Chester Parks and Recreation
Celebrating Community
through People, Parks and Programs!
e-mail parkrec@chesterct.org or call 526-0013, extension 223
The Town Hall offices are closed due to COVID-19 restrictions.
CEDAR LAKE MODIFIED RULES:
The Chester Park and Recreation Commission will be opening Pelletier Park on Cedar Lake Monday, June 8th, for Chester residents only. Please realize that for the safety of all citizens and staff members, many modifications in the rules will be enforced. Residents and members of their household, in groups of 5 or fewer, may enjoy the park in an assigned area from 10:00am until 1:30pm or 2:30pm until 6:00pm. Patrons will be required to provide identification, bring their own hand sanitizer, and wear a face covering when entering and moving about the facility. Social distancing will be required in and out of the water. The only floatation items allowed are life jackets for non-swimmer children. Cooking will not be permitted. The concession will be available for takeout service. Additional rules will be explained when checking in at the gate. Please be patient as we navigate our new requirements. The safety of our community is always our primary goal.
SUMMER CAMP CANCELLED FOR 2020:
Regretfully, the Chester Park and Recreation Commission has cancelled the 2020 summer camp program. We can not offer our usual fun, quality camp experience in the current situation and do not have a facility to accommodate safe and consistent child care.
A full refund will be sent by check to all registered. The $5 per week fee for credit card payments was retained by PayPal. Please allow three weeks to process the refund and receive it in the mail.
The majority of our staff will be focusing on maintaining an appropriate and safe swimming area at Cedar Lake and adding recreational opportunities at North Quarter Park, to benefit all Chester residents. We will also be exploring the possibility of safe activity days for children, later in the summer, if the situation continues to improve.
Please stay well. We look forward to seeing you at our parks this summer and back for a great time at Chester Parks and Recreation’s Summer Camp In 2021!
Stay safe and healthy, and respect the safety of others by practicing social distancing and wearing a mask in public.
SORRY! FOR YOUR SAFETY: THE PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT AT NORTH QUARTER PARK AND CEDAR LAKE ARE CLOSED. THE BASKETBALL GOALS ARE CLOSED.
This is a clue to answer the last North Quarter Park question.
“I SPY CHESTER…….MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE”.
Exercise your body and your mind! Take a walk guided by our map and puzzle sheet. Visit one, or all six locations in one day. They are within walking distance of Main Street. Enjoy the beautiful spring weather and learn about our Town with an activity for all ages.
(If you want the answers you may access them HERE.)
YOGA, KARATE and BALLROOM DANCING are cancelled until further notice.
Our summer employment and volunteer positions have been filled!
SUMMER CAMP AVAILABILITY: Camp is cancelled for the summer of 2020
2020 CAMP REGISTRATION
THE WEEK OF:
June 29 (entering grades 5 through 7)
July 6 (entering grades 2 through 6)
July 6 (entering grades K through 1)
July 13 (entering grades 2 through 7)
July 20 (entering grades 2 through 6)
July 20 (entering grades K through 1)
August 3 (entering grades 2 through 6)
August 3 (entering grades K through 1)
August 10 (entering grades 2 through 6)
August 10 (entering grades K through 1)
August 17 (entering grades 2 through 7)
MAKE A SPLASH THIS SUMMER!
2020 CAMP REGISTRATION
We are an outdoor program specializing in waterfront activities!
Our Camp Counselors are Certified Lifeguards.
SUMMER CAMP IS OPEN TO RESIDENTS OF ALL AREA TOWNS!
Pay for any program or make a donation with this button.
This is a clue to answer the last North Quarter Park question.
“I SPY CHESTER…….MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE”.
Exercise your body and your mind! Take a walk guided by our map and puzzle sheet. Visit one, or all six locations in one day. They are within walking distance of Main Street. Enjoy the beautiful spring weather and learn about our Town with an activity for all ages.
(If you want the answers you may access them HERE.)
Cedar Lake 2020 Summer Season
Please see 2020 restrictions at the top of this page.
Please note that watercraft* are no longer be permitted at Pelletier Park while lifeguards are on duty. For access to Cedar Lake please use alternate launch areas at the Town Beach across from Lakeview Avenue or the State Boat Launch on Bishop Road.
*including – but not limited to – kayaks, canoes, paddle boards, row boats, and inflatables
The Town Beaches on Cedar Lake are scheduled to be open for the 2020 season beginning June 15 through August 21 with scheduled hours from 10:30am until 6:00pm. Hours may vary according to staff availability, training, weather, or special programs. It is the policy of the Chester Park and Recreation Commission that access to the Town parks, including the beaches on Cedar Lake, is by permit only. Vehicles of residents parked at unstaffed parks must display a public access sticker, which is available at the Town Clerk’s Office. Non-residents must display a park pass on their vehicles at unstaffed parks and show their pass and identification when entering a staffed facility. Non-resident passes are $75 and valid through June 19 of 2021. They are available at Pelletier Park during operating hours and at the Parks and Recreation Office during the off-season. Chester residents may enter staffed facilities by showing a driver’s license, or other proof of residency or taxpayer status with identification. Residents and pass holders may bring up to six people, but must accompany them. All other guests are $3 each. Groups of 10 or more must make reservations in advance by submitting a completed group use application at the bottom of this page, a certificate of insurance to the Town, and pay a group fee.
Cedar Lake
The Town of Chester owns Cedar Lake and maintains two public beaches on its shores. The area of the lake is about 80 acres and is fed by two springs and two inlet streams with outflow into the Pattaconk Brook. The lake is about 60 feet deep in the middle. The Town owns approximately one third of the shore. Another third is owned by Camp Hazen YMCA. The remainder is private residences and State owned property, inclu
ding a boat launch. Chester’s main beach, on West Main Street, has a 50,000 square foot swimming area that is as deep as 20 feet in one corner during the spring. The park at the shore is named Robert H. Pelletier Park in memory of the Chester resident who was the Head Lifeguard for more than two decades. The area is 0.7 acres and includes seasonal lifeguard coverage, picnic tables, a pavilion, grills, and a food concession. The smaller beach is located on Cedar Lake Road. It is unstaffed and has no designated swimming area. The beaches require patrons to have a permit. Details and prices may be found on the Fee Schedule.
North Quarter Park
North Quarter Park is a 22 acre, multi-use facility, located at the corner of Main Street and Middlesex Avenue. It includes a playground, picnic area, volleyball net, baseball field, and an open field in a wooded setting. The northern section of the park has a well-maintained .5 mile nature trail loop. The end of the trail offers beautiful views of the wildlife and habitat of the Chester Creek. A variety of water fowl, birds, and vegetation can be seen along the trail and in the creek.
Parker’s Point Boat Launch
This .6 acre boat launch facility is located at the end of Parker’s Point Road on the Connecticut River. It offers boat trailer parking and a picnic area with a beautiful view. The shore is a favorite winter eagle viewing location. A permit is required for parking. Details and prices may be found on the Park Fee Schedule
.
Chester Creek Overlook
The overlook is a waterfront spot with a .4 acre deck, seating area, and parking lot on the Chester Creek, just a stone’s throw from the Connecticut River. It is located at the end of Railroad Avenue. The Town dock at the overlook houses marine rescue and law enforcement watercraft.
L’Hommedieu Park
This old mill site is located on Spring Street, along the Pattaconk Brook. It is a peaceful setting with a dam, rushing waters, a picnic table, and views of Mallards, Wood Ducks, Great Blue Heron, and beavers. An historical narrative is posted at the park.
Chester Elementary School Baseball Fields
Three baseball fields are maintained by the Parks and Recreation Department at Chester Elementary School, on Ridge Road. This property was originally donated to the Town in 1928 by Jessie C. Bates, Hilton C. Brooks, and William P. Holden for athletic fields. The fields may be available for group usage by submitting the “Group Application for Unstaffed Park Usage”, below.
PLEASE CONTACT US IF YOU NOTICE A PROBLEM OR HAVE A CONCERN REGARDING ONE OF OUR PARKS!
860 526-0013 extension 223 or e-mail: parkrec@chesterct.org
ACCORDING TO CONNECTICUT GENERAL STATUTE 19a-77 WE ARE REQUIRED TO DISCLOSE THAT TOWN OF CHESTER PROGRAMS ARE NOT LICENSED BY THE STATE OFFICE OF EARLY CHILDHOOD.
PARK INFORMATION:
Ordinance Concerning the Use of Town Parks and Beaches
- Group Application for Staffed Parks
- Group Use for Unstaffed Parks
- Park Fee Schedule
- CEDAR LAKE RULES
- ANNUAL REPORT OF THE PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION Fiscal Year 2018/2019
Michael Abramson, Chairman
Ivey Gianetti
Deron Grabel
John Saunders
Michael Abramson
Dawn Saunders
Kurt Ziemann
John Williams
COMMISSION MEETING RECORDS:
February 10, 2020 Agenda|Minutes
January 13, 2020 Agenda|Minutes
October 28, 2019 Agenda|Minutes
January 14, 2019 Agenda|Minutes
October 24, 2018 Agenda|Minutes
September 26, 2018 Agenda|Minutes
September 25, 2018 Cancelled
July 9, 2018 Minutes
April 30, 2018 Agenda|Minutes
March 21, 2018 Agenda
February 12, 2018 Cancellation
January 8, 2018 Agenda|Minutes with Proposed 2018/2019 Budget
2017
October 24, 2017 Agenda|Minutes , October 13, 2017 Minutes, October 25, 2017 Cancellation, September 27, 2017 Agenda|Minutes, April 26, 2017 Agenda|Minutes, March 22, 2017 Minutes, February 15, 2017 Agenda|Minutes , January 18, 2017 Cancellation, January 4, 2017 Agenda|Minutes|Budget 2018
2016
October 26, 2016 Agenda|Minutes, September 28, 2016 Agenda|Minutes, September 27, 2016 Cancelled, May 17, 2016 Agenda|Minutes, April 12, 2016 Agenda|Minutes, March 15, 2016 Agenda|Minutes, February 16, 2016 Agenda, January 19, 2016 Agenda|Minutes,
2015
November 4, 2015 Agenda|Cancellation, September 30, 2015 Cancellation, June 24, 2015 Agenda|Minutes, April 1, 2015 Minutes, February 4, 2015 Agenda|Minutes January 14, 2015 Agenda
2014
October 29, 2014 Minutes September 10, 2014 Minutes Agenda October 29, 2014 September 10, 2014 Agenda June 21, 2014 Minutes June 21, 2014 Agenda March 26, 2014 Agenda|Minutes February 19, 2014 Agenda|Minutes Agenda 02 05 2014 Agenda 01 15 2014
2013
November 12, 2013 Agenda|Cancellation September 10, 2013 Agenda|Cancellation June 22, 2013 Agenda | Minutes April 16, 2013 Agenda|Minutes April 9, 2013 Cancellation, February 12, 2013 Agenda|Minutes January 15, 2013 Agenda|Minutes
2012
December 11, 2012 Agenda|Corrected Agenda|Minutes November 28, 2018 Agenda – Special Mtg.|Minutes October 30, 2012 Agenda Sept. 11, 2012 Agenda|Minutes June 05, 2012 | May 12, 2012 Special Mtg February 07, 2012 January 10, 2012
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