The playground is one of the most popular parts of very popular Compo Beach.
It’s big. It’s fun. I’ve even heard from realtors it’s been the deciding factor when homebuyers are deciding between Westport and neighboring towns.
So it’s hard to imagine that the Compo playground was once a source of great controversy.*
But in the 1980s — when plans were announced to create a playground next to the lifeguard station, designed by renowned architect Robert Leathers based on input from kids — there was a strong backlash.
“It will ruin the vista!” people cried. “It will attract out-of-towners!” “Teenagers will hang out there, smoking pot and having sex!”
I am not making any of this up.
I am also not making up that then-1st Selectwoman Marty Hauhuth received a death threat, after she supported the playground advocates in court. (Yes, there was a lawsuit leading to an injunction to stop the project.)
The kids (well, their parents) prevailed. During one spring weekend, dozens of volunteers built the playground.
It was a wonderful community project. Almost as soon as it was done, and kids swarmed all over the swings, ropes and whatnot, opposition melted away.
Parents lead children through the Compo playground.
Several of the most vocal opponents were soon spotted at the site, watching their children and grandchildren having (of all things) fun.
A couple of decades later, the Compo Beach playground showed its age. Once again, the community — families, individuals, civic organizations — came together to make repairs.
The playground is now almost 30 years old. Kids who once played there (and did not hang out smoking pot and having sex) bring their own children.
And once again, it needs work.
Alert “06880” reader/avid playground-goer Travis Rew-Porter sent a few photos.
One of 2 missing tire swings …
… and 2 missing seat swings …
… and some broken equipment. (Photo/Travis Rew-Porter)
Fortunately, this does not need a town-wide effort.
Just a little TLC from Parks & Rec.
If repairs are not in the budget, I’m sure we can rustle up donations from the public.
But now is the time to get started.
Spring is here. The playground is already drawing crowds.
And no one complains about the vista.
*Then again, this is Westport. Everything here is a source of great controversy.
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