DEEP Calls for State Park Farmers’ Market Feedback

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection has released a draft request for proposals that will open the door to farmers’ markets at three of the state’s most popular parks.

DEEP is inviting park visitors and prospective farmers’ market operators to weigh in on proposed sites at Fort Trumbull State Park in New London, Harkness Memorial State Park in Waterford, and Sherwood Island State Park in Westport.

The agency says feedback gathered during the comment period will help it “better understand impacts to the park visitor experience as well as market manager interest in offering farmers’ markets.”

The draft RFP is posted on the CTSource Bid Board under Solicitation No. DEEP-2027-002-MM.

Comments can be submitted by email with the subject line “Farmers’ Market Draft RFP Comments,” and must be received by Aug. 28.

DEEP is asking for input on a range of topics tied to the proposal, including whether markets should eventually be offered at additional state parks beyond the initial three, the operating requirements and rules markets will need to follow, proposed rental fees for vendors and market managers, and ways to make the application process more accessible to small and local businesses.

The proposal is part of DEEP’s broader Partnership in Parks Initiative, a program launched to explore new ways—often through public-private partnerships—to expand amenities and improve the visitor experience across the state park system.

DEEP officials say the push to bring more food and beverage options into the parks, including farmers’ markets, has consistently been one of the top public requests.