DEEP’s No Child Left Inside® Program Hosts “Family Picnicking Day at Stratton Brook State Park, Simsbury

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) invites you to join families from across the state at , Simsbury, for a day of picnicking in the park on Saturday, August 13.

Come out for the day any time between 9:00 am and 3:00 pm.

Commissioner Daniel C. Esty said, “With Saturday’s weather predicted to be sunny and warm, now is the time to plan a picnic with your family and friends. What better place than Stratton Brook State Park where great outdoor activities await you. Whether you enjoy fishing for the ‘big one’ or enjoy a peaceful bike ride on a linear trail, the day will offer you lots to do in one of DEEP’s beautiful state parks.”  

Other activities will include some good old-fashioned picnic games such as bocce, croquet and wiffleball. A picnicking contest will be held with judging scheduled for 12 noon.  Think creatively and pack a picnic based on the following themes:  

• Fishing
• Forestry – Stratton Brook was originally called Massacoe State Forest and was acquired to demonstrate forest fire control adjacent to railroads.
• Environmentally friendly

Come early to set up and be ready for a friendly competitive time. Stratton Brook has a pond for swimming and a separate area for fishing. Be sure to pack your bathing suit and fishing equipment. Don’t forget your fishing license. All anglers age 16 and over are required to have a fishing license. Buy yours at your local town hall or tackle shop. There is also a family friendly bike path.   

Background Information No Child Left Inside® was introduced in 2006 and is designed to reconnect children with the outdoors, showcase the recreational opportunities available in Connecticut’s state parks and forests, and build the next generation of environmental stewards. Over the past five years, families from across the state have participated in the Great Park Pursuit which was a seven-week adventure through Connecticut’s State Parks and Forests. 

Families deciphered clues, participated in activities, and competed for prizes all while having fun. New, this year, is the Great Park Pursuit Outdoor Recreation Challenge, a year-round adventure that encourages Connecticut’s families to experience the excitement and joy of having fun outdoors in Connecticut state parks and forests and on its waterways. 

The DEEP has created a Great Park Pursuit Outdoor Recreation Challenge Passport to be used as a recreational activity guide to Connecticut’s State Parks and Forests. Passports are stamped as visits are made to selected state parks and forests.