Kent Falls State Park -- Kent, CT

What: Kent Falls State Park
Where: Route 7, Kent, CT. Just south of the boarder with Cornwall.
What's Available: Picnicking, fishing, hiking, some swimming
Facilities: Not much. It's basically a parking lot, a big field, and a hiking trail along the falls. Bathrooms are available, but are not open all the time.

I happened to be in the area on a beautiful Saturday afternoon, so my family and I took a short excursion to Kent Falls State Park, or just Kent Falls as it is locally referred. We spent about 90 minutes hiking the short trail (about 1 mile one-way) to the top of the falls, hanging out by the stream at the bottom of the falls, and enjoying an ice cream from a cart that set up shop in the parking lot.
A lot of people were taking advantage of the first warm weekend of spring at Kent Falls. There were several picnics in process. Charcoal grills and tables are available at the park. There were several people fishing for trout in the stream at the base of the falls. The trout were visible from the shore. There is a 2 fish limit, and I believe the stream is frequently stocked. There were some kites, some Frisbee, some football, some wading in the water, but mostly Kent Falls is just a place to hang out and relax while enjoying the picturesque falls. It's a popular stop for bikers (both motorcycle and pedal cyclists), and tourists enjoying the rural area.
I believe there is usually a $5 fee for parking at the falls. The state had not yet opened their collection booth, so on this weekend the park was free. Enjoy it while it lasts.

Interesting Fact: The park was created as part of the New Deal public works programs during FDR's administration. There is a plaque near the covered bridge that crosses the river that commemorates the establishment of the park.

Hubbard Park -- Meriden, Connecticut

If you are looking for a big playscape for the kids, Hubbard Park on West Main Street in Meriden has one of the biggest and best playscapes I have found in central Connecticut.

There are climbing features, tunnels, swings, ropes, and more. Not to mention that Hubbard Park is over 1800 acres with trails, ponds, and frequent organized activities.

The park is open to the public (i.e. it's free).

Connecticut Contact Numbers

To Help Fight For the Rights of Connecticut Outdoor Enthusiasts Call:
1-800-842-8267 CT House of Representatives - D
1-800-842-1423 CT House of Representatives - R
1-800-842-1420 CT State Senate Democrats
1-800-842-1421 CT State Senate Republicans
1-800-406-1527 Gov. Jodi Rell
1-202-224-2823 U.S. Sen. Chris Dodd
1-202-224-4041 U.S. Sen. Joe Lieberman

Norton Park Plainville a Great Place to Fly a Kite

Most locals know about Norton Park in Plainville, CT. Norton Park is your standard municipal park. It's a great place to go for a lei surly bike ride, rollerblade, walk, or run. It boasts a playground, baseball fields, tennis, basketball, soccer fields, picnic area, and a paved marked pedestrian path.
It's not the kind of place that someone would travel a great distance to visit. However, if you're in the neighborhood or new to the area, you might consider checking it out.
Norton Park is flat and open, which makes it very versatile. Over the winter I participated in several pick-up flag football games at Norton Park. This weekend there was a decent breeze, so I took my son and we had a fun time flying a kite. There were two other kite fliers at the park on this day. The address for Norton Park is below:

72 Norton Trail
Plainville, CT 06062