Community Corner
Dinosaur State Park Gets Renovation After February School Break
Parents looking for things to do during Darien's February school vacation can still take a trip to Dinosaur State Park in Rocky Hill, but right after that the largely indoor park will be closed for weeks of renovations, according to this announceme
The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection has issued the following announcement:
The Exhibit Center at Dinosaur State Park, will close beginning Monday, February 25 for 4-5 weeks for renovations to the Park’s Discovery room. The dinosaur track area, restrooms and bookshop will also be closed.
School vacation week programs from February 16-17 and February 19-24 are scheduled to take place before the renovations begin.
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The 2 ½ miles of outdoor hiking trails will remain open from 9 am to 4 pm daily during the renovation.
The Renovation
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The renovation includes exhibits for both adults and children and will allow hundreds of specimens that have never been on display to be viewed by the public.
One of the new exhibits, “Connecticut’s Geologic Treasures” will feature an interactive geologic map of the state, drawers containing dozens of specimens from Connecticut and an “Investigation Station” where visitors can examine mica, crystal structures and more.
“Life Through Time Exhibit” will showcase hundreds of fossil specimens from different time periods and different parts of the world. Other exhibits include a giant Mesozoic Magnetic Wall, a bird sounds station and a rock core display.
The renovation of the Discovery Room is the result of many years of planning that included visits to other museums and surveys of park visitors. The Friends of Dinosaur State Park and Arboretum make this project possible by financing the initial design costs. We have no doubt that this project will greatly improve the visitor experience but caution parents – your kids won’t ever want to leave!
The public information line (860) 529-8423 and on the Park’s webpage www.ct.gov/deep/dinosaurstatepark will be updated with on the renovation taking place.
“Darwin Days” school vacation week special programs are scheduled from February 16-24 (park is closed Monday, February 18) before closing for the renovation on February 25.
The Peabody Museum in New Haven also has an extensive (and indoor) dinosaur exhibit, and it's right on the way to Dinosaur State Park.
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