One of the best things about Westport is the Parks & Recreation Department amenities.
And one of the best things about spring is the chance to get outside and enjoy them.
Here is just a sampling of what Parks & Rec offers:
Longshore Golf Course:
The course opens Monday, April 1 (no fooling — and of “course,” weather permitting). To book a tee time, click here.
18th hole. (Drone photo/John Videler for VidelerPhotography.com)
Beach parking stickers:
Vehicle parking emblems are required for all town beaches beginning May 1. They can be purchased online, or at the Parks & Recreation office (at Longshore, near the golf course 1st tee) weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
(Photo/Mark Marcus)
Dogs at town beaches:
Animals are not allowed at Compo, Old Mill or Burying Hill beaches, in or out of vehicles, from April 1 through September 30.
Soon to be a scene of the past (for a while). (Photo/Nicola Sharian)
Compo Beach playground renovation project:
The Compo Beach Playground Committee, led by the Westport Rotary Club and Westport Young Woman’s League, will renovate the iconic structure.
They’ll present a proposed plan to the Parks & Recreation Commission on Wednesday, March 27 (7:30 p.m., Zoom). Click here for information.
Compo Beach playground.
Annual Clean-Up Day:
Westport Parks & Recreation’s Annual Clean-Up Day is set for Saturday, April 27. Past participants will receive invitations this coming week.
If you or your civic group have not participated in the past but want to get involved, email jboone@westportct.gov
Parks and Recreation Programs:
Some spaces are available in spring and summer programs. Click here for information.
Boating:
Residents who have a slip at a town marina may bring their boats in starting April 1. If you need assistance docking, contact the dockmaster on VHF channel 11 or by calling 203-341-1062. Boaters must send a copy of this year’s boat registration to Rick Giunta (email rgiunta@westportct.gov, or deliver to the Parks & Rec office at Longshore, near the 1st tee).
Dry stall assignees:
Dry stall decals will be mailed to you before May 1. Place the decal on your vessel where it can be seen by staff. Dry stall vessels may be placed on storage racks beginning May 1. Any vessel stored before May 1 will be removed, and may be auctioned off.
If you’re interested in a place to store your kayak, sunfish, paddleboard or other small boat for the summer season, click here for a dry stall application. Wait times are 1-2 years.
Kayaks at Compo Beach. (Photo/Eric Bosch)
Animals on town athletic fields, playgrounds, beaches and Longshore Golf Course:
Animals are prohibited from all athletic fields and playgrounds at any time, including the Longshore golf course. Animals are prohibited from town beaches from April 1 through September 30.
Dogs at Wakeman Field. (Photo/Marc Katz)
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“You’re a Real Westporter If…”
You’ve got 22 beach stickers on your windshield.
Fake news re: dogs. Dogs are permitted in the “dirt”/Soundview Compo parking lot at any time on weekdays and anytime except between 9-5 on weekends/holidays. And under state law, dogs are allowed on all town beaches (and private beaches) below the mean high tide mark year round.
Too bad our Parks & Recs department doesn’t know their own rules and the state law.
The tricky part, I suppose, is getting the dog from the dirt parking lot to below the mean high tide line without crossing the town beach (or private property) where they are not allowed.
Short of swimming there, is there such a path? Just curious.
I am a resident of Weston and am a senior. My cars are registered in Florida where I live 7 months a year. Do I qualify for a Westport beach sticker and if so how do I get it? Susanlewis@optonline.net
Call Parks & Recreation Department during business hours: 203-341-5090.
So Westport is violating state law by prohibiting dogs at the beach. Nice.