OEC

Outdoor Education Center (OEC)

Located in East Lyme, CT. Open to the Yale Community and East Lyme Residents. 

The OEC is closed for the season. We will reopen in mid-June of 2026. 

Closed

OEC Memberships, Day-Use Passes, & Guests

Definition
A Day-Use Visitor is an individual or group of individuals who do not possess an OEC Membership.
Sponsor & Size Limit

At least one member of the party must qualify as a Yale Faculty/Staff, Yale New Haven Hospital Employee (not Yale New Haven Health Employee), Yale Retiree, Yale Alumni or East Lyme/Niantic Resident and may serve at the party’s sponsor.

In total the size of the party cannot exceed eight (8) individuals. 

For example, if you are a current Yale Student you may sponsor up to (seven) 7 individuals with you to enjoy the OEC for the day.
Access to the OEC

Day-Use Passes provide one-day access to the OEC.  

If the party sponsor or OEC Member exits the OEC, then the entire party must leave as well.
What’s Included Parking, access to the waterfront (including swimming and paddelcraft), picnic areas/grills, and activity cabin.

Day-Use Pass Fees: Summer 2025

Children 5 years of age or younger Free
Individuals 6 years of age or older Advanced Purchase: $12/person
On-Site Purchase: $15/person
Guests of OEC Members

Advanced or On-Site Purchase: $10/person

A benefit of OEC Membership is that they may sponsor guests a Day-Use visitor at reduced fee.

General Information

Access Memberships provide access for the current OEC Season. 
Individual Memberships Individual Memberships provide access for the individual use only.  
Family Memberships

Family Memberships provide access for the family use only.
 

At least one parent/guardian must qualify as a Yale Student, Yale University Faculty/Staff, Yale New Haven Hospital Employee (not Yale New Haven Health Employee), Yale Alumnus/Alumna, Yale Retiree or East Lyme/Niantic Resident. 

Family is defined as 2-parent/guardians and 4-dependents 17 years of age or below.
Guests Guest Passes must be purchased for any additional guests. In total, the party cannot exceed 8 individuals. (Including the family members.)
Membership Benefits

Access during all operating hours throughout the season.

Discounted rates for Guest Passes.
What’s Included

Parking, access to the waterfront (including swimming and paddle-craft), picnic areas/grills, and activity cabin.

Members may also sponsor guests . 

Membership Fees: Summer 2025

Eligibility  Individual Season 
Membership prorated		 Family Season 
Membership prorated
Yale Students $55 $87.50
Yale University Faculty/Staff
& Yale New Haven Hospital Employees
(not Yale New Haven Health Employees)		 $75 $112.50
Yale Alumni & Yale Retirees $75 $112.50
East Lyme, CT
Residents		 $75 $112.50

Q: What is a MyRec Account? How do I obtain one?

A: must be eligible and have a MyRec account to purchase an OEC Membership or Day-Use Pass online. If you do not have a MyRec account, please schedule an appointment with our Membership Services Team.  Click Here to Schedule an Appointment. East Lyme/Niantic residents please email oec@yale.edu to setup a MyRec account.

Q: I have a MyRec account, how do I make an online purchase?

A: If you have a MyRec account, click on either link below to completed your purchase.

Purchase an OEC Membership

Purchase an OEC Day-Use Pass 

Q: Can I purchase Day-Use Passes on-site

A: Yes, the OEC Gatehouse accepts cash, check, or debit/credit cards for Day-Use Passes. (Cash transactions cannot exceed more than $20/transaction.)

Purchase an OEC Day-Use Pass

To purchase an OEC Day-Use Pass you must have a MyRec account.  OEC Members purchase Day-Use passes for their guests may use this link as well. 

Purchase an OEC Day-Use Pass

OEC Site Location & Map

The OEC is located at 297 Upper Pattagansett Road, East Lyme, CT, only 42 miles from New Haven via I-95 north.

Click Here for Google Map Location.

View the Site Map

View the Trail Map

Welcome to the Goodwin and Partners Trails

This trail system is a collaborative initiative between Yale University, the Town of East Lyme, and the State of Connecticut, designed to provide the public with access to preserved natural spaces and scenic walking paths.

Trail Overview

  • The White Trail: Named the Goodwin Trail, this route honors Dick Goodwin, a former professor at Connecticut College who was a dedicated advocate for the preservation of open space.
  • The Blue-and-White Trail: Known as the Partners Trail, this path celebrates the partnership that made this trail system possible.

Trail Features

  • Open Year-Round: Enjoy the trails in every season.
  • Historic Pathways: Much of the trail follows old woods roads once traveled by horses and wagons.
  • Stone Walls: Numerous historic stone walls mark the remnants of pastures and farmland from the 1800s and early 1900s.
  • Aunt Ruth’s Turnpike: A portion of the Goodwin Trail follows this abandoned Town road, running from Upper Pattagansett Road to Walnut Hill Road.
  • Birdwatching Haven: Over 120 species of birds have been identified along the trail.

Trail Rules

  • 🚫 No campfires
  • 🚫 No camping
  • 🚫 No motorized vehicles
  • 🚫 No hunting
  • 🐕 Dogs must be leashed
  • 🚶‍♂️ Please stay on the trail
  • 📞 Emergency? Dial 911

🚗 Parking at Darrow Pond

To access the trail from Darrow Pond:

  1. Take Route 161 to Mostowy Road.
  2. Turn left onto Mostowy Road.
  3. After approximately ¼ mile, turn left at 16 Mostowy Road.
  4. Follow the access drive to the top for parking.

🐜 Tick Safety & Lyme Disease Awareness

Ticks are common in this region, and Lyme Disease is a known risk. Please take precautions to protect yourself:

  • Use insect repellent that contains DEET.
  • Tuck your pants into your socks to reduce skin exposure.
  • Avoid lying on the ground or walking through brush or tall grass.
  • Check yourself for ticks when you return home.

For more information, visit the CDC’s Lyme Disease page: