Letter to the Editor: Sunrise Resort State Park Must be Restored

Many residents in the area, me included, have fond memories of time spent at Sunrise Resort in Moodus, a State Park since 2009. The former gem was a hot spot for weddings, family gatherings and a wide array of recreational activities--since the early 1930’s. 

Unfortunately, neglect and vandalism over the last few years have turned this once great 143 acre property into an abandoned and neglected state resource. Most troubling are the dilapidated buildings and broken windows that create a serious safety hazard for people that explore the property- with the state being liable for accidents.

When the state purchased the property back in 2009 the hope was that it would be available for active public use; but, in reality, the $3.2 million the taxpayers paid for the property is currently another wasted opportunity. State parks should not look the way that Sunrise does today.

But we can still salvage Sunrise State Park- all we need is a plan and some determination. That is why one of my first proposals as a State Representative is to develop such a plan for the property and one that immediately solves the safety issues prevalent on site. The longer we wait, the harder it will be to return the property to an acceptable standard, so there needs to be a sense of urgency at the state level. I hope to bring that urgency to Hartford. An investment of time and energy can return Sunrise State Park to a center for recreation and a revenue generator for the State of Connecticut. This should be a priority, and I will make it one of mine during this legislative session.

I have some other bills that may be of interest to you, including bills relating to the Airline Trail and Salmon River spring. Visit my website www.repziobron.com for more detail on my bill proposals.

Melissa H. Ziobron

State Representative- 34th District