Indian Well State Park's lot can handle 500 cars, and it could fill up this July 4 holiday season, said Gov. Dannel Malloy.
Malloy and officials from the state Department of Energy & Environmental Protection stopped by Indian Well, off Route 110 in Shelton, Wednesday afternoon during a tour of some of the region's state parks, including Hammonasset Beach in Madison and Black Rock Park in Thomaston.
"It's a very inexpensive way for people to enjoy Connecticut," Malloy said.
Regarding Indian Well, the governor said "This is a pretty spot. Look how gorgeous it is."
Parking is $9 for state residents and $15 for non-residents. A season parking pass is $67, valid from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
He said the state has been investing more money in its parks to take better care of them.
"That's one of the reasons I vetoed the ATV bill," he said. The bill would have allowed ATVs into parks but without a plan.
Malloy added that he is not opposed to ATV riders in parks but a plan is necessary first.
At 200 acres, Indian Well includes a beach, playground and hiking trails. People also live in the Maples, a series of homes along the Housatonic River.
Asked what the state can do to protect riverside homes from flood damage, Malloy said, "We try to manage the water, but Mother Nature's pretty tough. There's not a lot you can do with the Housatonic."
"Connecticut is a series of valleys formed by rivers," the governor noted.
All state parks are expected to be ready for the summer rush despite some bad weather. "We've had a couple of tough years, weather-wise."
The park closes at dusk.
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