Governor Rell Announces Purchase of

Sunrise Resort in East Haddam

143 Acre Parcel is Adjacent to Machimoodus State Park

Listen to Gov. Rell here.

            Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced that the state has completed the purchase of the 143-acre former Sunrise Resort property, which is located in the Moodus section of East Haddam adjacent to the scenic Machimoodus State Park. The property will become a state park that will include a campground and meeting space.

            “This acquisition is important because it will not only enlarge state-owned land in the area to 443 acres, it will also protect over 4,700 feet of additional frontage along the Salmon River,” Governor Rell said. “For 93 years Sunrise Resort has provided recreational opportunities. Now we are continuing the tradition by providing even more opportunities for families around to state to come here to hike, canoe, kayak and camp.”

            “Our nationally recognized ‘No Child Left Inside’ initiative has worked diligently to encourage families to visit our state parks and forests, reconnect with the outdoors and enjoy nature together,” the Governor said. “This purchase is a win-win for all involved.”

            Buying Sunrise Resort will help protect multiple species, both endangered and of special concern, including two rare invertebrates and four significant plant species. The undeveloped intertidal riverfront of the Salmon River basin fosters Connecticut’s most pristine streams, areas that have so far escaped the effects of development and urban sprawl. The river is a top trout stream and a federal Atlantic salmon restoration site.

            “Purchasing Sunrise Resort is a perfect example of the Department of Environmental Protection’s Green Plan, which focuses on making more strategic land purchases targeting quality as well as quantity,” said DEP Commissioner Gina McCarthy. “It also exemplifies the spirit of Governor Rell’s Responsible Growth initiative by focusing state resources on the preservation of a unique part of Connecticut’s landscape that is rich in natural resources and supports recreational opportunities that have helped define the character of the surrounding community.”

            Sunrise Resort dates to 1916 when Henry Engle owned a 3-acre property named “Elm Camp.” The resort grew under a succession of owners. It was purchased in 1986 by the Johnson family when Dot and Frank Davis retired.

            The state is purchasing the site from Bob Johnson for $3.2 million. Approximately $1.85 million of the funding for the purchase is coming from the Recreation and Natural Heritage Trust, a program funded by the state Bond Commission and administered by DEP to purchase lands to be added to the State Park and Forest system.

            The DEP has also received $1,091,879 in Land and Water Conservation Funds from the U.S. Department of the Interior toward the purchase. Additional funding of $250,000 came from the George Dudley Seymour Trust, which was created by the noted New Haven lawyer and urban planning visionary to help the state purchase lands for public recreation.

            DEP intends to incorporate Sunrise into the adjacent Machimoodus State Park. The DEP anticipates operating some of the resort’s amenities in the summer of 2009, including the large swimming pool. A full opening of the resort will require a private partner and capital investment in the infrastructure. DEP is seeking partnership opportunities to reopen the resort for full use in the future.

 Background on Sunrise Resort

            The resort began in 1916 as Elm Camp when Henry Engle completed the Main Bungalow by installing electric lights, telephone and a water system. In the early 1920’s, Ted Hilton partnered with Engle. Beginning in 1925, the owners began to expand the camp, adding two bungalows and more sleeping and dining areas.

            In 1927 the Hilton family purchased the property from Henry Ingle, and over the next several decades expanded the camp further under a number of names. Cabins were built to accommodate as many as 500 overnight guests. More land was acquired along with construction of a Horse Barn, tennis courts and a handball court.

            Dot Lindvall – who had served Ted Hilton as Office Manager – and Frank Davis purchased the resort in 1965. Bob Johnson signed on as Office Manager.

            In 1986, the Johnson family took ownership.