DEEP Commissioner in Your Corner Event Series Coming to East Haddam

Commissioner Daniel C. Esty of the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) will meet with legislators, their constituents and the public on Thursday at Gillette Castle State Park.

The schedule of events includes a tour of the park grounds and a hike on one of the trails with Friends of Gillette Castle State Park at 5 p.m., followed by a tour of the castle with the Friends group at 5:30 p.m.

At 6 p.m., there will be a Speaker Ceremony in the Visitor Center to formally open the redesigned center that exhibits information on William Gillette and the park itself. 

Speakers for the event include Susan Frechette, DEEP Deputy Commissioner; Mark Walter, East Haddam First Selectman; Daniel C. Esty, DEEP Commissioner; and Melissa Ziobron, President of Friends of Gillette Castle State Park.

The ceremony will be followed by Q & A segment where the public is invited to ask questions about environmental concerns and other issues of interest.

“Gillette Castle State Park is one of our most popular parks, a widely recognized landmark and a unique place to visit," said Etsy.

"Through the hard work of DEEP and the active Friends group there, we are able to maintain this wonderful park which attracts thousands of Connecticut residents and brings many tourists to our state each year.”

The "Commissioner in your Corner" is a monthly program set up by the DEEP to highlight activities in Connecticut State Parks and Forests and allow for public input.

"As Commissioner I want to highlight the tremendous natural resources our state enjoys and also make certain that I am available to meet and hear from the public. The ‘Commissioner in your Corner’ initiative is a way to accomplish both these goals – to visit and tour a tremendous outdoor location in our state each month and while there, to talk with Connecticut residents about environmental issues," said Etsy.

The event is open to the public.