Where is the parks and recreation department?
The Parks and Recreation office is on the second floor of Town Hall. Hours are 8 to 4. For general information, call 622-7814.
For what facilities do I need a pass?
Park/Beach Passes are needed primarily for access to Greenwich beaches (Greenwich Point and Byram Park) during certain times of the year. From May 1 through Oct. 31 only vehicle permits for residents and vehicle fees for visitors are required for arrival before 7 a.m. and after 5 p.m. A park pass or guest card/ticket and a vehicle permit/parking pass will be required between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. From Nov. 1, 2007 through April 30, 2008, no fees will be charged to enter Greenwich Point and Byram Park.
Applications are available at the Park Pass Office in Town Hall from 8 to 3:45. Single visit guest and parking tickets only may also be bought at the Eastern Greenwich Civic Association from 9 to 5, beginning May 1. For complete information, call the Beach Card Office at 618-3019 or check the Parks and Recreation Web page at greenwichct.org.
What recreational parks are in town?
There are many parks in Greenwich. Some of the larger parks are listed below. A complete listing, including facilities and directions may be found on the town Web site at greenwichct.org.
The 22-acre
Binney Park on Sound Beach Avenue and Arch Street offers a skating pond, outdoor concert area, tennis courts, walking trails, picnic tables, a gazebo, playground, rest rooms, ball fields, and seasonal water fountains. It is a scenic park and popular for wedding photos. Memorial Rock was dedicated in 1955 to the memory of servicemen and women of Old Greenwich, Riverside, and North Mianus. The park is also the site of an annual sailboat regatta.
The scenic
Bruce Park, on Steamboat Road, is the site of the Bruce Museum. The 60-acre park offers a rose garden, two lakes, tennis courts, a picnic area, rest rooms, a fitness circuit, horseshoe pits, ball field, and playground. There is also a marked and measured trail for walking, jogging, or cycling.
Pemberwick Park is at the corner of Pemberwick Road and Moshier Street in western Greenwich. It is open year round from dawn to dusk with a supervised playground in July and August. There is no parking lot. The park offers a ball field, tennis and basketball courts, a playground, picnic area, and nature trails.
What passive parks are in town?
One of the largest is
Babcock Preserve, one-half mile north of the Merritt Parkway between North Street, where the entrance is, Lower Cross Road and Lake Avenue. The park encompasses nearly 300 acres, has 11 trails, and is open for hiking, walking, jogging, cross-country skiing, picnicking and horseback riding from dawn to dusk. No camping or trail bikes.
Laddins Rock Sanctuary is an 18-acre natural woodland on the north side of Highmeadow Road. Parking is available along the road and the sanctuary is open from dawn to dusk.
The Mianus River & Natural Park is on Cary Road on the Greenwich/Stamford line. Its 110 acres are open during daylight hours. There are trails for walking, jogging, hiking, and horseback riding. Fishing is allowed with a state license. This is a great park for bird watching. There are parking lots on Cognewaugh Road in Greenwich and Merribrook Lane in Stamford.
Roger Sherman Baldwin Park, on Arch Street near the railroad and I-95, is a small waterfront park with a view of Greenwich Harbor and Long Island Sound. Primary activities are picnicking and bird watching, although outdoor concerts and theater productions are offered in summer. Here, too is the Ferry Terminal offering rides to Island Beach and Great Captain’s Island. Also at the park is Greenwich Skatepark (see below).
Edward Schongalla Nature Preserve runs along both sides of MacArthur Drive in Riverside. The 28 acres are open dawn to dusk for walking, hiking, nature study, and bird watching. Park on MacArthur Drive between Florence Road and Halsey Drive.
Montgomery Park and Pinetum is on Bible Street in Cos Cob and is home to the Greenwich Garden Center. The entrance is opposite Clover Place. A map and tree guide are available at the center for the tree identification walk and many trails throughout the property. One path in particular takes you to the Greenwich Audubon Society’s Mildred Bedard Caldwell Wildlife Sanctuary.
Are there any wildlife sanctuaries in town?
The
Audubon Center in Greenwich manages six properties in town devoted to wildlife and nature. They include the main Audubon Center at 613 Riversville Road, with 285 acres of woodland, wetland, and meadow habitat. Other properties include the
Fairchild Wildflower Garden on North Porchuck Road, Greenwich;
Gimbel Sanctuary on Sherwood Avenue, Greenwich;
Oneida Drive Sanctuary, Oneida Drive and Indian Harbor Drive, Greenwich;
Mildred Caldwell Sanctuary of Walden Woods, Bible Street, Cos Cob; and
Wood Duck Swamp, Carissa Lane, Greenwich. For information on visiting these sites, call Audubon Greenwich at 869-5272.
For locations and trail maps, see Walking Trails in Greenwich and Surrounding Areas available in the center’s Nature Store.
What beaches are in town?
A point of pride for Greenwich is its collection of beaches along Long Island Sound. Beaches are open year round, but Park/Beach Passes are required from May 1 through Oct. 31. Lifeguards are on duty from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend from 10 to 6.
Greenwich Point on Shore Road in Old Greenwich, also known as Tod’s Point, is open from 6 a.m. to sunset. There are lockers, bicycle racks, a concession stand, rest rooms and showers, first aid station, picnic tables, grills, and water fountains. In addition to swimming, sunbathing, and boating, the park is popular with hikers, joggers, and fishermen. There is a network of trails throughout the park and a Secret Garden. The Seaside Center of the Bruce Museum and the Old Greenwich Yacht Club can also be found here.
Byram Beach/Pool at the corner of Rich Avenue and Byram Shore Road offers the only public pool in town. The pool is open from the Saturday before Memorial Day through Labor Day. There are set-aside times for family swim, adult swim, and senior swim. In addition to the beach and pool, there are ball fields (one lighted), tennis courts, rest rooms, a water fountain, picnic tables, and playground. The park is also home to the Byram Shore Boat Club. For boaters, there are 300 slips for small boats, a launching ramp, lockers for boating gear, and a dry dock area.
Great Captain Island is accessible by ferry from the landing at Roger Sherman Baldwin Park on Arch Street in central Greenwich. Ferry service is available June 9 through Sept. 9. The 17-acre island offers a beach area, boat mooring, rest rooms, and water fountains. There is also a conservation area.
Island Beach is in Long Island Sound two miles south of Greenwich Harbor. Summer access is by ferry from Roger Sherman Baldwin Park. The ferry runs June 9 through Sept. 16. There are designated swimming and boating areas, dressing rooms, rest rooms, picnic tables, grills, a snack bar and covered shelters. It is one of the town’s oldest public parks.
May I take my dog to the beach?
Dogs are allowed into parks and on the beach from Dec. 1 through March 31. All dogs must be on a leash. (See the Animal section for Greenwich Dog Park.)
Does the town check the beach for safety?
The health department tests the beaches weekly during swimming season. You may check online at greenwichct.org to see if a beach is open or closed.
Are there any public marinas?
Four marinas are available to residents from April 15 through Nov. 15. You may sign up at the boating desk (618-7651) at the Department of Parks and Recreation. Each boat requires a Facilities Use Permit. Slip charges are based on the beam of each boat.
The
Byram Marina in Byram Park has 300 slips for smaller vessels and outwater mooring space for about 100 ships up to 36 feet of overall length with drafts up to seven feet. Call the dockmaster’s office at 532-9019.
The
Cos Cob Marina is on River Road and has about 300 slips. For information, call 618-9698.
The
Grass Island Marina on Shore Road has 150 slips for boats up to 22 feet in length and outwater mooring space for about 50 vessels up to 36 feet long with drafts up to five feet. Call 618-9695.
The
Greenwich Point Marina is in Greenwich Point Park. There is outwater mooring for about 250 boats up to 36 feet long with up to seven-foot drafts. There is also rack storage for about 250 canoes, kayaks, and other small boats. Call 698-7792 for details.
What if I just want to launch my boat?
Once you have purchased a yearly Boat Facility Use Permit at Town Hall, you may launch your boat at Greenwich Point, Cos Cob Marina, Grass Island Marina, or Byram Marina.
Is there anywhere to have a clambake?
There are special clambake areas set aside at Byram Beach and Greenwich Point. Permits are required. At Byram Beach there is a shelter with four stone barbecue grills, nine metal grills, and 27 wood and metal picnic tables. At Greenwich Point there is also a clambake area with rest rooms. Reservations are required on the weekends from April through October. Call 622-7824.
May I rent a park for a group outing?
The following areas are available for group rentals: Greenwich Point Clambake Area, Greenwich Point Cowbarn Area, Byram Park Clambake Area, Bruce Park, and the Pinetum. Permits are required. For information, call Parks and Recreation at 622-7814.
Are there any community centers?
The
Western Greenwich Civic Center (531-6273) at 449 Pemberwick Road, and the
Eastern Greenwich Civic Center (637-4583) at 90 Harding Road in Old Greenwich are open to a variety of groups that offer classes and programs. Both have spaces available for rent. Go to the town Web site, click on Parks and Recreation, and then “Facility-Based Programs.”
The
Byram Archibald Neighborhood Center, 289 Delavan Avenue, is a community center with an arts and recreation program, afterschool program, and vacation activities for children. It is also home to the ARCH School. Meeting spaces are available for rental. Call 531-1522.
The
Pemberwick and Cos Cob Community Centers are available for rent for family and social functions. Call 622-7830.
Where can I go inline skating?
The
Greenwich Skatepark (622-7830) is at Roger Sherman Baldwin Park on Arch Street. The park offers supervision for skateboarders and inline skaters 6 years old and older. Full protective gear is required. Children 6 to 9 must be accompanied by an adult. Clinics are offered. Birthday parties can be arranged. There is also a summer camp. Memberships/day passes required.
Where can I play golf?
The
Griffith E. Harris Memorial Golf Course on King Street in North Greenwich is the only public course in town. It offers an 18-hole course (nine of which were designed by Robert Trent Jones), pro shop, clubhouse, putting green, driving range, and restaurant and snack bar.
Use of the golf course is open to all Greenwich residents who become members. Members may bring guests. Memberships are $140 for adults, $85 for seniors, $95 for juniors, and $140 for full-time town employees. For information, call 531-7200. Weekday tee times may be reserved at the course (same day only) or by calling 531-8253. Weekend tee times may be reserved in advance. Greens fees are $21 for weekdays, $23 for weekends, with discounts for nine holes, junior golfers, and seniors.
There are a number of private courses in Greenwich including:
Burning Tree Country Club (869-9004/burningtreecc.org),
Fairview Country Club (531-6200/fairviewcountryclub.org),
Greenwich Country Club (869-1000),
Innis Arden Golf Club (637-6900/innisardengolfclub),
Millbrook Club (869-4540),
Round Hill Club (869-2350),
Stanwich Club (869-0555), and
Tamarack Country Club (531-7300/tamarackcountryclub.com).
May I camp at any of the town parks?
Camping is permitted on
Great Captains Island and
Island Beach from June 9 through Sept. 16. A permit from the Parks and Recreation Department is required. Reservations must be made in person at the Department of Parks and Recreation at least two weeks prior to the intended date, although reservations may be made as early as mid-January for the summer season. Proof of residency along with a $25 non-refundable reservation fee is required. No pets are allowed.
Where can I play tennis?
There are public tennis courts at
Binney Park, on Wesskum Wood Road in Old Greenwich;
Bruce Park, Bruce Park Drive;
Byram Shore Park on Ritch Avenue in Greenwich;
Christiano Park on Lyon Avenue in Greenwich;
Eastern Greenwich Civic Center, 90 Harding Road in Old Greenwich;
Loughlin Avenue Park in Cos Cob;
Pemberwick Park on Pemberwick Road in Greenwich;
Central Middle School on Indian Lane in Greenwich;
Eastern Middle School, 51 Hendrie Avenue in Riverside;
Western Middle School, Western Jr. Highway; and
Greenwich High School, 10 Hillside Road in Greenwich.
Tennis passes are required for all in-season play on town courts. Youth and adult clinics are offered. The season runs from May 7 through Aug. 10. Applications for tennis passes are available at Town Hall or online at greenwichct.org. Passes are $27 for adults, free for children ages 5 to 15, and seniors who hold a park/beach pass. Guest and day passes are also available. For information, call Frank Gabriele at 622-7821.
What about platform tennis?
Platform tennis courts are available on Loughlin Avenue in Cos Cob. Membership is required to play. Register at Parks and Recreation. The season runs from late October through early April.
Where can I play basketball?
There are courts at Pemberwick Park. The parks and recreation department offers corporate and resident men’s leagues during the winter. Call Frank Gabriele at 622-7821.
Are there any softball leagues?
Yes. There are Industrial Teams (composed of full-time employees of sponsoring Greenwich businesses) and Town League teams (composed of residents and past residents who qualify for exempt status). There is also a senior league. For details, call 622-7814.
What does the YMCA offer?
The
Greenwich Family Y at 50 East Putnam Avenue, Greenwich, offers a number of athletic, dance, and fitness programs. The Y offers a fitness center and free weight room, an indoor pool, a gymnasium, racquetball court, tennis courts, and sauna, steam and shower facilities. Special events are also offered. For information, call 869-1630. Visit the Web site at gwymca.org.
What about the YWCA?
The
YWCA Greenwich (869-6501/ywcagreenwich.org) at 259 East Putnam Avenue, Greenwich, is a multi-service organization that offers preschool and after-school programs, summer and vacation camps, women’s leadership and diversity programs, fitness and aquatics classes, gymnastics, dance, bridge, gallery exhibits and more. It includes a state-of-the-art fitness center, six-lane pool and tennis courts.
The YWCA’s Holistic Health Center & Spa offers a variety of wellness classes and services, including health and nutrition counseling, skin care, stress management, hypnotherapy, acupuncture, massage, meditation, and more.
Are there any running clubs in the area?
Threads and Treads, a sporting goods and apparel store at 17 East Putnam Avenue, sponsors a number of road races as well as the BMW Greenwich Cup Biathlon and BMW Greenwich Cup Triathlon throughout the year. For information, visit online at threadsandtreads.com or call 661-0142.
The
Lightfoot Running Club, based in Norwalk, offers a little social activity and a newsletter, but primarily the club runs races, sponsored by the Norwalk Parks and Recreation Department, every other weekend from late spring through the fall. For details, call president John Miller at 847-3091.
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?
The T
okeneke Road Club, 51 Tokeneke Road, Darien, is a road-racing team. For details, call 655-2600 or tokeneke.org.
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.
Where can I go cross-country skiing?
Babcock Preserve is particularly suited for cross-country skiing.
Where can I go ice skating?
For outdoor skating, the duck pond at
Binney Park is popular. The Department of Parks and Recreation has supervised skating from 2 to 5 on weekdays and 10 to 5 on weekends when it is safe.
For indoor skating, the
Dorothy Hamill Rink is on Skating Rink Road off Sherman Avenue in Byram. The rink is open from September to mid-March. Skating lessons, youth and men’s hockey leagues, hockey clinics, and general skating sessions are offered to Greenwich residents only.
Where can I go sledding?
One of the best sledding hills is near the playground at Byram Park.
Can I go clamming?
Yes, you may go shellfishing at Greenwich Cove and the Captain’s Islands pursuant to the rules and regulations set forth by the Shellfish Commission. For details, check online at greenwichct.org. Click on Commissions, then Shellfish Commission.
Where can I go fishing in town?
Fishing is available in public ponds and lakes, unless otherwise posted, if you have a state fishing license. Popular spots are Greenwich Point, Mianus River & Natural Park, and Grass Island. There is also a fishing pier on Steamboat Road. For privately owned ponds and lakes, permission from the owner must be obtained.
Aquarion offers fishing permits that allow access to reservoirs in Weston, Redding (including the Saugatuck), Monroe, and Shelton. Call 452-3510 for details.
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 dep.state.ct.us.
When does fishing season start?
You may fish year-round in Long Island Sound but for most inland locations, the season begins the third Saturday in April and continues through November.
Is there any hunting allowed in town?
Hunting is not allowed on any town property. You may hunt on private property. All hunters are required to have permission from the landowner when hunting on private lands. Verbal permission for the hunting of animals other than deer and turkey is sufficient.
Deer and turkey hunters must carry the written permission of the landowner for the current season on official DEP forms. A landowner must have a minimum of 10 acres to authorize the use of a rifle for deer hunting.
For further information on game law issues, bowhunting, or conservation, refer to the latest issue of the state Hunting and Trapping Guide, available at the town clerk’s office.
I don’t hunt but would like to open my land to hunters. Whom do I call?
You may call the
Greenwich Sportsmen
and Landowners Association. This group of landowners and local bow hunters will visit your property and see if it is safe to hunt on. If so, they can provide you with names of local hunters. Call John Michelotti at 629-8772 or Bob Delaney at 629-9374.
Where do I 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 (622-7897), call DEP at 860-424-3011, or visit the Web site at dep.state.ct.us.
Hunting regulations stipulate that hunting, shooting or carrying a loaded firearm within 500 feet of any building occupied by people or domestic animals is illegal. Hunting or shooting from or across the traveled portion of a public runway, or from motor vehicles, is also prohibited. Shooting toward a person, building or domestic animal when within range is illegal.
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, or go online to dep.state.ct.us.
Bowhunting deer seasons are from Sept. 15 to Jan. 31. Check the above Web site for shotgun dates.
The spring turkey season is May 2-26 on state or private land. Fall turkey bowhunting on state and private land runs from Sept. 15 to Nov. 13 and Dec. 19-31. Fall turkey firearms season is Oct. 6-31 on state and private land.
Hunting on Sunday is prohibited in Connecticut.
Who teaches firearms safety courses?
Try firearms dealers or call the state’s Conservation Education Firearms Safety office in Burlington at 860-675-8130.
© Copyright 2008 by Hersam Acorn Newspapers
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