GLASTONBURY — Restricting public access to town-owned parks — an issue that arose this summer as crowds sought refuge in a limited number of destinations — violates people’s rights under U.S. and state laws, a legal opinion released Friday says.
Solicited by Glastonbury’s town council, the opinion by attorney Laurann Asklof centers on whether Cotton Hollow and Great Pond preserves are “public forums." For many years, the town has opened the preserves only to Glastonbury residents and their guests, except for fishing at certain times. The question of broader access emerged this summer after crowds overwhelmed Cotton Hollow, forcing the town to close the park for about a month.