Reps. Labriola and Rebimbas “Adopt” Parks

State Representatives David Labriola (R-131) and Rosa C. Rebimbas (R-70) today joined fellow environmentally conscious legislators and adopted parks in their community during the “Friends of CT State Parks Day” event at the Capitol.

Both the Whittemore Glen State Park and the Naugatuck State Forest were “adopted” during the event which also celebrated the 100 year anniversary of Connecticut’s State Park system.

“The state parks, town parks, and open spaces in our community are important places for relaxation and family recreation.  I am proud to adopt both the Whittemore Glen State Park located in Naugatuck and the Naugatuck State Forest which spans the towns of Naugatuck, Oxford, and Beacon Falls,” Rep. Rebimbas said. “The parks, and once completed, the greenway, will be a great attraction for people to come visit the Borough and hopefully take advantage of our local restaurants and other businesses while they are here. I look forward to promoting these parks.”

Rep. Labriola added “The parks and forests of Connecticut are important natural habitats and the Naugatuck State Forest is a prime example.  Besides being great for hiking and observing nature, they are valuable state assets that provide jobs to the local community. Promoting these spaces simply enriches our state.”

Legislators who “Adopt A Park” affirm their commitment to do the following:

• Acknowledge the State Park or Parks in their District;
• Visit the State Park(s) to understand its assets and needs;
• Work with existing “Friends of Park” organization or with the CT Department of Energy & Environmental Protection to launch an annual event (walk, clean-up, etc.) in 2013; and
• Publicize their Park(s) and help advocate for the needs of the State Park system.

Legislators who Adopt are also included on an Honor Roll that the Friends of CT State Parks and CFPA will keep up-to-date and display online.

2013 is the 100 year anniversary of the State Park System, which has grown to include 107 State Parks including iconic places such as Gillette Castle State Park, Hammonasset and Rocky Neck Beach State Parks, Harkness Memorial State Park, Sleeping Giant State Park, Talcott Mountain State Park and more.