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Officials announced that Sleeping Giant State Park in Hamden may be closed through the fall due to the damage sustained in the recent storms, which uprooted trees and sent utility poles flying in the region.
Four tornadoes, a macroburst and a microburst struck Connecticut during the mid-May storm, according to the National Weather Service. The tornadoes were proceeded by damaging winds in the area that left the state park in a state of disarray.
Sleeping Giant State Park has been closed since the storm, and all trails have been closed to the public, and are not expected to reopen for months. Wharton Brook State Park also remains closed.
When a tornado in New Haven County lifted, a powerful swath of damaging winds continued from Sleeping Giant State Park to Wharton Brook State Park in North Haven and then into Wallingford and Northford.
On Facebook, officials offered a lengthy post confirming that the park will be closed indefinitely.
“Here's the scoop! Sleeping Giant State Park and all of his Trails are CLOSED to the public!!!! This includes the SGPA volunteer Trails Crew. A ROUGH guess as to re-opening ... not any time soon.
"WHY? Even professional construction concerns brought in to consult are shaking their heads at the absolutely overwhelming task of cleaning up JUST the picnic and parking areas, and the Tower Path. WHAT can you do?
"RESPECT the signs that say CLOSED. State staff has their hands full with trying to get your park back to safe conditions. They are working for YOU. Please don't make them take time from their clean up efforts by distracting them with your presence!"
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