Wharton Brook State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Wharton Brook State Park |
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Allen Brook Pond in Wharton Brook SP at dusk
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 Wharton Brook State Park
Location in Connecticut
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| Location | North Haven and Wallingford, Connecticut, United States |
| Area | 96 acres (39 ha) |
| Elevation | 39 ft (12 m) |
| Designation | Connecticut state park |
| Established | 1919 |
| Administrator | Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection |
| Website | Wharton Brook State Park |
Wharton Brook State Park is a fun place to visit in Connecticut, located in the towns of North Haven and Wallingford. It's a public park where you can enjoy nature and outdoor activities. The park covers about 96 acres (39 hectares).
The main attraction here is Allen Brook Pond, a 5-acre (2 hectare) pond. This pond flows into Wharton Brook, which gives the park its name. The park is looked after by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.
Contents
Park History: A Place to Rest and Play
How the Park Started
Wharton Brook State Park opened a long time ago, on August 1, 1919. It was one of the very first "Wayside Parks" in Connecticut. Imagine a time before modern rest stops on highways! This park was created to be a special place where people traveling by car could stop. They could have a picnic, camp overnight, and even get services for their automobiles. It was a new idea for its time.
Park Reopening After a Storm
On May 15, 2018, the park faced a big challenge. A strong storm, including a type of tornado called an EF1 tornado and a microburst (a powerful downdraft of wind), caused a lot of damage. Because of this, the park had to close for a while to be repaired. But don't worry, it reopened on January 14, 2019, ready for visitors again!
Fun Things to Do at the Park
Wharton Brook State Park offers many ways to enjoy the outdoors.
- Fishing: If you love to fish, this park is a great spot! It's one of Connecticut's special "trout parks." This means that trout are added to the pond on opening day of fishing season and at other times of the year. So, there are usually plenty of fish to catch.
- Swimming: On hot days, you can cool off with a swim in Allen Brook Pond. It's a refreshing way to enjoy the park.
- Picnicking: The park has nice areas where you can have a picnic with your family and friends. Bring your lunch and enjoy eating outdoors surrounded by nature.
- Walking Trails: There are several short walking paths in the park. They are less than a mile long, perfect for a quick stroll to explore the area and enjoy the fresh air.
Wildlife You Might See
While you're at the park, keep an eye out for local wildlife. You might spot Great blue herons, which are large, beautiful birds often seen near water. Many other animals also call Wharton Brook State Park home, making it a great place for nature observation.
