FirstLight and Town of New Milford Announce Updates to Public Access at New Milford Recreation Sites

Dike Point Park is now reopened for reservations while Fisherman’s Parking Lot will remain closed to the public

New Milford, CT – July 30, 2025 – FirstLight and the Town of New Milford today provided updates on public access at two FirstLight recreation areas in New Milford. As of Wednesday, July 30, Dike Point Park is reopened for reservation access from 12PM-8PM on weekdays and 8AM-8PM on weekends. Fisherman’s Parking Lot will remain closed to the public while FirstLight, Eversource, and the Town work to implement solutions to address overcrowding and public safety challenges.

Visitors to the reopened Dike Point Park should expect a continued security presence at the popular recreation area. There will also be increased monitoring of both Dike Point Park and Fisherman’s Parking Lot areas by the New Milford Police in the interest of public safety. Updates on the reopening of Fisherman’s Parking Lot will be provided once a firm timeline is established.

FirstLight’s Dike Point Park and Fisherman’s Parking Lot areas are intended to offer public access for walking, picnicking, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and bird watching along the scenic Housatonic River and Candlewood Lake. Swimming, grilling, alcohol and campfires are not permitted at either site.

The Town of New Milford will continue to actively monitor River Road, Bleachery Dam, and other areas of the River Courses, as grilling, swimming, alcohol and campfires are not permitted in those areas as well. The public should expect that any vehicles parked illegally in these areas will be towed.

“Thank you to FirstLight and our First Responders for their input and effort as we work together to provide a safe atmosphere for the public to enjoy our natural resources without stretching the capacity of our First Responders, many of whom volunteer their time to support public safety,” said New Milford Mayor Pete Bass. “I look forward to continuing our partnership to deliver positive public safety outcomes for New Milford and beyond.”

FirstLight and the Town of New Milford again emphasize that safety should always be top of mind when recreating on and around waterways. A few tips for boaters to consider:

• During extreme heat conditions, boaters should plan accordingly and monitor water levels.
• Always wear a life jacket or personal flotation device.
• Take a boating safety course.
• Avoid alcohol use.
• Check the weather forecast before heading out.
• Learn to swim.
• Never stand up in your small powerboat, canoe or similar watercraft.
• Don’t overload your boat.
• Use common sense and operate responsibly.

Safety tips to keep in mind when swimming:

• Swimming is not permitted at FirstLight recreation areas.
• Look for signage and never swim in the restricted areas near a dam or hydropower facility where water levels and rapids can change unexpectedly.
• Never swim alone.
• Only use approved flotation devices; do not rely on toys or inner tubes.
• Know your limitations and swimming skills.
• Swim only in designated swimming areas.
• Swim sober.
• Watch small children near the water.
• Never dive into rivers or lakes; each year nearly 3,000 people are paralyzed as a result of diving into shallow water or hitting an unseen underwater obstruction.

To learn more, visit the water safety section of the American Red Cross. You can find additional boating safety tips via the American Boating Association.

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