Tag Archives: Winslow Park

[OPINION] Simple, Less Costly Alternative Could Address Winslow Dog Safety Concerns

Posted on August 26, 2026 | 17 comments

Brian O’Malley grew up in Weston. A retired marketing executive with Hewlett Packard, IBM and others, he has now lived in Westport for over 40 years.  

He has owned many huskies, all of whom loved Winslow Park. Brian writes:   

There’s a simpler, less costly way to address the safety concerns behind the Winslow Park “Dogport” proposal (the text amendment now before the Planning & Zoning Commission that would allow a fenced dog enclosure in a park that already separates leashed and unleashed areas).

The amendment would change Winslow’s classification, meant to keep town-owned open space unencumbered by structures and reserved for passive recreation. Without P&Z approval, the enclosure cannot be built.

This has become another contentious issue within the Westport community, with more than 60 residents staying for nearly 5 hours at a recent P&Z hearing to voice their views.

Proponents Andrew Colabella and Emme Dorfman argue the enclosure would make the park safer for dogs and owners alike. Andrew points to dogs escaping onto Compo Road North — including a fatal incident — and argues a fenced area would let passive park users avoid off-leash dogs entirely, while letting owners separate small dogs from large ones.

Emme, who developed the idea for a school project, worries her own dogs could get loose at Winslow, adding that no one would be required to use the fenced-in area.

As a near-daily Winslow visitor for over 20 years who has attended every public meeting on this issue, I agree the park has real safety problems. But I don’t agree that a fenced enclosure — and the contentious zoning fight it requires — is the only, or the best, way to solve them.

Responsible ownership and accountability don’t require a fence to exist; they require rules that are enforced, which the town can establish today.

I’m proposing a targeted, lower-cost alternative that needs no zoning change and has already been partially built. After the 2022 fatality on Compo Road North, I worked with the affected family. Twice that summer, I presented a detailed fencing plan to Parks & Recreation.

Fellow dog owners and I began a GoFundMe campaign to cover the cost. Riverside Fence — a contractor with municipal projects from Greenwich to Westport — provided a full quote on May 12, 2022.

The town ultimately did the work itself, but completed only a partial fix, closing wall gaps along a limited stretch near the road rather than the full boundary that was proposed. The town already has a workable, non-zoning solution in hand — it simply hasn’t been finished.

Winslow Park

Three modest steps would complete it, none requiring a zoning change: Finish the remaining 30–40 feet of post-and-rail fencing that separates the leashed and unleashed areas, and add matching mesh; close the remaining stone wall gaps along the east and south meadow on-leash areas near Compo Road North; and install a gated entry at the Playhouse parking lot, the park’s main access point.

Completing this work would fully separate leashed and unleashed areas, resolving the “conflict” and “predictability” concerns proponents raise — concerns that stem largely from how easily dogs move between zones today.  It would also remove conflict risk between families and off-leash dogs in shared spaces like the east meadow sledding hill, and add additional protection for on-leash visitors in the rare event a dog escapes despite a responsible owner’s best efforts.

Pairing this with clear signage — rules posted at every entrance; visible markers at zone boundaries, and a short-term, time-limited increase in enforcement during construction — would round it into a complete safety package.

It comes at a fraction of the cost, maintenance burden, and liability exposure of a permanent enclosure, while preserving the park’s open, unencumbered character for every visitor — not just dog owners.

A documented, funded safety response also carries less liability exposure for the town than an unaddressed, known hazard, and avoids the added upkeep — gate hardware, drainage, worn ground cover — that comes with a permanent enclosure at scale.

Example of transparent mesh fencing that could be used at Winslow Park.

Connecticut’s §8-2 “reasonably related” standard asks whether a zoning change is the least restrictive means necessary to meet a legitimate public need. When a more direct, non-zoning remedy is already funded, documented, and on the table, the Commission should weigh that carefully before amending the town’s zoning code over the objections of so many residents.

If you agree, I encourage you to share your views with the Parks & Recreation Department and the Planning & Zoning Commission before the September 14 vote.

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P&Z Doggedly Hears Winslow Park Proposal

Posted on August 18, 2026 | 7 comments

“06880” political correspondent John H. Palmer writes:

Should Winslow Park include a fenced-in dog area?

Or should it be left as is: all open space?

If the almost 50 people who stayed on the Planning & Zoning Commission’s Zoom meeting until almost midnight last night prevail, the 30-acre park will stay the way it is.

Commissioners heard public comments about a proposed text amendment. It would allow a change to town regulations surrounding usage at the park.

No vote was taken, and there is no current plan to build a dog park on the site. Debate involved whether town regulations should be altered to allow consideration of a dog park in the future.

The proposal, brought to the commission by Representative Town Meeting member Andrew Colabella and Staples High School senior Emme Dorfman, asks the planners to consider a change that would permit a fenced-in area in the park, which already has sections for leashed and unleashed dogs.

“A fence does not transform the character of the park. It can be a tool to better manage and make it safer,” Colabella said. “If [the vote is] yes, it can allow the commission to discuss a potential change in the use.”

Colabella noted that a fenced-in dog park with rules would create a safer area for dogs. He cited incidents of dogs running onto Compo Road North, being killed by cars.

A separate area would permit passive park users to not be bothered by dogs off leash, he said. It would help contain waste, and allow for sections where smaller dogs can be separated from bigger ones.

Dogs at Winslow Park. (Photo/Tracy Porosoff)

“Enclosed areas increase aggressive because dogs can’t back away,” said Vicki Volper, who has been walking her dogs at Winslow since 1998. “I don’t believe in fenced in dog parks, but definitely not in Winslow Park.”

Dorfman said she worries her 2 dogs will get loose at Winslow. She worked with Colabella on a “Dogport,” to provide an option for dogs much like the town provides playgrounds for different individuals.

“Some people are spreading rumors that the entire park will be fenced off. That’s simply not true,” she said. “Some people simply aren’t comfortable allowing their dogs to run free outside of a fenced-in area. No one would be required to use the fenced in area.”

RTM member Wendy Batteau has had 4 dogs over 39 years in Westport, and walks in Winslow Park daily. To her this is an open space issue. Unless there is a proven need to change things to add value to daily life, the park should stay as it is, she said.

“Winslow Park is not any town park or property,” she noted. “It is dedicated open space, and we need to keep it open space. Why do we need a text amendment to make it a dog park? I don’t think we should be losing our open space for anything but our most serious issues.”

Winslow Park

P&Z chair Paul Lebowitz said dog parks are not an allowed use in Winslow Park, under current town regulations. By changing the text, he said the commission must consider whether or not it would add value to the people in town.

“Anything we do doesn’t automatically approve anything,” he said. “It gives permission to those who might want one to bring it forward.”

He added that in 2023, the commission voted on a similar text amendment that allowed the use of lighting on municipal athletic field in town — a subject debated earlier last night at the P&Z session.

“There’s been tremendous public interest in this, and rightly so,” Lebowitz said.

The issue will be continued at the P&Z’s meeting on Sept. 14.

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[OPINION] Fenced Dog Area: “A Solution Looking For A Problem”

Posted on August 17, 2026 | 36 comments

Ken Bernhard is a longtime Westporter. He spent 8 years representing our town in Connecticut’s General Assembly, rising to assistant minority leader. He was 3rd selectman from 1987 to ’89, then served on the Zoning Board of Appeals.

Ken Bernhard

Bernhard has been a board member of the Westport Library, Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Fairfield County, Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce, Norwalk Human Services Council, Earthplace, Westport Historical Society, Levitt Pavilion, Aspetuck Land Trust, Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation, and Connecticut League of Conservation Voters. He has also worked with Syrian refugees.

In advance of tonight’s Planning & Zoning Commission meeting (6 p.m., Zoom), which includes discussion of a text amendment that would permit a fenced dog area to be located within a park, Bernhard wrote to commissioners:

I am writing to respectfully oppose Text Amendment #874, which would modify §40, Dedicated Open Space and Recreation District #1 to permit 2 fenced recreational dog play areas at Winslow Park.

In my view, this amendment is a solution looking for a problem that does not exist. The existing arrangement at Winslow Park has worked successfully for more than 20 years. One area allows dogs to exercise and play off leash, while another requires dogs to remain leashed.

This arrangement provides a sensible balance and allows different park users to enjoy Winslow Park according to their preferences. Before fundamentally changing a system that has worked for decades, the Commission should identify the specific problem this amendment is intended to address and determine whether that problem exists.

If the concern is that dogs might run into the street, there are far simpler, less expensive, and less intrusive solutions than constructing enclosed dog facilities. A modest fence, wall, or other barrier along the roadway could address that specific safety concern without converting a portion of the park into a confined dog enclosure.

The existing off-leash area of Winslow Park should instead be recognized for what it really is: a people park as much as it is a dog park.

Its value is not simply that dogs are permitted to run free. The existing arrangement allows owners to walk, exercise, socialize, and enjoy the natural surroundings while spending time with their pets. People get exercise alongside their dogs, and the dogs get exercise, socialization, and the opportunity to explore. That combination of human recreation, outdoor exercise, nature, and responsible pet ownership is precisely what makes the existing area so valuable.

Winslow Park is for people too.

This is particularly important as Westport experiences growth in the number of apartment residences. Many new residents, as well as existing residents who live in apartments or other housing without large yards, need accessible places where they can walk and exercise their dogs. Winslow Park serves that need exceptionally well because it allows both people and dogs to get meaningful exercise and socialize together.

A fenced dog run does not provide the same benefit. Once a dog and owner enter a relatively small enclosure, the opportunity for a long walk through the park is eliminated. The owner loses the exercise and enjoyment of walking in the park, while the dog loses the opportunity to explore a larger natural environment.

A fenced dog area would therefore reduce, rather than expand, the recreational value of Winslow Park for many dog owners. The goal should be to encourage people to walk and exercise with their dogs—not simply to provide a place where dogs can be contained.

The proposal is particularly questionable because it calls for 2 separate enclosed areas—one for large dogs and one for small dogs. This distinction makes little sense as a means of promoting safety. Aggressiveness and temperament are matters of individual personality and training, not characteristics that correspond reliably to the size of a dog. Separating dogs simply by size does not address the underlying issue of temperament. And what, exactly, is the plan for medium-sized dogs? Creating arbitrary categories raises more questions than it answers.

Winslow Park (Photo/Ron Henkin)

The proposed location raises additional practical concerns. It does not have convenient parking or a readily available water supply. That makes the location particularly inconvenient for dog owners who want to come to the park to walk and exercise with their dogs. The very feature that makes Winslow Park successful — the opportunity for people and dogs to move through and enjoy a larger natural setting — would be diminished by directing users into a fenced enclosure.

Enclosed dog areas can also become soiled quickly, creating sanitation and maintenance concerns. Concentrating numerous unfamiliar dogs in a confined space can produce tension and conflicts that are less likely to occur when dogs have room to move and interact naturally. These are unnecessary issues to introduce into a park system that currently provides a spacious and natural alternative.

I was a Westport resident when the park was acquired decades ago. A similar proposal was considered around that time by the Parks & Recreation Commission and was rejected. This commission should be cautious about revisiting a proposal that was previously determined to be unnecessary, particularly when the existing system continues to function effectively.

The Winslow Park dog community.

Furthermore, approximately half of Winslow Park remains an area where dogs are required to be leashed. This provides substantial space for residents and visitors who prefer not to encounter unleashed dogs.

Finally, I would strongly oppose any effort to commercialize the proposed fenced area or restrict its use to Westport residents. Such a policy would be discriminatory and unnecessarily unfriendly to people from neighboring communities. Visitors who come to Westport with their dogs are not simply users of our parks; they are also customers of our restaurants, retail stores, and other local businesses. Westport benefits from being a welcoming community, and we should not adopt policies that unnecessarily exclude or stigmatize people who live outside our borders.

Additionally, the enforcement mechanism being proposed by the proponents introduces a new regulatory framework that imposes a cost and logistical burden on residents and non-residents alike.

The commission should preserve what already works well, rather than create an expensive, restrictive facility to address a problem that has not been identified. Winslow Park currently offers something difficult to replicate: a place where people can walk, exercise, enjoy nature, socialize and spend quality time with their dogs, while still providing ample space for those who prefer leashed dogs. It is one of Westport’s assets that helps to make our community both unique and a special place to live.

For these reasons, I respectfully urge the Commission to reject Text Amendment #874, and preserve the existing, successful arrangement at Winslow Park.

(“06880” Opinion pages are open to all. Email submissions to 06880blog@gmail.com. To support “06880” with a tax-deductible contribution, please click here.)

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Dogport Organizer: The Back Story, Where It Stands Now, What’s Ahead

Posted on August 17, 2026 | 11 comments

Tonight’s Planning & Zoning Commission meeting (6 p.m., Zoom) includes discussion of a text amendment that would permit a fenced dog area to be located within a park,

Emme Dorfman — a rising senior at Staples High School — helped devise the plan. Today, she shares background on how the idea began, and where it stands now. She hopes too to clear up some misconceptions. She writes:

I first came up with the idea for a fenced-in dog area at Winslow Park last year, as a junior. For my Rhetoric & Persuasion class, I wrote a speech about why I thought Westport could benefit from having a secure area where dogs could run off leash.

I have 2 dogs. When we take them to Winslow, we are always a little nervous that one could get away.

After the class ended, I decided I wanted to pursue the idea. I connected with Representative Town Meeting (RTM) member Andrew Colabella, who had also been working to bring a fenced-in dog area to Westport.

Winslow Park. Compo Road North is at the bottom. The Park extends further to the south (left), toward the Post Road.

I was probably a little naive at first, maybe because of my age and lack of experience with town government. I thought the idea was pretty simple: Winslow is a large park, so why not fence in a portion of it, giving residents and non-residents the option of using a secure off-leash area if that works better for them and their dogs?

We initially proposed an area at the south end of Winslow. After presenting the idea at a Parks & Recreation Commission meeting, it became clear that many regular Winslow users really value that particular meadow. and that some neighbors across Compo Road also had concerns. While we know there will probably never be a location that everyone agrees on, we heard those concerns and began looking at alternatives.

I also want to clarify that the original south end location was the basis for the survey Mark Mathias conducted and has been shared with so many people.

Since then the proposal has changed, which we will share at the next Parks & Recreation meeting. A few weeks ago, Andrew and I met with David Floyd (Parks & Rec chair).

We discussed a possible location on the opposite end of the park, closer to the Compo parking lot and by Post Road. We think this could address many of the concerns we heard. because it would not interfere with the meadow or the way most people currently use Winslow. It would simply be an additional option for dog owners who want or need a secure place for their dogs to exercise. Nothing is official; we are just exploring other options.

One possible location for the fenced-in area: a section near Compo Road North and the Post Road (behind trees in the photo above). It is currently little used by dogs and walkers.

Because of this, I think it is important to recognize that some of the people currently speaking out based on the survey may be responding to information about a proposal that is no longer being considered.

This project is about giving people options. People who love using Winslow exactly as they do today should continue to do that. No one would be required to use the fenced area or change the way they enjoy the rest of the park.

For residents and non-residents who want or need a secure off-leash option, we think there should be one available. We also believe convenience and accessibility for the people and dogs who would use the area are important considerations, alongside aesthetics.

My grandfather is 80 and can’t easily walk around Winslow, but he would love to be able to get out of his car, bring his dog into a secure area, and let him run and get the exercise he needs. My sister recently hurt her knee playing soccer, but she can still enjoy being there with them if they have a secure place to play.

I also understand that some people have raised the point that Winslow is officially considered a park, rather than a “dog park.” But dogs are already clearly part of how Winslow is used. At the entrance there are dog waste bags, a dog water fountain, and signage specifically addressing dogs and their use of the park. Regardless of the official terminology, Winslow already accommodates people using the park with their dogs. We are simply proposing an additional option within that existing use.

We have also adjusted other parts of our original proposal based on feedback. For example, we initially discussed a key-fob access system. We heard concerns about that, so we are no longer proposing it. Instead, the idea would be for dog owners to have the appropriate vaccination and rabies documentation through the town registration process.

Enforcement has also been raised as a concern. That is something we would continue discussing with the dog warden, who we have spoken with, and the town. The fenced area would have clearly posted rules, and users would be expected to behave responsibly, clean up after their dogs, respect other users and follow those rules, just as people are expected to do throughout Winslow today.

I also wanted to clear up one misconception. My mom was at Winslow today and spoke with people who were circulating a petition. She was told that some people are concerned that the entire park could eventually be fenced in. That has never been part of our proposal. We are proposing one designated fenced-in area within Winslow. As information gets passed from person to person, details can understandably get confused, which is one reason I wanted to send this update.

Additionally, no changes would be made to the on-leash versus off-leash areas. Those rules would remain the same.

(Photo/Mark Mathias)

We haven’t been providing many updates this summer because when we spoke with Parks & Recreation, we were told that things tend to be quieter during the summer and would pick back up in September. Nothing has been decided behind the scenes.

Our next step is tonight’s Planning & Zoning meeting, where we hope to have a text amendment approved. It would simply allow us to move forward with the process; it does not approve a location or a final dog park plan.

If the text amendment passes, the next step would be to develop and present a specific proposal, including the potential new location, and continue gathering input from everyone — residents and non-residents, people who currently use Winslow, neighbors, and people who may not use Winslow today because they don’t feel comfortable having their dogs off leash.

We would really like to work together as we move forward, so that any future survey reflects the most current proposal, and accurately explains what is and isn’t being considered. We don’t want anyone to feel that their concerns haven’t been heard. Many of the changes we are considering are a direct result of listening to those concerns.

What we’ve learned is that people in opposition may speak up more loudly than the people in support. We understand how important it is to listen, adjust, and try to find a solution that works for as many people as possible.

(“06880” reports regularly on town affairs — political, environmental, human, canine and more. If you appreciate our 24/7/365 work, please click here to support us. Thank you!)

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Dogs In Public: What Do Humans Think?

Posted on August 9, 2026 | 34 comments

It’s an increasingly common scene in Westport: a dog on a leash.

But not in Winslow Park, on a sidewalk, or Soundview Drive (skirting by centimeters the no-dogs-on-the-beach rule).

These pooches are in indoor spaces: the post office. Downtown stores. Markets.

Westporters are noticing. A few readers contacted “06880,” asking about the trend.

Shopping at Trader Joe’s.

They raise interesting questions.

  • Why are more people bringing dogs into spaces they’d never take them before?
  • Where and how do owners’ rights intersect with the rights of others to be in a dog-free zone? (A related issue: What about people who for whatever reason don’t like — or are scared of — dogs? Including children?)
  • Do any laws — either actual or social — regulate when, where and why a dog can or should be in a public space?

Dog stories are catnip for “06880” readers. We know there will be many comments. Please keep them civil. Dogs can’t read, but their owners — and non-owners — can. We’re all neighbors.

This is also a great topic for an “06880” survey. Please click here to respond. 

We’ll fetch all the replies, and report back soon.

(If it’s happening in Westport — or people here are talking about it — you’ll find it on “06880.” But we can’t do this without readers’ help. support. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Roundup: Dogs, Sports, Taylor Swift …

Posted on August 7, 2026 | 11 comments

It’s the dog days of August.

With many Westporters out of town in the final days before school resumes, most boards have canceled meetings.

Not the Planning & Zoning Commission.

And their August 17 meeting (6 p.m., Zoom) is nothing to sniff at.

They’ll consider a text amendment submitted by Representative Town Meeting member Andrew Colabella. He explains, “The text amendment would allow a form of recreation to be conducted on designated open space where active leisurely use already occurs, providing the option for a fenced dog area to be located within a park.

“It is important to understand that this is not an approval of a specific dog park or a final site plan. Rather, it is a change to the zoning regulations that would permit the use to be considered. Any specific proposal would still be subject to additional public review and approvals.

“The P&Z is not being asked to decide whether Winslow Park should have a dog run. It is being asked whether the zoning regulations should allow a fenced dog area as a permitted recreational use on designated open space where active recreational uses are already appropriate. The merits and details of any specific location remain separate questions.”

Colabella and student Emme Dorfman have designed a concept, and been given an OK for their pre-app.

“The concept will either be supported or rejected by the Parks & Recreation Commission, and is within respect to outside expert analysis by the Parks Master Plan to be located at Winslow, after carefully reviewing all viable parks and town properties throughout Westport,” Colabella adds.

Click here for background information. Click here (and then scroll down to Text Amendment #874) for additional materials. 

Westport resident Mark Mathias says that, according to Planning & Zoning director Michelle Perillie, the P&Z can either keep the matter open or close it.

If they vote to approve — either that night or at a later meeting — the petitioners must submit an 8-24 Municipal Improvement Request, and Special Permit Site Plan, to the P&Z. The Parks & Recreation Department would also be involved.

Details including exact location, funding, design, and management of the space would still need to be proposed and approved.

Rendering of a possible “Dogport” at Winslow Park.

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The 64th annual Westport PAL Chief Samuel Luciano Golf Tournament tees off August 31, at Longshore.

A major fundraiser, proceeds fund the organization’s scholarship program. To register, or join as a sponsor, click here.

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Speaking of the police and scholarships: Classic cars, custom vehicles, local vendors and community members come together this Sunday (August 9, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.) — all in support of a great cause.

The 8th annual Charity Car show (148 East Avenue, Norwalk) benefits the Vincent Penna Scholarship Program for high school students. It honors the memory of the late deputy chief of the Westport Police Department.

Sunday’s event — hosted by the Italian American Police Society — includes a raffle with over $35,000 in prizes, donated by more than 100 sponsors. They include automotive parts and accessories, tools, gift certificates and specialty items.

Vincent Penna Jr.

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Speaking (still) of sports: TOPSoccer — the program for youngsters with physical or learning differences — returns for another season.

Blake Serotta — a rising sophomore player at Staples — leads the program, in conjunction with the Weston Soccer Club and Westport Soccer Association.

TOPSoccer is open to boys and girls in grades K-8. It runs Saturdays, 11;30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., from September 12  through November 7 at Morehouse Farm Park in Weston.

The program includes fun games, drills, and small-sided games. Each child is paired with a buddy, who stays with them on the field. High schoolers are welcome as volunteers and buddies.

To learn more, and sign up as a player or buddy, click here. Questions? Email blake.serotta@gmail.com

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Speaking yet again of sports: Congratulations to Northeast Elite Water Polo Club.

The Westport-based youth program won the 14U Boys Gold Division championship at the USA Water Polo Junior Olympics, the nation’s largest youth water polo tournament, in Dallas.

It was not easy. The team lost their first 3 tourney games, before rallying to win 5 straight. They finished with 74 goals in 8 matches, over 5 days.

Northeast Elite was founded in 2024 by Staples High School coach Danilo Sierra-Giraldo, and Kade Ramirez-Zimmerman. Winning players include Julian Urist, Alexander Vandenberg, Sagan Feder, Sascha Bowtell, Oliver Melnichok, Yash Mani Lorenzato, Calvin Jahansouz, Santos Infantino, Ben Scanlon, Cullen Shope, Aaron Bhuyan and Joshua Smith.

Northeast Elite water polo champs.

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The Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport is hosting another humongous tag sale.

And everyone is invited.

The event is Saturday, August 15 (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; early birds 8 a.m., $20).

They missed last year, due to building renovations. So now there are 2 years’ worth of all kinds of stuff to check out.

And buy.

A small part of the big crowd at the Unitarian Universalist tag sale.

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The curtain has fallen on the last show of the Westport Country Playhouse’s 2025-26 season.

But the stage is set for more entertainment.

“Cruel Summer” — a live band playing the music of Ariana Grande, Olivia Dean, Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter and more — rocks the theater on Friday, August 28 (7 p.m.).

Click here for tickets, and more information.

Taylor Swift will not be at the Westport Country Playhouse this month. But her music will be.

Westporter Peter Van Heerden took the helm of Pequot Library a little over 4 months ago.

But he’s already infused new energy into the 132-year-old institution, and forged community partnerships and collaborations.

One example: On September 10 (7 p.m.), Broadway legend and area resident James Naughton joins Mia Dillon, Jill Eikenberry and Michael Tucker for a reading of historic documents tied to the Declaration of Independence. A Q-and-A follows. Click here for details. and to register.

The program is part of the Pequot’s summer Special Collections exhibition, Unfinished Revolution: 250 Years of Marking American Independence.

On September 25 (7 p.m.), Naughton and friends return for a Closing Exhibition Celebration featuring another reading, Q-and-A, and a live band performance. Tickets ($50 per person) support exhibition programming. Click here for details.

And on September 19, the Pequot’s benefit features the famed Paul Taylor Dance Company. Limited to 300 attendees, the event launches the library’s new Summer Stage plan to bring top-tier talent to the region. Tickets start at $100, and sponsorships are available. Click here for details.

James Naughton

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Of all the plants we’ve plastered in this “Westport … Naturally” series, none may be better named than “elephant ears.”

Richard Fogel spotted these guys near Webb Road:

(Photo/Richard Fogel)

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And finally … in honor of Taylor Swift’s (non)-appearance at the Westport Country Playhouse (item above):

(Okay, so Taylor Swift won’t be on the Playhouse stage. But Westport still has “06880.” Please help keep us here, by making a tax-deductible contribution here. Thank you!)

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Dogport: The Survey Says …

Posted on July 22, 2026 | 5 comments

A fenced-in dog run at Winslow Park is not on tonight’s Parks & Recreation Commission agenda (Wednesday, 8 p.m.; Zoom).

But the topic may be raised in the “Public Comment” part of the meeting.

Commissioners generally do not respond publicly, and a vote is a long way off. But if a “Dogport” is brought up, it might include data from a second survey of Winslow Park users.

The survey — which is still online — received 338 responses, as of yesterday afternoon. 85.5% of the respondents live in Westport.

The majority (60.7%) oppose creation of a separate, fenced area. 22% are in favor, while 17.3% are undecided.

The main concerns include the disruption of natural beauty and open space. Fencing is viewed as unnecessary, an eyesore, and potentially disruptive. Many believe current open, leash-free areas work well and should remain unchanged.

Survey QR code at Winslow Park.

Some users oppose the Dogport altogether; others prefer a different location. Some support a fenced area if it does not detract from Winslow’s open space, with emphasis on proper planning and minimal disruption.

While a majority of respondents believe fencing reduces the risk of dogs running into traffic and enhances owner supervision, others say that fenced areas can increase aggression, territorial behavior, and fights between dogs.

Owner responsibility was a major issue. Respondents stressed the importance of training and supervision, over fencing.

Suggested improvements for Winslow Park include better fencing along existing boundaries, and enforcing leash rules.

If a Dogpark is approved (the preferred size is 1/2 acre), the proposed site along Compo Road North garnered approval from just 18.5%. That location was not favored by 41.5%, while 40% were undecided.

Rendering of the proposed site, along Compo Road North.

Alternative locations suggested included Longshore, Compo Beach, Riverside Park and Baron’s South. One respondent offered “the back yard of the student who suggested it and the town rep who supports it.” Another said, “nowhere. People have back yards. Let dogs run there.”

If a Dogport is implemented, 45% favored town funding. 39.2% say funds should come from people who use it, while 15.8% are undecided.

And if a Dogport is built, 56.8% believe it should be open to non-residents. 21.8% would ban out-of-towners; 21.5% are undecided

For the full survey, with results, click here.

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Winslow Dogport: Where Off-Leash Run Now Stands

Posted on July 20, 2026 | 21 comments

Has activity around a fenced, off-leash area for canines in Winslow Park been “pawsed” since our most recent report, last month?

No! Mark Mathias sent this email last week, to residents who are interested in the project:

First, our survey now has 333 respondents.  I’m very impressed with this outcome. In addition, 103 people who filled out the survey gave us their email asking to be kept informed.

Second, we are primarily waiting for the Planning & Zoning Commission meeting to put on the agenda the request for a text amendment that would allow a dog run (aka “Dogport”) to be built in Winslow Park.

Should the text amendment be granted, that doesn’t mean construction will start. As I read the documents they simply allow it, but don’t state what or where it will look like, who will pay for it, who will maintain it, and more.

Those are separate questions that will have to be addressed if the P&Z approves the application for the text amendment.

One proposal for a fenced-in off-leash area at Winslow Park.

Third, on Monday morning this week, I met at Winslow Park with Emme Dorfman (one of the applicants), Ali Dorfman (Emme’s mother), and Jon Polayes (invited by the Dorfmans) in order to see what options might be available.

Discussions included having only a small dog area, moving the fenced area to the southeast corner of Winslow Park where Compo Road and the Post Road meet, and more.

Fourth, many people have expressed health concerns about Dogport. I reached out to respected local veterinarian Dr. Irwin Lebish, and asked his thoughts on the initiative. He said:

I don’t have any specific objections to a fenced-in dog run area in Winslow Park. My main concern would be the transmission of intestinal parasites through contamination of the surface. Ordinary grass would be a problem because if stools are not picked up, and even if they are, parasite eggs and larvae could leach into the surface and be transmitted.

The best surface in terms of cleanliness and maintenance would be pet grade artificial turf. However, to cover an area you describe would be very expensive.

The next best surface would be decomposed granite/washed stone. How much more aggressive behavior would occur in a fenced-in area is difficult to determine. A lot depends on the density of the dog population inside the area.

Fifth, we discussed the issues of how to pay for the creation of the fenced-in area, maintenance and upkeep, as well as other logistical matters that would require various town agencies (mainly the Parks & Recreation Department) involvement, and funding, not only initially but on an annual basis.

Winslow Park (Photo/Mark Mathias)

One question that I am frequently asked is whether a fenced-in off-leash area would ultimately lead to having the rest of Winslow Park be made on-leash.  People have told me stories of towns around Westport where they have seen this occur, but I have no firsthand knowledge of this. If anyone receiving this has reliable information about this, please send it to me (winslowdogport@gmail.com).

In summary, I continue having enjoyable and informative conversations with people in Winslow Park as I walk Loki there daily. Please feel free to say hello, and give your perspectives on this matter.

I will continue to work with Emme and her supporters to help craft a plan that will have a positive impact on Westport.

I am also monitoring the agendas for both Parks & Recreation and Planning & Zoning to see what agenda items appear on their agendas so that anyone who is interested in conveying their opinions to the relevant officials can do so at the appropriate time, whether in advance of their meetings or by joining their meetings (many of which are held over Zoom).

I welcome conversations and insights from you and hope you will help inform me of your suggestions and opinions: winslowdogport@gmail.com.

(“06880” reports regularly on Westport’s residents — and dogs. If you enjoy coverage like this, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Environment, Local politics

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Photo Challenge #603

Posted on July 19, 2026 | 15 comments

Winslow Park is Westport’s — maybe Fairfield County’s — favorite dog park.

Before its most recent run though, it was other things: a sanitarium (for half a century) — and before that, one of the most elegant estates in town (here’s looking at you, State Senator Henry Richard Winslow, and your wife Mary).

Where not sure when, why or by whom a wrought iron fence was erected on the Compo Road North side of the property.

But it sure looks like it’s been there a while. It was the subject of last week’s Photo Challenge (click here to see). 

Nearly every reader who responded nailed it: Marilyn Alger, Rachel Sara Halperin, Ed Simek, Morgan Eklund, Jonathan McClure, Seth Braunstein, Martha Witte, Lynn Untermeyer Miller and Clark Thiemann.

There were only a couple of errant guesses (Haskins Preserve, and Christ & Holy Trinity Church). Good ideas — but not the right fence.

Meanwhile, we head into the dog days of summer with this week’s challenge:

(Photo/John Maloney)

If you know where in Westport you’d see this, click “Comments” below.

(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!)

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Posted in Photo Challenge

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UnPlastic Westport: Halftime Report

Posted on July 11, 2026 | 5 comments

Sustainable Westport says:

The World Cup is moving toward the final matches. But right here at home, another team is huddling up for the second half.

July marks 6 months since Sustainable Westport launched UnPlastic Westport – a community initiative aimed at reducing single-use plastics across town.

Like any good team at midpoint, they have some first-half highlights to savor.

From purging plastic from our kitchens and rethinking our closets to swapping out bathroom plastics, Westport has stepped up big time.

But that impact isn’t just happening at home; it’s transforming public spaces too.

Thanks to resident contributions, UnPlastic Westport has funded, secured town approval for, and installed 2 new water bottle filling stations. They’re at the Compo Beach basketball courts, and Winslow Park.

Water bottle filling station at Compo Beach …

We’re positioned to knock thousands of single-use plastic bottles out of our parks and beaches this summer.

But the game isn’t over. This month is Plastic-Free July.The global movement inspires millions to take simple steps to reduce plastic waste. Sustainable Westport is handing the playbook over to residents to score the next big win.

To fund the next wave of infrastructure, they’re launching a town-wide competition to decide where Westport’s next water bottle filling station should go.

Every dollar donated counts as one vote (or point scored) for your favorite location. If you chip in $1, that’s one vote. $5 = 5 votes, helping stack the deck for your favorite park, beach or sports field.

Whichever Westport location puts the most points on the board by the end of the month wins the championship, and the next water bottle filling station.*

… and Winslow Park. 

How to Vote:

  1. Click this donation link.
  2. Select your donation amount (e.g., $5 = 5 votes).
  3. Under “Additional info”, select your desired location from the list: Town Farms Ball Complex, Old Mill Beach, PJ Romano Field, or Wakeman Park

PS: Where does our town need a hydration upgrade? Is it athletic fields, a spot downtown, or closer to the beach? Click “Comments” below to rally your neighbors.

*All locations are subject to approval by the Planning & Zoning Commission, Parks & Recreation Commission and Department of Public Works, as applicable. The cost and feasibility of each location vary.

(“06880” reports regularly on Westport’s environment. If you enjoy coverage like this, please click here to support our work. Thank you!) 

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Posted in Beach, Environment

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