“06880” readers skated around last week’s Photo Challenge.
John Maloney’s image showed an old-looking sign, headed “Playground Rules.” They included “Adult supervision required,” “No horseplay,” “Do not use when playground is wet,” and “No bicycles, roller skates or skateboards permitted.” (Click here to see.)
Because the sign looked timeworn, answers included the playgrounds behind Town Hall, and at Luciano Park.
Nope! Surprisingly, it hangs at the most popular playground in Westport: Compo Beach. Thousands of Westport parents, grandparents, nannies, au pairs and other caregivers are very familiar with the recently renovated spot.
But no one — except the very observant Andrew Colabella — knew that the sign is right there, in plain view, on the boardwalk near the swings and other playful paraphernalia.
So I guess not many people know the Compo Beach playground rules.
“Shoes are required.” “No pets allowed.”
And one that’s not on the list, but should be: “Have fun!”
Here is today’s Photo Challenge. If you know where in Westport you’d see this sad, lonely intersection, click “Comments” below.
(Photo/Jonathan Alloy)
(Every Sunday, “06880” hosts this Photo Challenge. We challenge you too to support your hyper-local blog. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)
Two of Westport’s most popular spots — downtown and Compo Beach — were where the action was yesterday.
Between the 52nd annual Fine Arts Festival and the 2nd-ever Kickoff to Summer, there was something for everyone. First, the Fest:
Watercolors, oil paintings, woodworking, sculptures, photos — all those mediums and more are on display this weekend, on Main and Elm Streets, and nearby Church Lane.
In its half century, the Westport Downtown Association event has become one of the top shows in the nation. This year, it drew 165 artists. Over 40 are first-timers here. Seven are from Westport.
Popular local photographer John Videler is a first-time Fine Arts Festival exhibitor. He’s selling scenes of Westport, and much more.
The Fine Arts Festival includes family activities like face painting, crafts, games, and dancing and photo ops.
Crafts for kids.
It’s a real festival, with wine and beer for adults, food vendors, and music. The show continues today (Sunday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) More information is available here.
The School of Rock rocks.
Here come (2 of) the judges: Miggs Burroughs and Sandy Pelletier.
Staples High School students show their work.
Dylan Curran and Captain Jillian Cabana keep everyone safe.
Westport photographer Nancy Breakstone, at her traditional spot near Anthropologie.
Music on the Main and Elm Streets corner. (All photos/Dan Woog)
The first arrivals: The view from Brooks Corner. (Photo/Andrew Colabella)
Best in Show award winner: Kathryn Maher. She’s in Booth 18. (Photo/Brian Spurr)
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At the same time, dozens of families flocked to Compo Beach. “06880” intern Katherine Phelps reports:
Westport officially opened its brand-new, fully inclusive Compo Beach playground this week, in a very appropriate way: with children’s laughter.
The new play space’s inauguration was part of a day-long celebration sponsored by the Parks & Recreation Department, complete with bouncy houses, food trucks and games.
The new playground replaces the popular structure first built in 1989, then refurbished in 2006.
It has been reimagined with inclusivity, safety and community spirit in mind. It features modern equipment designed for children of all abilities, including sensory elements, accessible play zones, and “mommy-and-me” swings that promote connection and bonding.
2nd Selectwoman Andrea Moore noted the intergenerational nature of the project as “a coordination of a lot of different groups.
“It wasn’t just the town. It was such a great community project. I worked on this 18 years ago, the last time it was rebuilt. Now it’s incredible to see a new generation of young Westporters volunteering.”
From classic swings and towering play structures to a pretend ice cream truck that kids could not get enough of, the new Compo playground is designed for everyone.
Courtney Kornblum, at the opening with her young daughter, was excited about the new playground.
“It’s pretty remarkable,” Kornblum said. “There’s a lot more for younger ages now. The mommy-and-me swings and the drums — it really brings people together. You look around, and everyone’s smiling.”
Beyond the equipment itself, the event was a celebration of the teamwork that went into the renovation. Volunteers of all ages participated in the build. Former 1st Selectman Jim Marpe, who was involved in the previous playground updates, was also part of this renovation.
“This playground has a lot of history for me,” he said. “I helped out when it was first built, and again in 2006. Last year, the Westport Rotary Club decided to make a major donation to the reconstruction. It was the perfect fit.”
Marpe noted that when he took his grandchildren to the previous structure, he felt as though something was just slightly off.
“I can’t wait to bring them now,” Marpe said. “There is just so much to do, and something for everyone. We wanted it to be as accessible as possible for every child to enjoy.”
Kids began enjoying it the moment the celebration ended.
And they will keep doing so until the next rebuild, a couple of decades from now.
After the playground celebration, kids headed over to the Kickoff to Summer, near the basketball courts.
Lifeguards (from left) Olivia Kuliga, Molly Whittle and Ella Harrington keep a close (and smiling) watch.
(All photos/Katherine Phelps)
Volunteers and kids say “cheese!” (Photo/David Klee)
Jackie Robinson is a towering historical figure. Thanks to Major League Baseball’s ongoing efforts, every young fan today knows the story of the first man to break the sport’s Black barrier.
But older Americans have more first-hand knowledge of the Brooklyn Dodgers star. They were youngsters or adolescents when he played, or had recently retired.
Robinson was the subject of the Westport Library Common Ground Initiative‘s first-ever Jackie Robinson Essay Contest.
Modeled on TEAM Westport’s Teen Diversity Essay Contest, it invited area residents age 60 or older to reflect on this prompt: “Jackie Robinson stands as an icon of equality and civil rights. What does that say about the power of his legacy, of the place of sports in our culture, and about our modern-day society?”
The Library, Senior Center and Meryl Moss Media group chose 6 winners.
Tony Sanches won first place — and a Jackie Robinson Baseball Hall of Fame 1962 induction limited edition bat — for his essay, “Life Lessons.” A New York Mets fan who is very familiar with the large Robinson statue outside Citi Field, he wrote about how the player inspired him — a “brown-skinned kid … in an all-white Long Island suburb.” Sanches’ essay is here.
Second place went to Steve Karp. His essay “42 and Me” described the writer’s youth in Stamford — where Robinson lived — and the player’s personal impact on him.
It’s not easy, overseeing all the music and art education in the Westport Public Schools.
But Stephen Zimmerman does it — and does it well.
So well, in fact, that last week our townwide coordinator of music and visual arts was named Administrator of the Year, by the Connecticut Music Educators Association.
He was cited for his “visionary leadership, tireless advocacy for teachers, and unwavering commitment to ensuring high quality music programs for all students… (He) is deeply invested in teacher growth, regularly presenting at state and national conferences and working closely with Connecticut districts, teachers, and music administrators to strengthen instruction, curriculum, and assessment practices.”
Steve Zimmerman
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The 9th annual Westport Dog Festival is this Sunday (May 18, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Winslow Park).
This week, TAILS volunteers have been working like — you know — filling 1,000 doggie bags, given to attendees.
Sponsors provide an item to promote themselves. They include things like dog food, a doggie poop bag holder (with bags), dog bandannas, bubbles, refrigerator magnets and discount coupons.
This is one doggie bag you’re not embarrassed to ask for.
Westport Sunrise Rotary is collaborating with Open Doors Homeless Shelter in Norwalk for Epic Day of Service.
They’re looking for volunteers to help paint bed frames, and the front entrance of the facility.
Two shifts are avaiable this Saturday (May 17; 9 to 11 a.m., and 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.). Please PM me if you are available and willing to give back. If interested, email asarelli@yahoo.com.
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To celebrate its decade, The Cottage has unveiled a Ten Year Tasting Menu.
The multi-course offering was designed by chef/owner Brian Lewis, 2025 James Beard Award nominee for Best Chef: Northeast. The limited-time menu pays homage to “the restaurant’s roots in seasonality, storytelling, and enduring partnerships with New England’s finest farmers, fishermen, and foragers.
“This menu is a tribute to the ingredients, people, and moments that have shaped our story over the past 10 years,” says Lewis.
“We pushed ourselves to dig deeper — reconnecting with our local purveyors, reimagining time-honored techniques, and creating dishes that carry real meaning. Each course reflects a memory, a partnership, or a turning point.”
The Westport Weston Family YMCA’s Extra Special Spring Bash is truly special.
The lively, inclusive event for teens and young adults with disabilities (May 23, 6:30 to 8 p.m.) is open to youth ages 12 to 18 with physical or neuro-diverse needs, and their families.
The Y will transform its fitness studio into a spring-themed festival, with music, dancing, games, food, a photo booth, gift bags, and plenty of joy. A live DJ will keep the energy high, in a safe, welcoming space made just for arrwnswwa.
.Ken Runkel’s digital artwork is a highlight of nearly every “06880” Saturday online art gallery.
But today’s post has nothing to do with art.
Ten years ago Ken’s daughter Lindsey — a 2009 Staples High School graduate — fractured her spine in a mountain biking accident. She was paralyzed from the chest down.
But she earned 2 degrees, including a BSN in nursing from the University of Connecticut. In fact, Lindsey broke new ground, as the first paraplegic nursing student at UConn.
Soon after graduation she was hired by Yale New Haven Hospital, as the only paraplegic registered nurse in the liver and kidney transplant unit. In 2021 she became a critical care nurse, in the ICU at Yale New Haven Hospital.
She has fought tirelessly to live fully, and refuses to let paralysis define or limit her. Yet she has faced harsh challenges, both medical and financial.
Lindsey was recently diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. She has encountered ongoing obstacles to find effective pharmaceutical and treatment solutions.
Her daily medical needs already carry significant costs, and the treatment for ulcerative colitis has further increased her financial burden.
A 37-year-old Darien women was charged with larceny, following an investigation into a March incident at Mitchells. The woman allegedly removed security bags from clothes worth more than $9,000 in a dressing room. She was released after posting a $50,000 bond.
Westport Police also issues these citations, between May 7 and 14:
Driving while texting: 7 citations
Traveling unreasonably fast: 4
Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 4
And finally … in honor of Joe Vallone’s latest affordable housing project (story above):
(Another day, another Roundup filled with news about events, restaurants, and everything else that makes this town pop. If you enjoy this daily potpourri, please click here to support us. Thanks!)
In anticipation of — and appreciation for — the recent Compo Beach playground rebuild, a few Friday Flashbacks flashed back to the original construction in 1989, and the subsequent renovation nearly 2 decades later.
But those were all photo flashbacks.
Today we’ve got a video.
Sure, it’s a video of still photos. Still, they tell a compelling story.
In 1989, elementary school students working with designer Robert Leathers created plans for a playground at what was then empty space adjacent to the lifeguard shack.
It would replace a forlorn couple of swings and monkey bars by the basketball courts.
Getting ready to build.
It was a great idea — until a group of residents opposed it. They worried about a “ruined vista,” and cited fears of teenagers and out-of-towners overruning the area, drinking and smoking dope and having sex.
A long court battle ensued. At the last minute a court injunction was lifted. Construction began immediately.
As in 2006 and again last month, hundreds of volunteers made magic happen.
The original build was captured in a video by Dom Rossi, a committee member, and his marketing company.
It was unearthed recently by Rick and Totney Benson. They worked on the first playground — and on its most recent renovation.
Howard Edelstein digitized it. RB Benson — Rick and Totney’s son — uploaded it yesterday to YouTube.
And when you do, realize that some of the kids in the video — as adults now, with children of their own — may have helped out this time.
The Compo Beach playground is a great, feel-good story, from 1989, 2006 and 2025.
Just imagine if the anti-playground forces had won.
(Friday Flashback is one of “06880”‘s many regular features. If you enjoy this — or anything else on our website — please consider a tax-deductible contribution. Just click here. Thank you!)
It took a couple of years of planning, hundreds of thousands of dollars in donations, and a head-spinning week of hands-on work, by hundreds of volunteers.
But the rebuilt Compo Beach playground is a reality.
And now — as they have since it was first constructed (by volunteers) in 1989 — many generations of kids will play, run, jump, swing, dream, and simply have a ton of fun, in this very cool space.
Negin Janati (front) and Play by Design employee Hugh. (Photo/Kim Cooper)
Congratulations to all who helped make it possible.
This list is extensive. Apologies if we’ve left any one, or any group, out. You’re all Unsung Heroes!
Mark Owades and grandson Cooper Sterling. (Photo/Rowene Weems)
Lead sponsors:Westport Rotary Club, Westport Young Woman’s League
Co-chairs:Bridget Flynn and Samantha Owades
Core committee (2+ years on the project): Mike Bennett, RB Benson, Rick Benson, Alex Cohen, Andrew Colabella, Samantha Chertoff, Stacie Curran, Rob Decosimo, Chelsea Elkin, Lauren Felsenstein Bonifacius, Deep Gill, Erin Hall, Shauna Mahesh, Erin Spillman, Chloe Steinberg, Maddy Travers, Chloe Zale.
Site lead: RB Benson
Jim and Mike Bennett. Mike was this years’ tool lead. His father Jim led the 1989 effort. (Photo/Kim Cooper)
Kidzone:Baked by Bri, Crafty Kids, Sara Holland, The Scouts, Westport Academy of Dance, The Children’s Community Development Center.
Builders who sent crews: Bluewater, O’Dell Group, R.B. Benson & Co., Harmony Design Build, Westport Woodworking. In addition, Interstate Lumber and Conte Construction provided materials and tools.
Build week food:
AMG Catering
Arden’s Rowayton
Bartaco
Blind Rhino
Blue & Berries
Costco
GG & Joe’s
Granola Bar
Greenwich Hospitality/La Plage
Haven Hot Chicken
Hometown Deli
Hook’d
Kneads
Leventhal Bakery
Little Kitchen of Westport
Lyfe Café/Pizza Lyfe
Meal Joy Foods
Nômade
Nuts.com
Old Mill Grocery & Deli by Romanacci’s
Planet Pizza Norwalk
Pop-up Bagels
Proof Pizza Truck
Riko’s
Rizzuto’s
Sea Salt Baking Company
Stew Leonard’s
Stylish Spoon Bakery
The Blondinit
The Bridge at Saugatuck
The Clubhouse
The Cottage
The Pantry
Trader Joe’s
And of courseall who donated time, talent and energy during the crazy, frenetic, fun, fulfilling and rewarding 6 days of building. The playground would not have been completed without you!
The picnic table construction crew: Joe, Mary, Cindy, Nancy, Brittany and Magdalena.(Photo courtesy of Nancy Axthelm)
(“06880” is proud to honor Unsung Heroes — and tell many other tales of town too. Please click here to support your hyper-local blog.)
Yesterday’s Roundup item on upcoming town meetings about the Hamlet at Saugatuck project confused some readers. Here’s some clarity:
This Monday’s Planning & Zoning Commission meeting (April 28, 6 p.m., Town Hall auditorium) begins with a discussion on developer ROAN Ventures’ amended presentation. Public comment will follow.
Also ahead: the Conservation Commission on Wednesday (April 30, 7 p.m., Town Hall auditorium) and Flood & Erosion Control Board (May 6, 7 p.m., Zoom).
To view documents, drawings and other material related to The Hamlet, click here, then scroll down.
Artist’s rendering of the Hamlet project, looking toward the Saugatuck River.
The #SpeakYourMind ice bucket challenge reached new heights on Thursday.
After I got soaked — thanks, Dave Briggs, for nominating me to help raise funds and awareness for youth mental health issues! — I dared Jen Tooker and Andrea Moore to do the same.
The 1st and 2nd Selectwomen quickly responded. Like me, they had a blast getting wet — and passing along the challenge.
They named the staff at Positive Directions. It’s an inspired choice. The Westport organization provides counseling and support to people and families struggling with mental health and substance abuse disorders.
So how did our town leaders do? Click here, or click on the link below.
Speaking of the weather: It postponed today’s scheduled Westport Clean-up Day until next Saturday (May 3).
Sustainable Westport is one group taking part. They’ll meet at the Longshore pavilion, and clean up the waterfront from 2 to 4 p.m. Trash bags will be provided. Click here to sign up.
Of course, residents are free to pick up trash and other debris today, too.
It’s time for another “Westport … Naturally” tulip shot.
Sure, we’ve shown them before. But they don’t last forever. And a photo like Mark Yurkiw’s — showing his Cross Highway bounty — is too good to pass up.
(It’s another busy weekend in Westport. If you’ve got a free minute — and that’s all it takes — please click here to support the hyper-local blog that helps make this, and every other weekend, great. Thanks!)
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