Another Little League season has ended. Boys and girls have put away their baseball and softball gloves. No one thinks twice about who is playing.
Fifty years ago — in America’s bicentennial year — things were quite different.
The other day, longtime Westporter and avid sports volunteer Jeff Mitchell unearthed a fascinating story from the Westport News. It involved Little League baseball — then celebrating its 25th year in town — and its relatively new softball program.
Written by the News‘ (very) young sports editor, Dan Woog, it described a forgotten chapter in local sports history.
Westport won the Senior League softball state championship, qualifying for the New England tournament in Vermont.
But the threat of legal action — and violence — took center stage.
Westport included boys on the roster. It was legal. The Westporters preferred softball to baseball.
But no team had done it before.
Clockwise from top left: Steve Kane, Dale Call, Richard Frey.
The 2 teams Westport beat — Seymour and Durham — protested that Westport had used illegal players.
The national Little League asked Westport to not compete. They decided that Seymour and Durham would play each other, to determine Connecticut’s representative.
Westport officials pointed out that the national office, in denying the protests of the defeated teams that Westport had used illegal (male) players, specifically stated that Westport won the state title.
Still, Westport’s board of directors feared that the safety of their players could not be guaranteed in Vermont. They withdrew from further competition.
Woog wrote in the Westport News:
Franny DeLuca, manager of the beleaguered co-ed softball team (dubbed a “unisex” squad by the New York Times), received a telegram from C.J. Hale, the national president of Little League Baseball, Inc.
Hale acknowledged that “the Westport Senior League softball team is recognized as 1976 state champions.” But “because of the importance of having a Connecticut entry in the New England tournament, the runner-up will be the Connecticut entry.” This acknowledgement that Westport was, and would remain, the official Constitution State champ mollified the Westporters.
Westport Little League chairman Don Levy sent a telegram to his counterpart in Seymour, extending “our sincerest best wishes for success in future tournament play” in Vermont, following Seymour’s win over Durham.
But controversy continued. The paper reported:
The entire matter is not yet settled. Several letters have come to the Westport News, and many phone calls have been made. All of them contained an outpouring of emotion rare in a case as seemingly minor as this.
One woman, the parent of a Senior all-star, wrote “I am the mother of a son, which I am beginning to believe is a dirty word.” She had heard adults in Durham say, “what do you expect from Westport parents? They’re all alcoholics, so how can they possibly know the sex of their children?”
She continued, “I was one of the parents who voted against going to Vermont. I did not feel we were quitters. I am proud of my son and of all the kids on the team who took that garbage (verbal abuse), but I could not go and neither could my husband. I was afraid.
For the record, the state champion Westport squad included Patty DeLuca, Karen Sidell, Jane Waltrip, Patty Constantikes, David Karlin, Mark Landis, Todd Fauske, Richard Frey, Doug Bernstein, Steve Kane, Dale Call and Jason France.
Manager Franny DeLuca was assisted by coaches Peter Coddington and Garry Vannart.
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What does Bill Taibe — founder of Le Farm, The Whelk, Kawa Ni and Don Memo — do for an encore?
And what’s next for Basso, the highly acclaimed restaurant that closed last year?
hi’Amba!
The new restaurant and market — featuring eastern Mediterranean food — moves in to the Jesup Road space previously occupied earlier by Matsu Sushi some time this fall.
The announcement came via Instagram, from The Connecticut Edit. It was first reported earlier today, by CT Insider.
The post said, “Think: a working bakery on the ground floor, a grab-and-go market brimming with house-made dips, pantry goods, and a full dining room upstairs with a menu made for sharing.
“The food focuses on flavors of the Eastern Mediterranean: shakshuka, hummus, man’oushe, and a seasonal, locally-driven menu that shifts with what’s fresh.”
Taibe calls hi’Amba “the kind of place you want in your neighborhood and can rely on every day.”
The restaurateur has sold his interests in The Whelk, Don Memo (now Massi Co) and Le Farm (now The Cottage).
He currently operates Kawa Ni in Westport and Denver, and the Norwalk Art Space Café.
Bill Taibe
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Sunday’s CT United motorcycle ride will impact travel on Riverside Avenue, Wilton Road — and cross streets — from Exit 17 to the Wilton line.
The event — paying tribute to the victims and first responders of 9/11 — is the largest motorcycle ride in the state.
It begins around 11:30 a.m. at Sherwood Island State Park. Hundreds of riders head south on I-95; take Exit 17, and then proceed to Wilton, and on through 7 towns before ending in Bridgeport.
The route is closed and continuous. With the assistance of a police escort, motorcyclists drive through traffic lights and do not stop at stop signs.
Drivers should expect extended traffic delays along the route — potentially 45 minutes or longer. Alternate routes are recommended.
The start of the CT United ride, at Sherwood Island State Park. (Photo/Penny Pearlman)
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Speaking of cool vehicles: Mauro Motors BMW of Bridgeport and the Westport Police Department are hosting “Cars & Coffee” on Sunday, September 13, 8 to 10 a.m., Westport train station).
The event features a car show with entrants from around the region, automotive vendor displays, a DJ, live K-9 demonstration with the Westport Police Department, and coffee from Steam of Westport. All proceeds benefit the Westport Police K-9 Unit.
Everyone is invited — to display your car, or just enjoy all the others.
Westport’ sK-9 unit.
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After months of bad news, the situation in Lyman may be improving.
“Ukraine Matters” reports that Ukrainian forces in Westport’s sister city have isolated and cut off Russian invaders. The situation for Russia is “dire.”
Click here or below to see the report. Lyman is first mentioned at the 3:45 mark.
To donate to Lyman through Ukraine Aid International, click here. Click the “I want to support” box; then select “Support for the City of Lyman.” Scroll down on that page for other donation options (mail, wire transfer and Venmo.)
For years, Lorenza Arnal has shared her love of Mexico through food: creating her own brand of salsa macha, selling homemade guacamole at the Westport Farmers’ Market and more.
Now there’s another way to experience her home country, even more deeperly and personally: on trips that celebrates Mexico’s history, culture and traditions.
Lorenza leads culinary, cultural and Jewish history tours, and a trip to Oaxaca to experience the Day of the Dead.
The next Oaxaca journey is October 25 to November 1.In Mexico’s “culinary capital,” streets are filled with colorful altars dedicated to the deceased, food, parades, dancing and flowers. Lorenza’s group dines in the best restaurants in town.
MoCA\CT says: “We are terribly sad at the passing of Yayoi Kusama, an artist whose limitless vision transformed the way we see ourselves, one another, and the world around us.
“In 2019 Kusama’s work helped inaugurate MoCA\CT (then MoCA Westport), welcoming our community into her unforgettable universe of light, reflection, repetition, and wonder. For 7 remarkable weeks, visitors experienced ‘Infinity Mirror Room: Where the Lights in My Heart Go and Narcissus Garden’ together. It was an unprecedented presentation on the East Coast.
“Her work invited us to step beyond ourselves: into lights that seemed to extend forever, reflections that connected each visitor to the people around them, and a world where wonder felt infinite.
“Today, we pay tribute to an extraordinary artist whose imagination and brilliance continue to inspire us all.” (Hat tip: Chris Grimm)
Westport resident and Staples High School graduate Jaclyn Sharp is the founder and CEO of IMPOSTER 4 Animals.
IMPOSTER is “the exclusive global partner for T-Rex Leather for a variety of products, including small leather goods and equestrian sporting goods.”
The first T-Rex Leather handbag in the world recently made its US debut at the Hampton Classic Horse Show, in Bridgehampton.
The UK company that made the T-Rex Leather is IMPOSTER’s partner. The CEO brought the handbag, which had been under glass in an Amsterdam museum. It’s valued around $200,000. This was the first time any T-Rex Leather samples have been seen in North America.
On September 11, 2001 Westport — and the nation — changed forever.
The 9/11 terrorists did more than kill nearly 3,000 people (including several with local ties.) They changed our culture, politics, and sense of ourselves.
On a strikingly clear day, we saw smoke from the Twin Towers. Sherwood Island State Park was readied as a staging area that, tragically, was never needed.
The iconic 9/11 photo was taken by Staples High School graduate Spencer Platt. He lived near the Twin Towers on that awful morning.
Westporters — first responders, and others who just wanted to help in any way possible — spent time in the rubble, and nearby.
Sherwood Island is now the site of Connecticut’s 9/11 memorial. Scholarships honor the memories of friends and neighbors we lost.
Sherwood Island State Park 9/11 Memorial (Photo/David Squires)
Next month, our town will remember both the lives lost, and the extraordinary acts of kindness and unity that followed, in a special way. Officials have planned 4 days of service, to neighbors and the community.
Residents, families, businesses, schools, non-profits and community organizations are invited to gather, serve and honor together.
The 4-day observance — September 8 through 11 — will recognize the courage and sacrifices of first responders, military members and public servants, while strengthening our community through service, compassion and generosity.
Among the activities:
A ceremony on September 8, with a call to serve throughout the week
Volunteering with a participating Westport non-profit
Donating food, supplies or funds to a non-profit
Performing independent acts of kindness or community service
Thanking first responders, veterans, healthcare professionals, teachers, and others who serve our town
Recognition of a first responder, veteran, healthcare worker, teacher, volunteer or community member
A message of gratitude
A photograph and the story behind it
A reflection on what September 11 means to you today.
Submissions may include a name, or be posted anonymously.
View from the Sherwood Island 9/11 Memorial. (Photo/John Kantor)
After the 4 Days of Service and Remembrance, the town will publish highlights of volunteer participation, acts of service, charitable giving, and stories of remembrance.
For now, put September 8 to 11 on your calendar.
That time of year is always busy. School, and many programs, start up again. Organizations swing back in action. Everyone kicks into fall mode.
But 9/11 is special.
Whether you were here that day or not — or were alive or not yet born — it’s time to pause.
Reflect.
And then — as Americans did, a quarter century ago — take action, in whatever way you can.
We often think of “Sudden Wealth Syndrome” as something that happens to lottery winners, pro athletes or people who suddenly come into millions.
But it happens to regular people too — you or (I wish) I. A first paycheck, big bonus, inheritance — even a raise — can mean money arrives before we’re prepared for it.
Tom Henske can help.
The longtime local resident — a financial literacy expert who developed a very popular “Total Cents” podcast at the Westport Library, and now is a University of Virginia senior lecturer teaching personal finance (and working closely with UVa athletes) — has just finished a TEDx Talk.
Titled “Why Suddenly Having Money (Often) Goes Wrong,” it covers what Henske calls the 4 P’s: Pause, Purpose, People and Plan.
He must be on to something. The 15-minute talk was selected as a TED Editor’s Choice. Like sudden wealth, that’s an unexpected bonus.
Click here or below for Tom Henske’s very compelling TEDx Talk.
Westport Police Department warn that fraudulent arrest warrants — like the one below — are being sent to residents.
Scammers use official-looking documents, names, case numbers and other information to make their claims appear legitimate. They want to pressure people into sending money, or providing personal information.
Anyone receiving a suspicious document, phone call, email or text claiming to be from law enforcement should not send money, or provide personal or financial information.
If you are ever unsure whether a communication from law enforcement is legitimate, contact the WPD at 203-341-6000.
Speaking of cops: The Westport Police and Fire Departments will (hopefully) crush the Darien Police.
On the softball field, that is.
A charity game at Compo Beach this Sunday (August 30, 4 p.m.) will raise funds for LivFree. The non-profit supports children fighting cancer, and their families.
Tomorrow (Friday, August 28, 7 p.m.), Westport Country Playhouse rocks with “Cruel Summer: The Playhouse Playlist.”
The high-energy, back-to-school concert celebrates the music of Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, Olivia Dean, Sabrina Carpenter and other great artists.
One of the vocalists is Elyse Bell (currently starring in the Netflix film “Don’t Say Good Luck”). Click here or below to see her at Tuesday’s rehearsal. ).
Hermes Botti worked at Arnie Kaye’s International Deli in 1991. He writes:
“Since it was an era before cellphones and digital cameras, I don’t have a single photograph from my time there.
“If anyone has photos of the deli — whether it’s the interior, the staff, or even background shots from old family visits — could you please share them? Finding these would mean a lot to me. Thank you so much!”
Email hermesfbotti@gmail.com. And please CC 06880blog@gmail.com. We’d love to see them too.
We don’t have any photos of Arnie Kaye’s International Deli. But here he is, in 1994.
Westport Police made 1 custodial arrest between August 19 and 25.
A 47-year-old Westport man was charged with violation of probation. He was released on a $15,000 bond.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Texting while driving: 8 citations
Traveling unreasonably fast: 5
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 4
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 3
Distracted driving: 3
School zone violation: 1
Construction zone violation 1
Disorderly conduct: 1
Violation of readable plates regulation: 1
Failure to obey state traffic commission regulations: 1
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 1
Failure to renew registration: 1
License plates must be readable!
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Steven Palmer — Westport’s Planning & Zoning director in the 2010s — passed away peacefully on Monday, surrounded by his family after a valiant battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 59.
After college, the Fairfield native began a 20-plus-year career in municipal planning and zoning. He served as director in Westport, Bethel and New Canaan, earning a reputation for thoughtfulness and reasonableness.
In 2020 he left the public sector to join the family business, Judge Tool & Gage in Stratford. He helped his father Joe bring the 70-year-old company into the digital age. He recently hired his son Michael, to ensure the business remains in the family for future generations.
Steve loved golfing, beautifying his home and yard, traveling, hosting Sunday family dinners, and body surfing.and open up. Even the family dogs seemed to love Steve the most.
He is survived by his wife Theresa; children, Michael and Kelly, and their mother Karla; parents Joe and Gwen; brothers, Chris (Marjory) and Joe (Colleen); nieces, nephews and great-nephew; Theresa’s children Christian (Jessica), Allison (Michael), Matthew (fiancée Victoria), Helen and Fisher (Greg), and Theresa’s grandchildren Blakely, Pasquale, Walker and Giada.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday (August 31, 10 a.m., 10 a.m., St. Pius X Church, Fairfield). Friends and family may visit at the Spear-Miller Funeral Home in Fairfield on Sunda (August 30, 2 to 5 p.m.). In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Smilow Cancer Hospital.
The stars were aligned — well, the moon, a bird and sailboat were, anyway — for today’s “Westport … Naturally” featured photo.
Jim Corgel captured the image, near the Compo Beach cannons.
Tonight, a lunar eclipse will cause the moon to be almost entirely obscured behind the Earth’s shadow. It will begin shortly after 9:20 p.m., and peak at 12:12 a.m.
(What would happen if “06880” suddenly got a boatload of money? We’d keep doing what we’re doing … and we’d stop asking for donations. But until then: Please click here to help. And thank you!)
It’s easy to get caught up in negative Westport noise: Too much traffic! Not enough parking! We need a dogport! No, we don’t need a dogport!
It’s easy — but why?
It’s so much better — and healthier and more fun — to count our blessings.
If we can’t do it ourselves, Paula can help.
She is 11 years old, and lives in Germany. Her godparents live in Westport. Paula visited them this summer. She had such a great time — in so many ways — she decided to write about it for “06880.”
So sit down. Relax. Read Paula’s thoughtful, insightful words.
Then realize: An 11-year-old German girl nailed it.
So the next time you’re consumed with anger, outrage or any other negative emotion, about traffic or parking or a dogport – look at Westport through Paula’s eyes.
She sure opens ours.
One of my favorite things this summer was going for walks on Soundview Drive with dogs named Teo, Lola and Bobo. Walking all 3 of them (with help!) at the same time was a little bit chaotic, but it was also one of the best parts of my whole trip.
The view is beautiful, and I loved looking out at the water while the dogs pulled me in 3 different directions. But it allowed me to met a lot of Westport people.
Paula walks down Soundview Drive, after the rain.
I also got to swim in the ocean, which is something I do not get to do very often in Germany. The water was a little cold at first, but once I got used to it, it was so much fun. I jumped over the waves and floated on my back and looked up at the sky.
Paula, doing one thing that every Westport kid does.
This summer I made friends with 3 girls almost the same age who live close by. It is good to have friends my own age around. I hope we can stay in touch and play together again next time I come back.
Something really special happened this summer: the local Westport police made me an honorary Junior Officer! They gave me a little badge, and I felt so proud. The officers were so kind and let me ask them all kinds of questions about their job. I will keep my Junior Officer badge as a memory of my summer in Westport.
Paula and Westport Police Officer Brian Quick.
I went to golf camp for a few days, and even though I am not the best golfer yet, it was really fun to learn. My swing definitely needs some more practice, but the counselors were patient and nice, and I got a little better every single day.
The birds right on Soundview were very cool to watch. Catching fish right out of the water is really special, and I loved watching them fly around and fight for the oysters. I had never seen anything like it before, and it made me appreciate how much wildlife there is around Westport.
Checking out the tidal gates at Sherwood Pond. I thought it was fascinating to see how the water moves in and out and how the gates work. It felt like a fun little science lesson mixed with an outdoor adventure.
One of the most magical evenings of the summer was when we drove our camper right up next to Compo Beach. We climbed up into the roof tent and ate pizza while watching the most amazing sunset over the water. The sky turned all these incredible colors, and it felt like the perfect way to end a day in Westport.
Camping at Compo.
Westport also has some amazing restaurants, and I got to try a lot of them this summer. I ate at Casa Me, and the food there was so good. I also went to the Lobster Shack, and it turned out to be delicious too. I also loved going to Little Barn, and Romanacci (and OMG) where we had pizza and it became my favorite spot. Of course, the bagels from PopUp Bagels were amazing to have on Sunday mornings. It made it easier being away from the amazing pretzels we have back at home.
Paula, a bagel and a schmear.
Even though all of these adventures were amazing, my favorite part of the summer was spending time with my godparents. We talked, we played card games, we laughed, we cooked together, and they made me feel so at home even though I live so far away.
My godparents also have 3 children, who are all in their 20s now, so they are much older than me, but that never stopped us from having so much fun together. They always joined in and played with me too, and it never felt like there was any age difference at all.
Every time I visit, it feels like coming back to a whole second family, and that is such a special feeling. They all took me on these adventures and made every single day feel special. I already look forward to coming back and seeing everyone again.
I had a chance to meet so many friendly people who were always kind, curious and welcoming to me in Westport, thank you for an unforgettable summer.
I already cannot wait to come back next year!
Until then, auf Wiedersehen, and see you soon!
Paula
(Hat tip: Sunil Hirani)
See you soon! (All photos/Georg Scholz)
(If it happens in Westport — or it involves anyone in town — you’ll read about it on “06880.” We rely on reader support to do it all. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
In a scene repeated all over town (and the country) (and every August), the kids at the Vani Court bus stop got ready for another (hopefully great) year.
(Photo/Susan Garment)
We look forward to a similar photo in June. Let’s see how they grow!
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For nearly 40 years, the Hole in the Wall Gang — founded by our longtime neighbor Paul Newman — has provided “pure camp magic” to children with serious illnesses. They have fun, they laugh, and form great friendships.
All free of charge.
Jordan Glick — the son-in-law of Westporter Jamie Klein — has spent many summers as a camp volunteer. His wife — the Klein’s daughter Stevie Klein-Glick — recently joined him.
This year, both families are collecting and donating items from the Hole in the Wall Gang’s “wish list” (click here to see). Several are running low in the General, Sports & Rec and Workshop categories.
Items can be dropped off on the covered front porch at 20 Manitou Road, now through September 4.
“Michael Borders: Connecticut Industry” — the newest piece of MoCA\CT’s larger “Looking for History” exhibition — features a monumental mural of 8 5 foot-by-10-foot painted panels. Together, they offers a sweeping visual account of Connecticut’s 8 counties.
Created over more than 2 decades and informed by years of research, the mural traces the state’s history, from Indigenous presence and colonial settlement to industrial expansion, technological invention, and contemporary community life.
Borders incorporates local figures, regional industries, landscapes, tools, machinery, and symbols of labor into his vivid, detailed composition.
In advance of Rosh Hashanah (September 11), The Blondinit is preparing a catering menu of Israeli-inspired cooking.
Options include entrees like pistachio-crusted black sea bass, salmon, chicken and chicken shawarma, schnitzel and brisket), plus appetizers, salads and sides.
To order, click here (then scroll all the way down), call 203-557-3277, or email catering@theblondinit.com.
Weston’s Farmers Market returns to Lachat Town Farm this Friday (August 28, 4 to 8 p.m.). There are 25 vendors — and live music, Canyon (4:30 to 5:30) and Bar Car (6 to 8). Click here for more information.
Of course, the Westport Farmers’ Market continues tomorrow (Thursday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Imperial Avenue parking lot). Click here for more information.
Youngsters in grades 6 to 12 who enjoy camping, hiking, outdoor adventures and hands-on life skills: Scouting may be for you.
They and their families can learn more about Troop 36 next Monday (August 31, 7 p.m., Saugatuck Congregational Church).
Founded in 1949, Troop 36 is Westport’s only Scouting America Family Troop, welcoming both girls and boys. They usually meet once a week, with at least 1 weekend outing a month (camping, city tour, merit badge courses). They participate in several community service projects throughout the year.
On Monday night, “Get Up With It” — the 10-member jazz ensemble co-founded by Greens Farms Academy graduate Charlie Hall — wowed a large Levitt Pavilion Crowd with a dazzling tapestry of Miles Davis works.
After the show, members of the group — now in its 3rd decade — said this was their first time on a stage large enough that they could all see each other while playing.
It was also their first outdoor performance as this collective. The setting created a new dynamic for the artists — and the audience.
And finally …. the New York Times reported this sad news well:
Dolly Parton, a rhinestone-studded, rags-to-riches daughter of Appalachia who for six decades ruled country music — and much of pop culture — with an outsize personality and down-home wit that enshrined her as one of America’s most cherished originals, died on Tuesday in Nashville. She was 80.
From her hardscrabble beginnings to glittering stardom, Ms. Parton’s life was the stuff of make-believe. With her voluptuous figure, sparkly stage costumes and blond bouffant wigs, she was likened by the writer Chet Flippo to the Big Rock Candy Mountain, the Depression-era symbol of abundance. Her songs spoke to millions, confronting privation and loss even as they radiated possibility and hope.
She was, quintessentially, a uniter of people. In 2019, The New York Timesran a story with the headline “Is There Anything We Can All Agree On? Yes: Dolly Parton.”
Inducted into both the country music and rock ’n’ roll halls of fame, Ms. Parton was the top-ranking female singer on country radio from 1967 to 1993, and had a total of 25 No. 1 country singles.
And enjoy this great 1991 collaboration between Dolly and Weston’s own José Feliciano.
(Dolly Parton worked a lot longer than 9 to 5. So does “06880.” If you enjoy our 24/7/365 coverage of all things Westport, please click here to support our work. PS: We will always love you!)
Brian O’Malley grew up in Weston. A retired marketing executive with Hewlett Packard, IBM and others, he has now lived in Westport for over 40 years.
He has owned many huskies, all of whom loved Winslow Park. Brian writes:
There’s a simpler, less costly way to address the safety concerns behind the Winslow Park “Dogport” proposal (the text amendment now before the Planning & Zoning Commission that would allow a fenced dog enclosure in a park that already separates leashed and unleashed areas).
The amendment would change Winslow’s classification, meant to keep town-owned open space unencumbered by structures and reserved for passive recreation. Without P&Z approval, the enclosure cannot be built.
This has become another contentious issue within the Westport community, with more than 60 residents staying for nearly 5 hours at a recent P&Z hearing to voice their views.
Proponents Andrew Colabella and Emme Dorfman argue the enclosure would make the park safer for dogs and owners alike. Andrew points to dogs escaping onto Compo Road North — including a fatal incident — and argues a fenced area would let passive park users avoid off-leash dogs entirely, while letting owners separate small dogs from large ones.
Emme, who developed the idea for a school project, worries her own dogs could get loose at Winslow, adding that no one would be required to use the fenced-in area.
As a near-daily Winslow visitor for over 20 years who has attended every public meeting on this issue, I agree the park has real safety problems. But I don’t agree that a fenced enclosure — and the contentious zoning fight it requires — is the only, or the best, way to solve them.
Responsible ownership and accountability don’t require a fence to exist; they require rules that are enforced, which the town can establish today.
I’m proposing a targeted, lower-cost alternative that needs no zoning change and has already been partially built. After the 2022 fatality on Compo Road North, I worked with the affected family. Twice that summer, I presented a detailed fencing plan to Parks & Recreation.
Fellow dog owners and I began a GoFundMe campaign to cover the cost. Riverside Fence — a contractor with municipal projects from Greenwich to Westport — provided a full quote on May 12, 2022.
The town ultimately did the work itself, but completed only a partial fix, closing wall gaps along a limited stretch near the road rather than the full boundary that was proposed. The town already has a workable, non-zoning solution in hand — it simply hasn’t been finished.
Winslow Park
Three modest steps would complete it, none requiring a zoning change: Finish the remaining 30–40 feet of post-and-rail fencing that separates the leashed and unleashed areas, and add matching mesh; close the remaining stone wall gaps along the east and south meadow on-leash areas near Compo Road North; and install a gated entry at the Playhouse parking lot, the park’s main access point.
Completing this work would fully separate leashed and unleashed areas, resolving the “conflict” and “predictability” concerns proponents raise — concerns that stem largely from how easily dogs move between zones today. It would also remove conflict risk between families and off-leash dogs in shared spaces like the east meadow sledding hill, and add additional protection for on-leash visitors in the rare event a dog escapes despite a responsible owner’s best efforts.
Pairing this with clear signage — rules posted at every entrance; visible markers at zone boundaries, and a short-term, time-limited increase in enforcement during construction — would round it into a complete safety package.
It comes at a fraction of the cost, maintenance burden, and liability exposure of a permanent enclosure, while preserving the park’s open, unencumbered character for every visitor — not just dog owners.
A documented, funded safety response also carries less liability exposure for the town than an unaddressed, known hazard, and avoids the added upkeep — gate hardware, drainage, worn ground cover — that comes with a permanent enclosure at scale.
Example of transparent mesh fencing that could be used at Winslow Park.
Connecticut’s §8-2 “reasonably related” standard asks whether a zoning change is the least restrictive means necessary to meet a legitimate public need. When a more direct, non-zoning remedy is already funded, documented, and on the table, the Commission should weigh that carefully before amending the town’s zoning code over the objections of so many residents.
If you agree, I encourage you to share your views with the Parks & Recreation Department and the Planning & Zoning Commission before the September 14 vote.
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