New Canaan Answer Book
Recreation
Apr 23, 2007

What local parks are there? What do they offer?

The largest park in town is the 300-acre Waveny Park on South Avenue. It is the former estate of the Lapham family. New Canaan Recreation Department (594-3600) has its offices on the second floor of Waveny House. The office is open weekdays from 8:30 to 4:30. The office has some extended hours in the spring to accommodate the sale of photo IDs. Recreation permit forms can be downloaded from the recreation department Web page at newcanaan.info. The department maintains a field hotline: 594-3610.

The 250-acre Waveny Park includes ball fields, platform tennis courts, soccer fields, picnic areas, cross country trails, and the town pool. It is a great spot for picnics and nature walks. Waveny House is available to local non-profit organizations and residents for meetings and other events.

Other buildings on the property include the Waveny Art Center, the Carriage Barn Arts Center, The Powerhouse Theater, and the Lapham Community Center. Enter at South Avenue or Lapham Road.

Mead Memorial Park is a 24-acre park near the intersection of Mead and Park Streets. There are four baseball fields, a pond for skating and fishing, a batting cage, horseshoe pits, a playground and tennis courts. Mead Park Lodge offers handicap-accessible bathrooms, a full-service snack bar, and tables.

Kiwanis Park is on Old Norwalk Road and is open from June to Labor Day. It includes a large pond for swimming and sunbathing and is the site of many camps during the summer months. There also is a playground, snack bar, restrooms, and picnic area. Admission is by permit, available from the recreation department.

Mill Pond Park is at the corner of East and Millport Avenues and includes a large pond for skating and fishing.

Ed Dixon Memorial Park is a small park on Hoyt Street with a playground.

Bristow Bird Sanctuary on Old Stamford Road offers a quiet spot to walk on wooded trails and enjoy nature.

Irwin Park, New Canaan’s newest, encompasses 36-acres at the intersection of Weed Street and Wahackme Road.

Spencer’s Run is a 1.5-acre area where dogs may run off-leash and play with their canine friends. It is near the Lapham Road entrance to Waveny Park. All dogs must wear a town dog license and a current rabies tag.
Except for Spencer’s Run, dogs must be leashed in all parks.

What recreational facilities can I use in town without joining something?

Town facilities are open to the public without membership or paid permits, unless otherwise noted, such as platform tennis and the pool. There are playgrounds at the three public elementary schools, on Hoyt Street, and in Mead Park. Playing fields are at schools and in Mead and Waveny Parks.

Where can I go swimming?

New Canaan’s community pool in Waveny Park will open for the season June 2. The 50-meter pool has lap lanes, a diving well, and handicap access. There is also a kiddie pool, dressing rooms, showers, lifeguard first aid station, and snack bar. Swimming lessons are offered to children age 4 and up.

Photo ID passes for residents are required and are available for sale at the recreation office. For details, call 594-3600 or visit online at newcanaan.info.

There is also a swimming pond in Kiwanis Park, open early June through late August. Photo IDs are required and available at the recreation office. Call 594-3600.

The New Canaan YMCA (966-4528), 564 South Avenue, has two indoor pools for its members and offers many swimming programs, including competitive teams.

Are there any swim teams?

The recreation department sponsors a Waveny Pool Swim Team open to children who are pool pass holders. Tryouts are in mid-June, with practices on weekday mornings from late June to late July. There is also a synchronized swimming program for boys and girls, 7 to 13, at Waveny Park. Participants must be able to swim one length of the pool and be comfortable underwater. Call 594-3600 for details.

The New Canaan YMCA also has several competitive swim teams. Call 966-4528.

Where can I play tennis?

New Canaan High School has six all-weather tennis courts at the far end of the high school track. They are open dawn to dusk year round. Use of the courts is free to town residents.

Mead Park has eight Har-Tru courts, two lighted for night play, which are open from May to October. Photo IDs are required, available at the recreation department. Permits are $85 for adults, $45 for those 62 and older, $20 for those 17 and under. Guest permits are $5. There are also an all-weather court and practice court available all year. No permit is required. Call 594-3600 for information.

Four platform tennis courts are also available at Waveny Park, from fall through spring. Permits, available from the recreation department, are $110 for a family, $60 for adults, $40 for seniors and $15 for players age 17 and younger if they wish to reserve a court, otherwise children may play for free.

Who offers children’s sports?

The New Canaan Recreation Department (594-3600) offers a variety of sports for children, including soccer, baseball, T-ball, flag football, paddle tennis, and field hockey, as well as golf and tennis lessons.

The New Canaan YMCA (966-4528) offers basketball, gymnastics, tae-kwon-do, flag football, baseball, golf, squash and racquetball instruction, as well as swimming and diving instruction.

New Canaan Baseball offers baseball and softball opportunities to boys and girls from second grade to 13 years of age. For more information, call Jim Mase at 273-5707 or e-mail jimmase@aol.com. The club’s Web site is newcanaanbbsb.com.

Darien Little League Challenger division is open to players 5 to 18 with disabilities from Darien and New Canaan. Call 656-3610.

New Canaan Girls Softball offers youth leagues for New Canaan girls in second through ninth grades. Call Mike Grannon at 966-6964 or e-mail mgrannon@nybooks.com.

The New Canaan Soccer Association has travel teams which are open to children ages 9-14. Open tryouts are held at the beginning of the season and the schedule includes practices, weekend games and, when possible, a tournament. For information, call Kim Persky at 966-7053 or visit online at newcanaansoccer.org.

The Fairfield County Football League offers flag and tackle programs for boys and girls in New Canaan. For information, visit online fairfieldcountyfootball.org or call Laura Budd at 966-3515 or e-mail buddsct@optonline.net.

New Canaan Flag Football League is coordinated by Phil Davis. Call 972-7722  or e-mail pdavis@domcamermedia.com.

The New Canaan Lacrosse Association kicks off its yearly programs in late winter for boys and girls in first through eighth grade. A fall ball program, which stresses training and development, begins in September. For information, call Richard Boland at 966-5159 or visit nclax.org. The association hotline is 352-3265.

The New Canaan Basketball Association offers league play and instruction to aspiring hoopsters. Travel teams, open to boys and girls in fifth through eighth grade, compete against squads from Fairfield and Westchester Counties. Instructional clinics take place throughout the season and during holiday breaks. For information, call Joe Sinclair at 972-8030 or visit online at ncbahoops.org.

The New Canaan Winter Club (966-4280) on Frog Town Road is home to many local travel ice hockey teams, from youth to adult level.

The New Canaan Wrestling Club holds practices for students in grades 5-8 from December to March. There are matches with other schools and some weekend tournaments. For information, call Randy Meadows at 972-6618. Watch The Advertiser in the fall for sign-ups.

Are there any rowing clubs?

New Canaan Crew is a club sport at the high school with about 80 boys and girls who row at the Sono Wharf in Norwalk. There are spring and fall competitive seasons and a winter workout season. For information, call Hank Ellett at 966-7540 or e-mail hellett@aol.com. Visit online at newcanaancrew.com.

The Maritime Rowing Club is a masters program that also operates out of the Sono Wharf, opposite the Maritime Center. The coaching staff is the same as at New Canaan Crew. It has programs for experienced rowers as well as learn-to-row programs for beginning adult. There are competitive and recreational programs. The boathouse includes a fully equipped fitness center and is open year round. Applications and more information may be found at maritimerowing.com. You may also call 854-5492 or e-mail mcrowing@aol.com.

The Norwalk River Rowing Association (866-0080) offers instructional, recreational, and competitive programs for youths and adults. Visit norwalkriverrowing.org.

Is there a recreation program for special needs children?

A recreation department program enables New Canaan children with special needs to participate in instructional and recreational programs around town. Activities range from cookouts, sports activities, and arts and crafts to field trips. Call 594-3600 or Betsy Stack at 254-9654.

The New Canaan YMCA offers a Special Cares Camp Program and progressive swimming/water therapy programs. Call 966-4528.

Are there any day camps in town?

The New Canaan Recreation Department offers three summer camps: Waveny Day Camp for children six through 11, Camp Pee Wee for children 5 to 6, and Tiny Tot Camp, for four-year-olds. Registration for all three camps is by lottery in late February. For details, call 594-3600 or visit online at newcanaan.info.

The New Canaan Nature Center’s Summer Nature Camp serves children in preschool through eighth grade through a number of programs. Different age-appropriate nature themes are offered throughout the summer. The center also offers a number of overnight trips for older campers. Teens 14 and older can participate as summer teachers/naturalists in training. For details, call 966-9577 or visit newcanaannature.org.

The New Canaan YMCA (966-4528) offers nine summer day camps: Camp Mini for 3 to 5 years old; Camp Y-Ki, a traditional outdoor camp for kindergarten through sixth grade; Sports Academy, for grades 1-6; Super Sports Camp, one week of specialized sports training for boys and girls 8 to 14; Diving/Gymnastics Camp for ages 7 to 13; Synchronized Swimming Camp for boys and girls 6 to 14; Leaders in Training and Counselors in Training. There is also a Special Cares Camp for special needs children.

Camp Playland serves boys and girls 3 to 12. The camp offers heated swimming pools, archery, ball fields, a low ropes course, nature pavilion, and play areas. Call Gary Bloom at 966-2937 or visit online at campplayland.com.

Camp Hand-in-Hand is a diversity-oriented community summer camp offering traditional day camp activities. Call 966-6920.

New Canaan Mounted Troop offers summer camp programs for 7- to 17-year-olds. Call 966-0634 or visit online at newcanaanmountedtroop.org.

Performing Arts Conservatory offers a Theatre Performance Camp for Kids. Call 966-6177.

What about adult sports programs?

Programs for adults through the recreation department (594-3000) include exercise and water fitness classes, tennis and golf instruction, lap swimming, indoor soccer, open gym, a men’s softball league and women’s paddle league.

The New Canaan YMCA (966-4528) offers adult fitness programs as well as recreational basketball, volleyball, racquetball, and squash.

Is there an adult softball league in town?

The New Canaan Recreation Department runs a men’s league at Waveny Park. League play begins in April. Call 594-3600 for information.

Where can I learn to ride a horse?

The New Canaan Mounted Troop on Carter Street, is a non-profit organization devoted to building leadership, responsibility, and confidence through sound horsemanship. It is the last unit of the Junior Cavalry of America. The Horsemanship Program offers extensive instruction for every rider’s ability, beginner to advanced, children through adults, along with instruction in stable management, safety, and horse care. Call 966-0634 for more information or visit online at newcanaanmountedtroop.org.

Where can I go walking or running?

There are trails at the New Canaan Nature Center and the Bristow Bird Sanctuary on Old Stamford Road. Waveny Park has 3.5 miles of jogging/walking trails.

Aquarion allows access to the five-mile Saugatuck Nature Trail along the shore of the Saugatuck Reservoir and 35 miles of trails in the Saugatuck Valley Trails System in Redding and Weston. Call 203-452-3510 for a trail map and information on recreation opportunities. For a “Be Our Guest” brochure, e-mail watershed@aquarionwater.com.

Are there any foot races?

The recreation department (594-3600) offers Waveny Summer Cross Country races for five age categories Tuesday evenings at 7, from June through September. The three-mile course follows Waveny Park trails. There is also a half-mile kids fun run.

Are there any bicycling clubs in the area?

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

Is there a helmet law for bicyclists?

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

Where can I go cross-country skiing?

You may ski at any of the town parks when conditions permit.

Is there ice skating in New Canaan?

When the weather turns cold there is skating at Mead Park and Mill Pond, with signs posted to let residents know when is safe to put their skates on and hit the ice. There is lighted skating at both. Skating is not allowed on reservoirs.

The New Canaan Winter Club (966-4280) on Frog Town Road has an NHL regulation size rink and a clubhouse. The private club offers family activities as well as hockey and figure skating. Lessons are available. There is also outdoor skating on Hardon Pond.

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

New Canaan does not have any public golf courses, but neighboring towns do.
In Norwalk, Oak Hills Golf Course (853-8400) is at 165 Fillow Street. There are also courses in Stamford, Fairfield, Bridgeport, and Greenwich.

The New Canaan Women’s Golf League plays from mid-April to mid-October at Oak Hills. For information, call Karen Tomb at 801-7192 or e-mail karen_tomb@yahoo.com.

How can I join any of the three local country clubs?
The Country Club of New Canaan (966-3513) is at 95 Country Club Road. To join, you must be sponsored by a current member. The club offers an 18-hole golf course, swimming pool, paddle courts, squash court, tennis courts and a full-service dining room.

The New Canaan Field Club (966-6879) is at 164 Smith Ridge Road. To join, you must be a New Canaan resident and be sponsored by two members. The club offers four heated paddle courts, 10 Har-Tru tennis courts, a swimming pool and wading pool and a snack bar.

The Lake Club (762-7646) is on Thayer Pond Road on the New Canaan-Wilton border. Facilities include a swimming pool, 10 tennis courts, five paddle tennis courts, boating, canoeing, fishing, basketball courts and a playground. There is a waiting list for new members.

What is the New Canaan Nature Center?

This environmental organization and sanctuary is dedicated to helping people of all ages understand, appreciate and care for the world of nature. The 40-acre preserve is on Route 124. Among the programs offered are: a nature-oriented preschool, school outreach, summer nature camp, horticulture program, workshops, walks, trips, and special events. Call 966-9577 or visit newcanaannature.org.

Where can I go fishing in town?

Fishing is available to those with licenses in all public ponds, lakes and streams, unless otherwise posted. An inland fishing license is $20, and is required for anglers over age 16. Fishing licenses may be purchased at town hall or local tackle shops. Free fishing licenses for senior citizens and the disabled are available at town hall.
Lakes and ponds are open to fishing year-round. Rivers and streams are open from the third Saturday in April through the last day of February.

Silvermine Pond, Mill Pond and Mead Pond are three of the more popular spots to fish in New Canaan. Also open to fishing in the area are sections of the Mianus River from Greenwich to Stamford, parts of the Saugatuck River, and parts of the Silvermine River from Route 106 to the Merritt Parkway. See the 2007 Connecticut Angler’s Guide, available free at town hall, for details.

Are there any fishing events in town?

The New Canaan Police Department sponsors the P.A.L. Fishing Derby every spring. Check The Advertiser for details.

What kinds of fish can you catch here?

Brook trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, kokanee, largemouth bass, small mouth bass, chain pickerel, northern pike, striped bass, white perch, yellow perch, walleye, brown bullhead, channel catfish and whitefish are typical to this area.

Is the fish safe to eat?

Most types of fish caught locally may have small amounts of mercury in them. Therefore, women who are pregnant, nursing, planning to be pregnant, and children under six should not eat more than one meal a month of fish caught in Connecticut rivers and lakes. The lone exception is trout, which is safe to eat.

Can I go hunt in town?

Bowhunting is allowed on private property and hunting with firearms is allowed on private property on lots that are at least 10 acres. 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.

Hunting is not allowed at any of New Canaan’s public parks or property, and hunting anywhere, except licensed shooting preserves, on Sunday is prohibited. For a list of state hunting areas, visit dep.state.ct.us online.

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.

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.

How do I get a hunting license?

A firearms hunting license costs $14, $3 for a junior (age 12 to 15) firearms hunting license. A small-game and deer archery license is $30, $13 for juniors. Licenses may be purchased at town hall. Permits for hunting specific animals are extra.

No hunting licenses will be issued without proof of a resident license within the last five years or a certificate indicating successful completion of a Connecticut Conservation Education/Firearms course. Bowhunters must show proof of completion of the CE/FS bowhunting course. For details, consult the Connecticut Hunting and Trapping Guide, call DEP at 860-424-3011, or visit the Web site at dep.state.ct.us/burnatr.

Who teaches firearms safety courses?

Check with the town clerk, local firearms dealers, or call the state’s Conservation Education Firearms Safety office in Burlington at 860-675-8130.


Where can a person legally practice shooting?

There’s Shooting Sports Limited Indoor Range (847-2767) off New Canaan Avenue (Route 123) in Norwalk, and the Ramapoo Rifle and Revolver Club (438-2095) on South Street in Ridgefield.

© Copyright 2007 by Hersam Acorn Newspapers