With the recent hot weather drawing more and more people to Darien’s two town beaches, concerns about crowding during the COVID-19 pandemic led First Selectman Jayme Stevenson to close Weed and Pear Tree Point Beaches to out-of-town visitors.
The First Selectman’s Office released this announcement explaining the move:
IN LIGHT OF THE EXISTING PANDEMIC AND THE CURRENT STATE OF EMERGENCY, THE TOWN OF DARIEN WILL TEMPORARILY RESTRICT BEACHES TO RESIDENTS ONLY ON SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS
First Selectman, Jayme Stevenson, has today issued an executive order that limits access to Town beaches to Darien residents only, on Saturdays and Sundays.
The current heat wave, which is expected to last for several more days, has been drawing, and will continue to draw, more people to our beaches.
The health, safety and welfare of our citizens is, and will continue to be, a top priority. This is especially true during this global pandemic.
Image from Darien Park & Recreation Dept. on Facebook
Weed Beach, at a less crowded time of year
On March 10, 2020, the governor of the state of Connecticut declared a public emergency and a civil preparedness emergency. In addition to that, the first selectman has signed a state of emergency declaration for the town of Darien.
Pursuant to the order of the governor as well as the Connecticut General Statutes, the First Selectman has the authority to take the action necessary to mitigate emergency conditions. It is necessary, at least on a limited basis, to limit our beaches to a safe capacity in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 within our community.
Over the last several days the number of reported individuals in Darien who have contracted the disease has increased. For the health and well-being of our citizens, it is necessary to limit access to our beaches and provide safe conditions.
Image from Nobu Miki
“Sandcastle Contest at Weed Beach,” by Nobu Miki
Due to capacity concerns at our beaches, and our desire to maintain a safe environment for the residents of Darien during this pandemic, we will be limiting beach access to Darien residents only on Saturdays and Sundays for the remainder of the 2020 summer season.
All residents over the age of 16 years entering Pear Tree Beach or Weed Beach by foot or bike, must provide proof of residency to the gate guards.
If you do not have a current State of Connecticut license with a Darien address, you must bring another form of proof of residency such as a current utility bill or other piece of first class mail and an ID.
If you cannot provide proof of residency, you will not be allowed into the beach.