A popular Connecticut boat ramp will now have much more parking available to boaters.
The Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP), in partnership with the Town of Waterford, announced recently the completion of significant improvements to the Niantic River State Boat Launch overflow parking area located at 371 and 365 Mago Point Way, Waterford. The upgraded lot expands and improves public access to the Niantic River and Long Island Sound while supporting revitalization efforts within the Mago Point business district.
Located on 0.89 acres of DEEP property, the improved overflow lot serves as a secondary parking area for the main Niantic River State Boat Launch, which accommodates approximately 100 boat trailers. Previously, the overflow lot had no pavement, line striping, drainage, or signage, resulting in inefficient use and limited safe access for boaters and local visitors.
“This creative partnership between DEEP and the Town of Waterford maximized the use of state and local funds to transform this unimproved lot, resulting in better infrastructure for all users,” said Acting DEEP Commissioner Emma Cimino. “This project now provides expanded parking during peak boating and fishing season while allowing for better utilization of the space by other visitors in the evenings and off season when the boat launch is less busy.”
The project cost approximately $800,000, funded two-thirds by DEEP through minor capital funds and one-third by the Town of Waterford. Local approvals were secured in late 2024 through the Board of Selectmen, Board of Finance, and the Representative Town Meeting.
“Working collaboratively with DEEP to create much-needed additional parking at Mago Point for boaters, kayakers, birders, visitors and our local businesses has been an incredible experience,” said Waterford First Selectman Rob Brule. “The DEEP Boating Division has been outstanding partners, working side by side with the Town to find solutions that benefit both public access and the businesses that make Mago Point such a special destination. The Town looks forward to furthering this work by paving these side roads this fall and seeing the incredible transformation of this important waterfront area. This is a great example of what can happen when state and local government work together with a shared vision for our community.”
Construction, completed in summer 2025, included debris removal, grading, paving, line striping, traffic markings, sidewalk improvements, fencing, lighting, landscaping, installation of a stormwater rain garden, and conduits to support future electric vehicle charging stations. The upgraded lot now provides eight designated boat trailer spaces, 36 vehicle spaces, and two ADA-accessible parking spots. In summer 2026, DEEP and Waterford finalized a Joint Care and Maintenance Agreement (JCMA), which outlines parking rules for both water-dependent users and the general public. While boating and fishing access remain the primary uses, the following additional allowances have been established:
April 1–November 30: Vehicle parking permitted from 5:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.
December 1–March 31: Vehicle parking permitted from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.
Trailer-designated spaces reserved at all times for vehicles with boat trailers.
No overnight parking permitted for non-water uses.