Wilton Answer Book – Recreation

Where is the parks and recreation department?

The office is in the Comstock Community Center at 180 School Road, 834-6234. It is open 8:30 to 4:30. The department offers programs year-round for Wiltonians 18 months old to senior citizens. In the spring and fall, the department mails out free brochures detailing programs and activities to every home and business in town. Additional copies are available at the office in the Comstock Community Center. The department’s Web site is wiltonparksandrec.org.

What recreational parks are here?

Merwin Meadows on Lovers Lane is the swimming pond, picnicking and playground area. Season passes are required and cost $60 for a family and $30 for individuals (ages 18 and up). The resident walk-in fee is $5, free for senior citizens. Non-resident guests are welcome for a daily fee of $10 for adults, $5 for children 12 to 18 years old.

There’s also a beach, pond, and kiddy pool run by the Y at Kiwanis Park, 402 Danbury Road. Members are free to use it; guests pay a daily rate.

Allen’s Meadow on Route 7 has six athletic fields and the community gardens.

What passive parks are in Wilton?

Town parks offering scenic trails and other relaxing activities are:

• Town Forest near the intersection of Boas Lane and Branch Brook Road, 188 acres of walking and bridle trails and camping
• Bradley Park on Oakledge Lane, 83 acres of trails, boardwalk and wetlands
• Cherry Lane Park near intersection of Cherry Lane and Banks Drive, 50 acres, trails, a pond and picnicking
• Quarry Head near Ridgefield Road and Tanners Drive, 34 acres, trails, old quarry and scenic overlook
• Wild Duck Reserve on Wild Duck Road, 16 acres of trails and nature study
• Schenck’s Island on River Road, 17 acres of trails, picnicking and a river
• Horseshoe Park on Horseshoe Road, nine acres of trails, pond and birding

The Wilton Land Trust (wiltonlandtrust.org) holds conservation easements on more than 700 acres in Wilton. Those most accessible to the public include:

• Gregg and Belknap Preserves offer 150 acres of woodlands and meadows and connecting trails. See the land trust Web site for parking and trail directions.
• Marble/Van Haelewyn-Marianna Richards Preserve offers several miles of trails. There are a number of entrances. Check the land trust Web site for details.
• Harrison Smith Preserve abuts Quarry Head and together they comprise 60 acres of interconnecting trails for scenic hiking and horseback riding.
• Robert Hale Symonds Preserve offers 20 acres with scenic trails for horseback riding and hiking. Parking is along Vista Road and Bald Hill Road. Trail heads are opposite 58 Bald Hill Road and east of 54 Vista Road. It abuts the 37-acre town-owned Vista Road property through which two trails have been built.

Can I rent a field for a picnic and ball game?

The Parks and Recreation Department (834-6234) approves the renting of athletic fields for private interests. Wilton residents or firms may use most of the playing fields, basketball courts, tennis courts, and playgrounds for free.

There is a charge for using Merwin Meadows on Lovers Lane, since it has a swimming pond and requires supervision. You should make reservations for renting or using any athletic fields at least one month in advance.

Is there a guide to the local parklands?

There are online trail maps to a number of Wilton’s parks and the land trust’s properties. Visit the Conservation Commission page at wiltonct.org.

A Walker’s Guide to the Wilton Area covers all of the parklands, trails and natural areas in Wilton and surrounding towns, and has detailed maps. It’s for sale at the Conservation Commission office (563-0180) in the small building behind town hall, 238 Danbury Road. The Wilton Library at 137 Old Ridgefield Road in Wilton Center (762-3950) also sells the guide.

The library and Conservation Commission office sell an open space guide, Open Space Preserves of Wilton ($3), and Ferns and Flowering Plants of Wilton ($8.50).

Is camping allowed anywhere in town?

There are camp sites at Town Forest. The Conservation Commission behind the town hall issues camping permits. Call 563-0180 for information.

Are there any community gardens?

There are 20-foot by 25-foot plots at the Wilton Community Gardens at Allen’s Meadow. Sign-up begins in late February or early March. The cost is $35 for a single plot, $45 for a double. Plots are plowed and water is available on-site. For details, call Steve Pierce at 834-6234, ext. 6.

What is Ambler Farm?

Ambler Farm is on 22 acres in the heart of Wilton at 257 Hurlbutt Street. Owned by six generations of the Ambler-Raymond family, it was one of the few remaining farms in Wilton when it was purchased by the town in 1999. The rolling fields, meadows and historic buildings are to be preserved for educational programs, agriculture and rural activities. Several buildings, including the White Carriage Barn, have been renovated or restored and are available for educational programs, meetings and events by nonprofit organizations. An extensive calendar of events is online at the Web site amblerfarm.org. The grounds are continually being improved and developed. Agricultural activities have included an heirloom garden, a deer resistant garden, and two plots for herbs and sunflowers. There is also a farm stand that opens in late May for sales on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 10:30 to 5.

The grounds are open for strolling, bird watching, or contemplation from dawn to dusk daily. The Web site is amblerfarm.org.

What’s Weir Farm?

Weir Farm — Connecticut’s only national historic site — is on Nod Hill Road on the Wilton-Ridgefield town line and is run by the National Parks Service. The farm was the summer home of American painter J. Alden Weir (1852-1919) and believed to be a seminal site for the development of American Impressionism.

Today, as many artists come to the farm to interpret the landscape in their art medium as do people to walk the property. There are guided tours of the property, rotating art and history exhibitions, and visitors may follow a self-guided painting sites trail. Lectures and art classes are often offered. As of spring 2009, the Weir House, Weir Studio, and Young Studio were closed for restoration. For current information, call 834-1896 or visit nps.gov/wefa.

Adjacent to Weir Farm is the Weir Preserve, owned by The Weir Farm Art Center, which provides art-related programs at the farm and elsewhere. Weir Preserve offers 110 acres of hiking trails through fields and woodlands. There are also special programs throughout the year. For information, visit weirfarmartcenter.org.

What’s the Woodcock Nature Center?

At 56 Deer Run Road (off Nod Hill Road), the preserve has 130 acres and offers more than two miles of trails and a swamp boardwalk. There are frequent events for youngsters and families, including guided evening hikes, summer camps, crafts projects, and wildlife demonstrations. A building, which houses exhibits, live animals, and a gift shop is also available for nature-themed birthday parties and special events.

 The Nature Center building is open Monday through Friday from 9:30 to 4. Grounds and hiking trails are open dawn to dusk daily. Dogs are allowed on the trails but they must be kept on a leash. A free trail map may be downloaded from the Web site. For more information, call 762-7280 or visit woodcocknaturecenter.org.

Where can I go hiking?

Trails exist in all of the parks and open spaces in town (see earlier question on parks). Other areas in Wilton and neighboring towns include Weir Farm and the Weir Preserve off Nod Hill Road, the Woodcock Nature Center (70 acres with access to 143) off Deer Run Road, the Saugatuck Falls Natural Area in Weston/Redding, and Devil’s Den Preserve in Weston. For more suggestions, visit the Wilton Land Trust Web site at wiltonlandtrust.org.

Aquarion offers a hiking permit that provides access to the five-mile Saugatuck Nature Trail along the shore of the Saugatuck Reservoir, and 35 miles of scenic trails in Redding and Weston. Call the watershed management department at 452-3510.

Is there a jogging trail here?

The bike trail through Allen’s Meadow on Route 7 is also good for jogging and there’s the high school track right next door. Weir Farm on Nod Hill Road also has many wide hiking trails that can be used for jogging.

Are there any running clubs in the area?

The Waveny Running Club welcomes fitness runners at the intermediate level and advanced competitors. There is a weekly workout at Waveny Park in New Canaan from September to mid-June on Tuesday mornings at 9:20. Meet at Waveny Lodge near the paddle courts. For information, visit wavenyrunningclub.com or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

The Wolfpit Running Club organizes fun runs on Saturday and Sunday mornings at 8, in the Ridgefield Playhouse parking lot in Ridgefield. The club also sponsors a half-marathon each October as well as a number of other races throughout the year. For information, visit online at wolfpitrunningclub.org.

Are there any races in town?

Parks and Recreation runs the Hershey’s Track & Field Event for boys and girls 9 to 14 in late May, and the 5K Fourth of July Freedom Run Road Race, both at Wilton High School. Entry forms are online at wiltonparksandrec.org.

Each June brings the annual Georgetown Gallop 5K Fun Run, a sef-timed race and a short Kids K fun run. Call the Wilton Chamber of Commerce at 762-0567 for details or visit online at wiltonchamber.com.

The Wilton Chamber of Commerce sponsors a Halloween Hustle 5K Road Race the Sunday before Halloween starting and ending in Wilton Center. There is also a Kids K immediately following the 5K. For information, call the Chamber office at 762-0567.

Are there any parades in town?

The Memorial Day Parade is a popular parade, with many townspeople participating. Call the Chamber of Commerce at 762-0567 or the first selectman’s office at 563-0100 for details.

The chamber also sponsors an annual Halloween Parade in Wilton Center. Each fall, students stage a homecoming parade on and about Wilton High School.

Are there public tennis courts? Are there any special rules for their use?

Eight courts are on Route 7 next to the high school and four are behind Middlebrook School on School Road. Eight courts have lights. The last group to leave is asked to turn out the lights. No fees or passes are required. Call Parks and Recreation at 834-6234 for more information.

What private tennis clubs are in town?

The Four Seasons Racquet Club is on Route 7 (762-2423), and The Lake Club is on Thayer Pond Road (762-7646). Both require membership.

Where can I go swimming here?

There’s Merwin Meadows Park on Lovers Lane (see above under parks). 

The Wilton YMCA (762-8384) at 404 Danbury Road on Route 7 offers a 50-meter pool and a 25-yard pool. The Y also runs an outdoor pond at Kiwanis Park at 402 Danbury Road. Members are free to use it or guests may pay a daily rate.

What public beaches are on the Sound?

Sherwood Island State Park (226-6983) in Westport off I-95 has changing and eating areas, two large picnic grounds, space to play beach sports, and a concession stand in season. The park is open from 8 a.m. to sunset. There is a parking fee from Memorial Day through September. No pets allowed from April 15 through Sept. 30.

Is there an adult softball league in town?

The Parks and Recreation Department runs men’s, women’s, and co-ed softball leagues. Sign-up is in early March. Call Steve Pierce at 834-6234, ext. 6 for information.

How can I find out if a game or recreation program is canceled?

To find out the status of any Parks and Recreation event or program at any time of day, call the information line at 454-5188 and listen for a recorded message.

Where can I play basketball?

There are outdoor lighted basketball courts behind the Comstock Community Center and baskets in the parking lot at Cider Mill School. The Parks and Recreation Department (834-6234) runs adult leagues in the fall, winter, and summer and open recreation one night a week in the gym at the high school November through March. Call for information on passes.

What public golf courses are in the area, and how much does it cost to play?

Wilton does not have any public golf courses but neighboring towns do. In Norwalk, Oak Hills Golf Course (853-8400) is at 165 Fillow Street. The Ridgefield Golf Course (748-7008) is at 545 Ridgebury Road.

How can I join the local country club?

Rolling Hills Country Club (762-8381/rhcconline.com) is at 333 Hurlbutt Street in Wilton. To join, two members must sponsor you. For information, call Leda Mejia at 762-4600.

Are there any miniature golf courses in town?

The Wilton Family Y has an 18-hole course open to members with Wilton themes at its 404 Danbury Road location. Call 762-8384, ext. 279 for information. Birthday parties may be organized for Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Call 762-8384, Ext. 285 for information.

Is there an ice rink or public skating in town?

There is no rink and no public skating. Skating is not allowed on area reservoirs. However, there are many ponds in Wilton, like Horseshoe Pond in Wilton Center, where you may skate at your own risk.

Ridgefield has the Winter Garden ice rink on Prospect Ridge Road (438-4423/wintergardenarena.com). The skating center has many programs, including ice hockey for youths and adults, figure skating and open skate times.

The Darien Ice Rink (655-8251/darienicerink.com) has public sessions as well as skating school, skating parties, and hockey camp. Call for information or visit online.

The Danbury Ice Arena, 1 Independence Way, has two rinks and many programs including public sessions. Call 794-1704 or visit danburyice.com.

Where are some good places for sledding?

The flood plain area of Gillies Lane, off Deer Run Road, is good for sledding. Many people sled on a hill near Cider Mill School.

Where can I fly a kite?

You may fly a kite in public parks and fields such as those at local schools and the Parks and Recreation Center. Allen’s Meadow, just south of the high school on Route 7, is perhaps the best place for flying kites or model airplanes. When flying a kite, be careful of power lines and other high obstacles such as buildings, trees or bird nests.

Are mountain bikes allowed in open spaces?

Mountain bikes are legal at every park and open space in town, but officials ask bikers to exercise care to minimize damage to trails and grounds. A bike trail that starts at Olmstead Hill Road runs through Allen’s Meadow to Wolfpit Road. Elsewhere, mountain bikes are allowed at Cranbury Park in Norwalk, Huntington State Park in Redding, and Bear Mountain Reservation in Danbury.

Is there a helmet law for bicyclists?

Children age 15 and under must wear a helmet when bicycling in Connecticut.

Are there any cycling clubs in the area?

Sound Cyclists runs group rides throughout Fairfield County year round. There are special events, a newsletter, and members are entitled to discounts at more than a dozen area bicycle shops. For more information, visit soundcyclists.com.

Are there any scenic cycling routes?

The Connecticut Department of Transportation offers maps of multi-use trails throughout the state as well as a statewide bicycle map. You may download portions of the multi-use trails map from ct.gov/dot (click on Publications, Maps, Bicycle Maps) or you may purchase the 132-page Pathways through Connecticut for $9.95 online.

The Connecticut Bicycle Map is available free from the DOT. 

Is there yoga instruction?

Janice Wilcox (762-7020/yogajourneyinfo.com) specializes in kripalu yoga.

Yoga Shala (544-8811/theyogashalact.com) on Route 7 in Georgetown, offers ashtanga yoga classes and workshops.

The Wilton Family Y offers a variety of yoga classes. Call 762-8384 or visit online at wiltonymca.org.

Pirouette, Pilates & More (834-0482/pirouettepilatesandmore.com), 33 Danbury Road, offers yoga and tai chi.

Kindred Spirits (563-9781/kindredspiritscenter.com), 35 Danbury Road, offers yoga, reflexology, reiki, tai chi, and other services.

What local health clubs are available?

Parks and Recreation (834-6234) offers the Wilton Workout and other fitness programs at the Comstock Community Center. It includes cardio conditioning, strength conditioning, body sculpting, floorwork, and flexibility workouts.

The Wilton Y (762-8384/wiltonymca.org) at 404 Danbury Road (Route 7) offers a Health & Fitness Center featuring cardio and strength training equipment. There are also group exercise programs; youth, adult, and senior fitness programs; and wellness programs.

Physiology (544-8887/ This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) at 1047 Danbury Road is a personal training studio offering one-on-one training, nutritional counseling, and small group exercise classes.

The Bar Method (563-0051/barmethod.com) at 22 Center Street employs an hour-long class of strengthening exercises to burn fat and increase stamina, followed by stretches.

Anytime Fitness (210-7474/clubsanytime.com/wiltonct) at 84 Danbury Road offers personal training and physical evaluation as well as cardio and strength machines, free weights and other services.

Where can I go boating in town?

There are no public launch areas in Wilton but Ridgefield has state boat ramps at Lake Mamanasco on Mamanasco Road, and Pierrepont State Park on Barlow Mountain Road. Both roads are off Route 116. Gasoline engines are not allowed on these two bodies of water.

To the south, there are ramps on Long Island Sound at Calf Pasture Beach in Norwalk, Sherwood Island in Westport, and Jennings Beach in Fairfield. Candlewood Lake north of Danbury has several launches.

Are any streams good for canoeing?

Though Wilton has several lakes and ponds, there are not many streams or rivers available for canoeing. Near the Wilton/Norwalk border are some navigable sections of the Norwalk River along Route 7, particularly the two ponds behind U.S. Surgical Corp. The nearest sizable river is the Housatonic from New Milford north.

Is there a rowing club?

The Norwalk River Rowing Association offers youth and adult programs, instruction, and recreational and competitive activities. For information, call 299-5467 or visit norwalkriverrowing.org.

Where can I go fishing in town?

Fishing is available in all public ponds, lakes and rivers, unless otherwise posted. You need a license.

Area lakes and ponds include Blanchard Pond and Silvermine Pond in New Canaan (part of the Silvermine River), Mill Pond (Five Mile River) in New Canaan, and Millers Pond (Norwalk River) and Pierrepont Pond (Naraneka Lake) in Ridgefield. Trout streams include the Norwalk River and Silvermine Brook.

For privately owned ponds and lakes, permission from the owner must be obtained. State boat launches are available on Mamanasco Lake and Pierrepont Pond, both off Route 116 in Ridgefield.

Aquarion fishing permits allow access to reservoirs in Weston, Redding, Monroe, and Shelton. Call the watershed management department at 452-3510.

What kinds of fish can you catch here?

Brook trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, kokanee, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, chain pickerel, northern pike, striped bass, white perch, yellow perch, walleye, brown bullhead, channel catfish, whitefish are typical to the area, including Long Island Sound.

Check the Connecticut Angler’s Guide for descriptions of these fish and for which fish are safe to eat. Free copies of the guide may be found in the town clerk’s office in town hall.

Where do I get a fishing license?

Inland fishing licenses are $20 (free to seniors and the disabled) and are required for anyone 16 and older. They are available at the town clerk’s office and many tackle shops. Fishing licenses are not needed in the marine district unless you are taking lobsters or menhaden. For details, check the Connecticut Angler’s Guide, available free at the town clerk’s office or online at ct.org/dep.

Where can I go hunting in town?

You may not hunt at any of the public parks or property in town. You may hunt on private property, with permission, with a bow and arrow.

Deer hunters and turkey hunters must have the written permission of a landowner for the current season on official DEP forms. Copies must be carried while hunting. Verbal permission for hunting species other than deer and turkey is sufficient. State law prohibits hunting with, shooting, or carrying a loaded firearm within 500 feet of any building occupied by people or domestic animals, or used for storage of flammable material. Check the state hunting guide for more details.

Hunting is not allowed on Sunday.

What are the hunting seasons here?

Depending on the game, hunting seasons begin and end at different times. Check the latest state Hunting and Trapping Guide, available in the town clerk’s office, for details.

Bowhunting deer season on state land in bowhunting only areas is from Sept. 15 to Dec. 31. On private property the season is Sept. 15-Jan. 31.

The spring turkey season is May 6-30 on state or private land. Fall turkey bowhunting on state land runs from Sept. 15 to Nov. 17 and Dec. 23-31 The season for private land is Sept. 15 to Jan. 31.

What do I need to get a hunting license?

To obtain a hunting license, you must have had a resident license within the last five years or have proof of successful completion of a hunter safety course. A firearms hunting license costs $14, $3 for a junior (age 12 to 15) firearms hunting license. An archery license is $30, $13 for juniors. Hunting licenses may be purchased at town hall, archery licenses must be applied for by mail. Permits for hunting specific animals are extra. For details, consult the Connecticut Hunting and Trapping Guide, available free at the town clerk’s office (563-0106), call DEP at 860-424-3011, or visit the Web site at ct.org/dep.

Who teaches firearms safety courses?

Check with the town clerk’s office or call the Connecticut Conservation Education Firearms Safety Office at 860-675-8130.

Where can a person legally practice shooting?

There are no shooting ranges in Wilton but there’s Shooting Sports Limited Indoor Range (847-2767) at 4 New Canaan Avenue (Route 123) in Norwalk, and the Ramapoo Rifle & Revolver Club, 60 South Street, Ridgefield. Call 438-2095. The Wooster Mountain Shooting Range (794-9821) on Route 7 in Danbury has public programs like skeet and trap shooting.

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