Upgrade State Park in Pomfret

State Rep. Michael Alberts (R-Woodstock) thanked Governor M. Jodi Rell and her administration for $300,000 that has been approved for improvements at Mashamoquet Brook State Park in Pomfret. The state bond commission, which Gov. Rell heads, authorized the funds at its February 29 meeting in Hartford.

"I thank the governor for recognizing that Mashamoquet State Park was overdue for basic sanitary enhancements. This park serves not only the residents of Pomfret, but many other communities including Woodstock, Brooklyn, Killingly, and Putnam," said Rep. Alberts.

 "At a time when many families will probably have to cut back their recreational plans for the summer, it's more important than ever that these parks be well-maintained" added Rep. Alberts.

The park will receive $150,000 to renovate the bathroom facility and $150,000 to upgrade the septic system.  For the past six years, following the demolition of a deteriorated and unusable toilet building, the park has relied upon chemical toilets near the beach area.

“All of our parks should be clean and well-kept with functioning facilities for Connecticut families,” Gov. said.  “My budget includes $15 million to refurbish our state parks.  We feel that preserving these treasures is a smart investment.”

Gov. Rell added, “Residents and visitors come to this 1,000-acre park to picnic, fish, hike, swim and camp.  I want their experience, from the moment they enter the park to the time they leave, to be enjoyable.  These funds will ensure that Mashamoquet Brook’s facilities are sound for decades to come.”

Mashamoquet Brook boasts both impressive geological features and an interesting trail system that provides access to all the areas and features of the park. The most famous park feature is the Wolf Den, into which Israel Putman, later a Major General in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary war, crept one night in 1742, to shoot a wolf that had preyed upon local sheep and poultry. Near the Den are the Table Rock and Indian chair stone formations. The park's entrance was once the site of a cider mill, grist mill and wagon shop. The old grist mill is maintained as a museum by the Pomfret Historical Society, whose members provide interpretation for interested visitors.

The Mashamoquet Brook Campground has 20 wooded sites, with outhouses, drinking water and a nearby dumping station. The Wolf Den Campground offers 35 campsites, with restrooms, showers, drinking water, and a dumping station. The campgrounds are open from mid-April through Columbus Day.