Rep. Callahan Explains New Squantz Pond State Park Car Pass Reservation System
New Fairfield, Conn. – The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is launching a new online car pass reservation system for Squantz Pond State Park on weekends and holidays. Visitors can reserve a pass for weekends this summer, starting this weekend and continuing through September 2nd.
DEEP says a maximum of 250 car passes are available each weekend or holiday date. This is in line with the maximum capacity of the parking lot, set several years ago.
“In response to 13 drowning deaths at Squantz Pond State Park between 1996 and 2007, DEEP made safety improvements to the swim area and determined that 250 cars is proxy for the maximum number of guests that can be safely accommodated,” said Rep. Patrick Callahan.
Once all passes have been sold, no additional vehicles or visitors will be allowed to enter the facility. This includes visitors walking in or being dropped off. Legislation signed by Governor Lamont last year, effective January 2024, prohibits walk-ins when the safety capacity is reached. If reservations don’t sell out, same-day reservations can be made online or at the park entrance gate until 3:00 p.m. on the same day of your desired visit.
“Squantz is in an area where there are no sidewalks, no shoulders and that has created a public safety hazard on the highway and in the park. Too many people are walking along Route 39, a 50 mile an hour roadway. It created such a dangerous situation that town and public safety officials asked for something to be done before a pedestrian gets struck or killed,” said Callahan.
Car passes may be reserved 14 days in advance up until 11:59pm on the day prior to the visit and will be valid from 8am until sunset. A maximum of two car passes can be reserved in each transaction and the vehicle license plate for each pass must be provided. There are no entry fees for CT- registered vehicles. A $2 transaction fee applies to all reservations.
Visitors will need to present the reservation ticket to be scanned by park staff at the entrance ticket booth, whether printed out or saved on a mobile device.
There is still a parking limit on weekdays and non-holidays.
“Electronic signs are out on the highways once again to alert motorists when the park is closed. Other nearby state parks have larger parking areas, more lifeguards, and bigger recreational areas. Motorists who are unable to park at Squantz Pond will be redirected to other options,” said Callahan.
Callahan encouraged regular visitors and those from out of town to check out the reservation site and familiarize themselves with new regulations for entry to the park.
According to DEEP officials, the Squantz Cove Boat Launch will remain separate from the main parking area restrictions and no reservations are currently needed.