State seeking development proposals for Sunrise State Park

East Haddam -- The state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection announced last week that it is seeking proposals from developers to redevelop, manage, and operate Sunrise State Park, formerly called the Sunrise Resort.

DEEP will work with the developer to create a destination location for the Connecticut State Park system offering public access, recreation and economic opportunity.

“DEEP is looking to engage in an innovative public-private partnership to return Sunrise State Park to a recreation destination that so many Connecticut residents and visitors remember,” DEEP Deputy Commissioner Susan Frechette said in a news release. “As the recent economic impact study of Connecticut state parks and forests indicated, state residents and visitors still love to enjoy the many outdoor recreational opportunities the state has to offer and the redevelopment of Sunrise will provide another excellent venue for the public.”

 The primary objective of redeveloping Sunrise is to make it a destination location for residents and visitors and to restore the park’s role as a vital and integral part of East Haddam and the surrounding communities, DEEP said. Although the DEEP has no fixed plan for the park’s redevelopment, there are elements that will be strongly preferred by DEEP. These elements should preserve the natural, cultural and historic resources of the property; ensure public access; demonstrate an economic benefit to the state and region; demonstrate sensitivity to the development that is appropriate to the site; and use sustainable, energy efficient building practices.

DEEP will consider proposals for development and new construction such as: recreational and educational facilities; short- or extended-stay accommodations including camping, RVs and cabins; hospitality uses include hotel, banquet and conference facilities; and food service and small-scale retail facilities.

It will not permit permanent or long-term residential uses; industrial or manufacturing uses; telecommunications towers or adult entertainment enterprises.

Sunrise Resort began in 1916 as Elm Camp when Henry Engle completed the Main Bungalow by installing electric lights, telephone and a water system. In 1986, the Robert Johnson family took ownership and managed it until 2008. DEEP purchased the 143-acre property in January 2009 for $3.2 million.

At least one tour of the property will be offered to prospective bidders in late January. An announcement will be made in the coming weeks regarding the date and time.

Information, including the complete Request for Proposal document, is available at: www.ct.gov/DEEP/Sunrise. Proposals should be submitted no later than 4 p.m. March 16 to: Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection; State Parks & Public Outreach Division; 79 Elm St. – 6th Floor; Hartford CT 06106; Attn: Thomas J. Tyler, director of state parks and public outreach.