Memorial Day

Hundreds flock to state parks with nice weather on Memorial Day

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Hundreds of people flocked to state parks across Connecticut on Memorial Day, and multiple parks closed after reaching capacity.

The parking lots at the following parks are full and the parks are now closed:

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  • Harkness Memorial State Park in Waterford
  • Kent Falls State Park in Kent
  • Millers Pond State Park in Haddam
  • Sleeping Giant State Park in Hamden
  • Wadsworth Falls State Park in Middletown

Connecticut's 110 state parks are open and free to Connecticut residents. We caught up with people hanging outside and enjoying nature.

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"We've got macaroni salad, potato salad, hamburgers, hot dogs,” Briana Dekorte, of Middletown, said.

"Every year, I try to make a tradition for me and my family to come to this park to have some nice authentic chicken jerk,” Kenroy Ling, of Manchester, said.

It's easy to enjoy the day at Wadsworth Falls, especially on the first nice day in what feels like forever.

"We're just going to take it easy and absorb the sun until we have to get back to the grind of work,” Ryan Sims, of Meriden, said.

"We're just swimming and relaxing,” Cassandra Wheeler, of Middletown, said.

State parks in Connecticut draw 15 million visitors every year. They have 96 full-time staff and 500 seasonal staff ready to help park patrons out this summer.

Many people we spoke with say they're keeping the meaning of Memorial Day top of mind.

"I have family members who are part of the Army, so I celebrate that with them as well to make sure I pay my part and show appreciation for them for serving the country,” Ling said.

Starting in June, people who use a wheelchair can rent all-terrain chairs at seven parks throughout the state.

Any park that closes on Monday is expected to reopen to new visitors on Tuesday.

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