Sherwood Island State Park

Friday, 25 June 2010 15:29

There’s reason to argue that Sherwood Island State Park is Connecticut’s oldest state park: land acquisition began in 1914 when the Connecticut State Park Commission determined that the Sherwood Island area was the only location in Fairfield County for a shore park. It took until the 1930s, however, before the major parcels were acquired. Now, the park covers about 235 acres and is an attraction in any season for walkers, bicyclists, kite-flyers, birdwatchers, model plane hobbyists and more. In summer, the beaches are popular, particularly East Beach (West Beach has sharp rocks and shells). On Sherwood Point is the state’s 9-11 Memorial, dedicated in 2002. On Sept. 11, 2001, people there could see smoke rising from the ruins of the World Trade Center.

The east side of the park is the site of a nature center, which is open seasonally and offers programs like birding walks, nature trail walks, arts and crafts, talks about marine biology, etc. Center hours are Wednesday to Sunday from 10 to 4. This year, parking fees are: for state residents, Monday-Friday, $9 ($6 after 4 p.m.); weekends/holidays, $13 ($6 after 4 p.m.); for non-residents, $15 and $22 ($7 after 4 p.m.). Connecticut residents over 65 may enter free anytime with a Charter Oak Pass.

Details

For information, visit ct.gov/dep or friendsofsherwoodisland.org; the park office nmber is 203-226-6983. The park is reached via the Sherwood Island connector in Westport (I-95, Exit 18).