1st Selectman Jim Marpe says:
Tomorrow we reopen the Compo Beach and Soundview parking lots at 50 percent capacity, for Westporters and Westonites with valid 2020 beach emblems. The golf course at Longshore Park will be open as well, with restrictions in place.
I’m excited that you’ll have more opportunity for being outdoors, and for enjoying our wonderful parks and beaches.
But for the reopening of our beaches and golf course to succeed, caution and mutual respect are essential.
Key requirements related to the reopening of our beaches will help keep everyone as safe and healthy as possible. Following these recommendations is imperative so that the state’s rules for social distancing and limiting group sizes are implemented.
Even at the beach, you must maintain at least 6 feet of distance from others who are not members of your immediate household. Face coverings are required if you are in a position where you are not able to socially distance. You should have a mask ready.
A typical scene recently: Compo Beach being groomed for a new season. The rules will be different though, when the parking lots open tomorrow. (Photo/Karen Como)
Be aware that beach capacity will be limited to 50 percent of the parking lot capacity.
Parks & Recreation staff will control traffic at the parking lot gates, so you may be denied admission into the lots when you get there. We will have signage at key locations on the approaches to Compo Beach to warn you of this before you arrive at the beach. You may have to make alternate plans, return at a later time, or visit on another day.
You may bring your own umbrellas, chairs, blankets and towels, and enjoy the beach. However, please leave tents, pop-ups, Frisbees and sports equipment at home. We are not allowing any type of activity that has the potential for people encroaching on others.
The playground, basketball courts, skate park, volleyball courts, pickleball courts and softball field remain closed. Port-a-johns will be available, and held to a stringent cleaning and sanitization protocol by our Parks maintenance staff.
There are no tables available in any location. Grills have been removed, and bringing your own grill is not permitted. All of this is being done in an effort to limit gatherings.
Tables and grills have been removed from Compo Beach. (Photo/Dan Woog)
These restrictions may be changed over time based on guidance from the governor, federal, state and local authorities, as well as community compliance and experience. We ask for your patience and adherence to the established rules.
Over the past several weeks, Longshore Club Park has been heavily used by walkers, joggers, cyclists and others. With the golf course open, these types of activities, even along the roadways, pose additional safety concerns from errant golf balls. For your safety, please take part in these types of activities at other locations. In addition, starting tomorrow, a valid 2020 beach emblem is required for parking in some Longshore Club Park lots.
Our top priority is the health and safety of our residents. A good rule of thumb: Act in public as if you have the virus, and that anyone you encounter has it too. We request that you follow the rules and guidelines closely. Remember that everyone in town is relying on your compliance. Strict adherence to social distancing and face covering requirements is imperative if we are to keep the beaches and golf course open.
During these unusual times we need to work together to ensure the health and safety of our community, as well as to ensure that the effort to reopen our parks and beaches is successful.
Thank you for your cooperation.