Places to go, things to do

With warmer weather upon us, now is the time to make plans to get outside. Senior citizens are eligible for discounts at a variety of places in Connecticut, including access to our state parks.

Seniors can obtain a Charter Oak Pass, which provides free access to state parks and forests for Connecticut residents who are 65 years of age or older. As described on the Department of Environmental Protection website, the pass is accepted at all state parks where a parking fee applies. The pass holder does not have to be the vehicle driver.

A Charter Oak pass holder can also get free admittance for visiting Gillette Castle, Dinosaur State Park or Fort Trumbull State Park, or for fishing at the Quinebaug Valley Hatchery. Senior citizens in Connecticut are also eligible to receive fishing licenses free of charge for use at any of our state’s ponds, lakes or streams.  To obtain a Charter Oak Pass by mail send a legible photocopy of your current CT drivers license or other legal proof of age and residency to: DEP Charter Oak Pass, State Parks Division, 79 Elm Street, Hartford, CT 06106-5127 (Phone 860-424-3200).

The Town of South Windsor offers senior citizens a great price of $10 for a season pass to our wonderful Veteran’s Memorial Park. With its great swimming facility and lovely picnic facilities it’s a great place to take your grandchildren or just to cool off on a hot day.

In addition, town residents of any age can obtain passes or reduced rates for admission to many interesting places, including the Basketball Hall of Fame, the Children’s Museum, the New England Air Museum, the Mark Twain house, the Wadsworth  Atheneum, and a dozen others. These passes are funded by the Friends of South Windsor Public Library and are available at the library. The complete list is available online at www.southwindsorlibrary.org.

Feel free to contact me and I will gladly send you a Connecticut vacation guide, fair guide, and/or road map to help you plan your summer outings.