It’s hard to believe today, but the Compo Beach playground created a gigantic Westport controversy.
Tensions ran so high in 1988, in fact, that opponents — worried it would obstruct views of the water, and attract out-of-town riff-raff, plus pot-smoking, beer-drinking, sex-having teenagers — filed a lawsuit to prevent it.
They lost.
A joyful, community-wide construction effort began moments after a court injunction was lifted.
The playground quickly became a civic jewel. It’s beloved by everyone in town (including grumpy former litigants), and out-of-towners (who use it out of season). Teens find plenty of other places to smoke, drink and snuggle.
A renovation in 2006 was — like the original build — a chance for Westporters of all ages to spend a weekend together, donating time and labor to ensure many more years of fun.
Parents lead children through the Compo playground.
It’s almost time for a second renovation. Once again, this is a town-wide effort.
And once again, all of us can help.
Anchored by $100,000 gifts from both the Westport Rotary Club and Westport Police Foundation, organizers have already raised $262,932. The goal is $650,000. Funds will modernize the playground, keeping it safe and enjoyable for generations of youngsters (and their parents and grandparents).
Improvements include
- A larger play area, with a fence line to add new picnic spaces
- Installation of new equipment, including adaptive play structures
- Renovations to improve accessibility of current features
- Increasing sightline visibility, giving adults better views, with more entry fencing and seating.
There are many ways to donate. Among them:
- Become an anchor sponsor
- Donate one of the new elements
- Buy an “engraved fence picket.” (Donors of previous pickets get 50% off — and a chance to pick up your old one before the build.)
- Buy a paver.
- And more.
Click here for donation details. Scroll down on that page, to contribute to specific structures. The website also offers volunteer opportunities.
Nearly 40 years after the Compo Beach playground was first built, there is no court case. Unlike 1988, the first selectwoman has not received a death threat.
The playground renovation is one of the few things in town everyone can agree on.
But it won’t happen without everyone’s help. Remember: We can’t spell “playground” without “u.”
(Photo/Katherine Bruan)
