It's a perfect green stay-cation destination.

There's no need to give up a great vacation just to economize. Webb Mountain Park offers accommodations for four at only $10 per night.

The park is the site of the only locally operated overnight tent campground in Fairfield County. The secluded tent spaces offer the beauty of New Hampshire or Vermont without the long, gas guzzling drive.

The park is within a short hike of Webb Mountain Discovery Zone, an outdoor learning center.

Walking through the 25 learning stations, visitors discover nature, science and history in an interactive setting.

There are picnic areas and everyone is welcome to sit quietly in the butterfly garden, forgetting meetings, deadlines, working smarter and harder with fewer resources, e-mail and cell phones.

The zone is a great place to reconnect. Even the family dog is welcome - on a leash.

Anglers can enjoy fishing at nearby Great Hollow Lake. This trophy pond is regularly stocked with 20 kinds of fish.

It also boasts 30 kinds of birds to watch, if the fish aren't cooperating.

Everyone can stretch out and enjoy the sun on the 700-foot, daily groomed beach in front of the lake.

Hunger is a problem easily solved with a very short walk to the concession stand and covered picnic area.

Anyone tired of traditional summer food like hot dogs needn't worry, this place serves panninis.

The trail around the 16-acre lake is three-quarters of a mile long. Benches and picnic tables nestled along the route provide rest from a walk or jog.

Like the rest of the grounds, the crew meticulously maintains the trail and obviously takes pride in their work.

They also care about the environment; millings chewed up from local road projects are recycled to "pave" steeper portions of the trail.

John and Maria Pane walk the trail often.

"We walk all over and this is by far the cleanest, best kept park," John told Voices. "They do a really great job here."

Bikes are welcome on the trail. The path is shady and peaceful, with a beautiful view of the water.

Or, for a bird's eye view of Lake Zoar, bikers can ride the Paugusset Trail near Webb Mountain Park.

Boats are welcome in both lakes, small ones in Great Hollow and bigger boats in Zoar.

Swimmers who prefer pools to lakes only need to drive a short way to Wolfe Park. The six lane, 25-meter in-ground pool includes bathhouses and showers and, for the wee ones, a kiddie pool.

It's set in the middle of tennis and basketball courts and baseball and softball fields.

There's ample parking in the main lot with a sticker from the Park and Recreation Department from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

The town allows cars without stickers to park in one of the overflow lots in the area.

Costumed characters like Barney, Dora and Scooby Doo entertain kids and give parents a chance to rest on Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. at Great Hollow Lake.

Cameras are welcome because these celebrities like having their photos taken with fans.

Diners can purchase food at the lake or bring it in. The fun includes golf cart rides around the lake, paddle boats and a moonbounce for only $1.

In case of rain, the characters appear on Thursday evening; call 203-339-6106.

Sunday nights, there are concerts at 7 p.m. and Mondays mean entertaining lunches for kids, including hula dancers and musical storytelling.

Whether it's for a week, a weekend, a day or just a few hours, the Parks and Recreation link at www.monroect.org is a great resource for information, reservations and paying online.

David Freedman, director of the Parks and Recreation Department, is proud of the online system, saying it benefits customers and helps his department by limiting the amount of cash handled and tracking use.

That information and his MBA, "allow me to look at the business side of the fun we do."

Hired last September, Mr. Freedman continues to build on the already successful program started by his predecessor, Ronald Wallisa.

Currently, revenue from activities helps fund 40 percent of the money needed to run the programs and Mr. Freedman hopes to bring that number to 60 percent in three to five years.

So, for a vacation that is as economically, ecologically and educationally sound as it is fun, take the family to Monroe.

And leave the cell phone at home.