For several years, Compo Beach lifeguards have enjoyed — and entertained beachgoers by playing — spikeball, during breaks.
This year, Parks & Recreation Department officials ended the practice, due to safety and other concerns.
The guards hope to have the game back. A petition on Change.org says:
My fellow lifeguards and I at Compo Beach are passionate about our roles, ensuring the safety and well-being of all beachgoers. However, just like any other team, we thrive and perform at our best when we are engaged and physically active. Spikeball is integral to our job; it’s not merely a game, but a tool for team building, collaboration, and healthy competition in our dynamic working environment.
In today’s digital age, where technology dominates our lives, encouraging outdoor activities is more crucial than ever. Spikeball provides us with the necessary physical activity to not only stay alert and fit but to also foster a sense of camaraderie and teamwork. It helps keep us moving and invigorated, ensuring that we are always ready and present to perform our duties effectively, rather than being distracted by our phones or other devices.
Implementing spikeball as part of our leisure time during breaks is a simple yet impactful initiative. Not only does it promote physical health and engagement, but it also reinforces the crucial aspects of teamwork and communication essential in our roles as lifeguards.
It’s time to enrich the working environment at Compo Beach by paving the way for activities that support both physical health and mental well-being. Let’s make spikeball a staple at our beach, enhancing our ability to protect and serve the community with vigor and joy.
Please sign this petition to allow spikeball for Compo Beach lifeguards and promote a healthy, active, and collaborative working atmosphere.
Spikeball at Compo Beach.
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Speaking of the beach: We’ve posted 2 sets of photos of yesterday’s Soundview Stroll already (click here, and also here).
But the 3,000 happy visitors yesterday were not the only folks enjoying the spectacular weather, at one of our town’s crown jewels.
All the usual activities — swimming, playing on and lying in the sand, barbecuing, basketball, biking, playground-going, and so much more — was happening too.
It was both a special Sunday — and just another wonderful weekend day in Westport.
Just another day at the beach. (Photo/Awesnap.com)
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The 73rd consecutive monthly VFW Red Cross blood drive takes place Friday (July 31, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; VFW Post 399).
Donors are encouraged to schedule appointments in advance. Click here; then use sponsor code VFWWESTPORT, or call 800-733-2767.
And for all blood donors during July: Fandango offers a movie reward. Click here for details.
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Also at the VFW: The next Veterans Benefits Luncheon (Thursday, July 30, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.), VFW Post 399).
It’s open to all veterans as part of an ongoing effort to check in on all veterans’ welfare, and connect them with the benefits and support they earned.
Representatives will answer questions, and provide information on services and assistance available to veterans.
RSVPs are encouraged (but not required). Email vfw399ct@gmail.com, and include the number of attendees, or call (203) 227-6796.
PS: If you’re not a veteran, but know one: Please pass the word!
VFW benefits luncheon.
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Lachat Farms’ next monthly Farmers’ Market is Friday (July 31, 4 to 8 p.m.).
New vendors among the 21 include Lovely Chocolate, Robin Ann Jewelry, Stitchtrove and Tafika Arts. They join food trucks, tents, music — and Tony Pizza.
There’s’ also a collection of new and gently used children’s books. For more information, click here.
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Save the date — September 27 — for the 39th annual Bigelow Tea Community Challenge.
Sponsored by the Fairfield company founded by Westporters, the event benefits local charities including Neighborhood Studios of Fairfield County, Connecticut Food Bank, Caroline House, Bridgeport Rescue Mission, Norma Pfriem Breast Center, Pivot Ministries and more.
It includes at 5K run, fitness walk and kids’ fun run, plus music, food, touch-a-truck, a t-shirt and race bag, and more.
The event is at Wakeman Boys & Girls Club in Southport. For more information, click here.
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Another September date to save: September 16 (6:30 p.m., Saugatuck Rowing Club).
The Democratic Women of Westport sponsor “Iced Out in CT: Combatting Immigration Abuses Under the Trump Regime.”
Speakers include State Representative Dominique Johnson, immigration attorney Anthony Febles, and Yale University professor Alicia Schmidt Camacho
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We’ll start this week’s “Westport … Naturally” series with one of the most beautiful scenes around.
It’s Winslow Park. Yes — with no dogs in sight.
(Photo/Ron Henkin)
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And finally … we couldn’t find any spikeball songs (story above). So Spike Jones will have to do:
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Dan, I literally had to reread your first story and thought is this an April fools joke? Banning spikeball? Is this for real? What in the world is wrong with parks and rec right now! This is the most ludicrous decision, they better not ban the hacky sac! Let these kids play!!!
If guards believe spike ball is a fun, team building activity to play during breaks – must be on break – then that seems very reasonable. As a former guard, we always covered our guard unis when on break so beachers didn’t confuse us with active guards (although you are always truly available if needed) and to avoid the optics of guards “goofing off” if we were playing frisbee or something After your morning workout and swim, there’s a lot of standing and sitting as a guard so something active is welcome Not sure what safety issue P&R is addressing but com’n man!