The Unique Seaside State Park in Connecticut

Did you know that Connecticut has a state park that was once the site of an old tuberculosis hospital? Seaside State Park in Waterford, Connecticut is the former site of the Seaside Sanatorium, which was a nationally recognized tuberculosis hospital. It has only been a state park since 2014, making it the state’s newest state park.

Getting There

The park is located on Shore Road in Waterford, Connecticut, only a couple miles from the more popular Harkness Memorial State Park. It’s easily accessible by car. You’ll take I-95 to get here. Depending on where you’re coming from, you can get off the highway in New London or Waterford.

There’s no fee to park here. There isn’t what you’d consider an actual parking lot here. You’ll see a sign for the entrance to the park and you’ll just park either by the building or opposite it. There isn’t a ton of parking at the park.

History of Seaside Sanatorium

Seaside Sanatorium was a medical center for the heliotropic treatment of children with tuberculosis. Heliotropic therapy included exposure to sunlight and breezy, fresh air typical of the oceanfront. The treatment was nationally innovative at the time. The facility was architecturally and environmentally great. It was the first facility of its kind in the United States.

The facility included 195 beds, a school, cafeteria, and dormitories. Children practiced sports, took lessons, enjoyed music, and relaxed at the waterfront. Most stayed for 6 to 12 months or less. The sanatorium was in operation until 1958. The facility closed due to advances medical innovations, such as antibiotics and mobile x-ray machines.

After it was closed, the buildings were repurposed. From 1959-1961, the campus was a Geriatric Center. From 1961-1996, the Connecticut Department of Developmental Services used buildings for its new regional center. The property was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1995. In 2014, it was declared a Connecticut State Park.

About The Architecture

The buildings were designed by the nationally known architect Cass Gilbert.  He designed the Woolworth Building (1908–13) in New York City and the United States Supreme Court Building (completed 1935) in Washington, D.C. He was hired with the intention of making the campus look more elegant and domestic instead of institutional and hospital-like.

The buildings on the grounds are Tudor Revival-style instructional architecture. They’re really quite beautiful. Unfortunately, the buildings have been sitting unused since 1996 and they’re in rough shape now. Not only are they damaged, but they’re also covered in graffiti (some quite vulgar). People have been advocating to save these buildings for years, but the renovations that are needed have been estimated to require tens of millions of dollars.

Visiting The park

The park isn’t large, but if you enjoy coastal views and architecture, it’s absolutely worth a visit. There are some walking paths, beaches, picnic tables, spots to fish, and of course, the buildings to check out during your visit.

The Beaches

There are multiple small beaches at the park. While you can’t swim at the beaches, you absolutely can sit on the beach and enjoy the coastal breeze and views. I enjoy watching the sunset from the beaches in the cooler months.

The Buildings

The buildings are worth checking out as they’re what make this park so unique. Some of the buildings are fenced off, but others aren’t so you can get a bit of a closer look at them. As someone who really enjoys architecture, these are probably my favorite feature of the park. And since they’ve been abandoned for almost two decades, they’re hauntingly beautiful.

While some of the buildings aren’t fenced in, you cannot go inside the buildings. Not only is it unsafe, but it’s also illegal. Admire the buildings from outside for your safety and to stay out of trouble.

Birding

Seaside State Park is a great spot for birding, specifically coastal birds. Ospreys nest here in the warmer months. There’s actually a nest on top of one of the buildings!

You’ll often see the ospreys flying overhead or perched in the trees of the park. If you’re lucky, you might even catch them fishing in the ocean.

The Future of the Park

As of right now, there are plans to tear down the historic buildings, but adding historic interpretive elements regarding past uses of the site. They’re also planning on developing the park a bit more by adding restrooms, picnic areas, and walking trails. Additionally, they plan to improve the shoreline area and parking area.

This plan was announced in 2023, but I have not seen anything done yet. I’m sure that’s partially because many people are still fighting to save the buildings on the property because of their historical significance. Only time will tell what will happen with the park.

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