Seaside State Park
36 acres in Waterford, CT
Parking: Small lot near Seaside Dr, Waterford, CT
Trail Map Trails: Less than a mile Rating: ★★☆☆☆
Seaside State Park is in a bit of a holding pattern. Purchased in 2014, the property is open as a state park where visitors are allowed to walk around the property and the seawall, but the buildings are fenced in and off limits.
The buildings, despite their graffiti and disrepair are beautiful. Imposing patterned brick with towers and spires and stonework. An overgrown fountain hides along the back of the property and a slowly collapsing covered bridge connects the path between the two major buildings. Wide lawns and a paved path curve down to the seawall and there are a two small beaches for fishing. Swimming is not allowed.
I meandered along the park’s paths admiring the fenced off buildings and was able to accumulate just under a mile of distance. I certainly hope the park receives the investment it needs to become another Harkness type property.
History:
Established as a Connecticut’s 108th state park in 2014.
The site of a former sanatorium – built in 1934 by renowned architect Cass Gilbert. It was a hospital from children with tuberculosis until it was abandoned in 1996. The state was been working on a plan to save the buildings and possibly turn it into a resort since 2015. As of July 2019 no progress has been made.
Links:
- Friends of Seaside State Park
- Peter Marteka – A Seaside State Park That Stands On Its Own (2015)
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Last updated September 19th, 2022
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