This weekend marks the begining of the state's sales tax being collected on parking fees at some of the 25 state parks where visitors are charged for parking.  Starting today, the 6.35 percent tax will be collected at shoreline parks Sherwood Island, Hammonasset and Rocky Neck. 

Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Deputy Commissioner Susan Whalen is asking that visitors try to have exact change.

The requirement was tucked into the state budget signed by Governor Malloy June 30th.  22 other parks that charge for parking, including Squantz Pond in New Fairfield, Kettletown in Southbury, and Kent Falls will start charging tax in the coming weeks.

Kent Falls State Park, Lake Waramaug State Park and Campground in Kent, Mount Tom State Park in Litchfield, and Kettletown State Park and Campground in Southbury will start charging $9.58 for cars registered in Connecticut and $15.96 for cars registered in other states.  The fee is only charged on weekends and holidays.  Mount Tom will also charge in state cars $6.39, and $10.64 for out of state vehicles on weekdays.

On weekends and holidays, Squantz Pond State Park in New Fairfield will charge $13.83 for cars registered in Connecticut, and $23.40 for cars registered in other states.  On weekdays, the parking fee is $9.58 for cars registered in Connecticut and $15.96 for cars registered in other states.  Seven days a week, after 4pm the fee is $6.39 and $7.45 respectively.