Joseph, I have no idea how it works. All I know is I biked to East Rock twice this week, well after sunrise. Both times the gate to the parking lot was locked. So this is not a one-time error.

I don't see a reason to lock the gate to the parking lot at all, when there is a second gate that keeps anyone from driving to the summit.

I think there is some history of the parking lot (and the nearby "archery meadow" area) being used as a hookup place possibly mixed with illicit drug use. Not sure if that's been an issue in recent years, but most likely that's what started the practice of locking the parking lot at night.

That seems like a probable reason but not a good excuse.
Those doing the aforementioned activities will just find another spot.
But there is only one East Rock Park for people looking for a morning hike or run.

I quite agree.

Still an issue. Was closed after 7am today. Why?
New Haven needs to take lessons from other cities that know how to promote their public spaces. East Rock Park could be a great before-work hiking spot for residents and visitors.

Two gates are in place for a reason, so the lot can be open

Keep open, this needs discussion. We should be promoting the healthy use of our parks.

Sorry:

As we don't have a full time staff to review these comments they often fall through the cracks. There are two gates to allow us to open the parking lot during winter months when the internal drive is closed for safety reasons. The park, including the parking lot close at sundown so the second gate is there for that reason.

The gates are closed and opened by the police department. When there are calls for service sometimes they miss an opening or closing as public safety takes priority. Park staff serves as a backup for opening but do not start until 7am and have safety and equipment routines before they get on the road so that means its sometime 7:30 to 7:45 before the East Rock gate would be observed shut.