The state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection announced Thursday that beginning this weekend, state sales tax will be added to parking fees at three shoreline parks where those fees are charged.

Those parks are: Sherwood Island State Park in Westbrook, Hammonasset Beach State Park in Madison and Rocky Neck State Park in East Lyme.

“To ensure a smooth transition as we begin this new procedure, the state is implementing the sales tax gradually, first at three shoreline parks and then with the addition of other state parks in the near future,” Robert Klee, DEEP commissioner, said in a news release. “Staff will be working to ensure visitors have a seamless entry to the park so they can enjoy the day relaxing and recreating with friends and family.”

Approved in the last legislative session, the 6.35 percent sales tax will now be added to parking fees at 25 of Connecticut’s 109 state parks.

Residents attending shoreline state parks on weekends will pay $13.83 to park; $9.57 on weekdays. Non-residents will pay $23.40 on weekends; $15.95 on weekdays.

DEEP encouraged park goers to have exact change if possible at the ticket booths, and to be patient as the staff work to educate visitors about the added sales tax.