Darien Board of Selectmen 2024
Great Island Town of Darien Visioning Plan

Selectmen Approve $400K Great Island Operating Budget, Public to Be Asked for Ideas on Using the Property

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The Darien Board of Selectmen voted unanimously Monday to approve a $400,000 operating budget for the Great Island property. Also during the meeting, selectmen were told that consultants just hired to suggest future plans for the property had stressed how important it is to get plenty of public suggestions on what should be offered at the site. The budget includes $175,000 in rent payments to the town. One tenant there is moving out, Town Administrator Kathleen Buch told the board. If the loss of the tenant’s rent puts enough of a dent in the budget, a request for more money might be brought to the board, she said.

Parents & Kids
Playland Park from the air

Playland Amusement Park Opening Saturday, May 18: Here’s What It Offers on Opening Day and After

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Fun rides and the Long Island Sound’s tides are right around the corner at Playland, in Rye, New York, as the historic amusement park and premier waterfront destination will host a special ribbon cutting opening ceremony at 12 noon, Saturday, May 18, to celebrate the start of the summer season. — an announcement from Playland Park

Guests can enjoy a full season of entertainment, rides, beach going and more with the 2024 All Access Season Pass.The award-winning amusement park features over 50 rides and attractions including the iconic Dragon Coaster, which will turn 95-years-old this year, and the debut of Playland’s newest ride, Jack the Puppeteer. Other opening weekend festivities include a celebratory drum roll line up by the Lighting Drumline from the Barack Obama School for Social Justice in Yonkers, a special performance by an electric violinist, strolling entertainers, face painters, airbrush tattoo artists, and more. “Through our diverse offerings ranging from recreation to leisure, and thrilling entertainment, coupled with our new and robust arts and community programming this year, Playland is committed to not only growing and revitalizing the historic park but to introduce Playland to a new generation of visitors to create lasting memories and traditions for the next 100 years,” said Evonne Keeler, CEO of Playland. On Sunday, a Half Marathon and 5K Run/Walk
On Sunday, May 19, 2024, Playland Park will also host a 2nd Annual Half Marathon & 5K Run/Walk event by Soul Ryeders, a nonprofit cancer support organization based in Rye.

Great Island Town of Darien Visioning Plan

Great Island Now Bought for $85 Million, Darien’s Biggest Real Estate Closing

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Ownership of the 60.81-acre Great Island parcel on Long Island Sound officially passed into the town government’s hands for $85 million, First Selectman Monica McNally said Friday. The purchase will be financed with municipal bonds. “I want to say to our Darien residents: Congratulations — we did it!” McNally said in a news release emailed shortly after 4 p.m. “When this fabulous property became available, right in our back yard, it became my dream to make owning it a reality for Darien residents.” McNally then thanked a long list of town officials, elected and appointed, who helped with the acquisition.

Board of Selectmen 2023
Great Island Town of Darien Visioning Plan

Creating a Committee to Oversee Great Island on Selectmen’s Monday Night Agenda

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The Board of Selectmen’s agenda for Monday night includes a discussion and vote on setting up a committee to plan and oversee adjustments to the Great Island property that the town expects to officially own in early May. A draft “charge” for the committee, describing various tasks or goals that members are appointed to oversee, includes this description of some of the changes that are expected on the property:

“Planning needs to start now for the work that must begin immediately after the acquisition closes in May. This work will include, but is not limited to, widening access roads, establishing initial parking areas, determining property hours, and creating required signage. Also important will be remediation of certain environmental issues, management and control of existing improvements, and provision of sanitary facilities.” The draft also says:

“The acquisition of Great Island presents a tremendous opportunity for the Town of Darien to expand open space and provide additional recreational opportunities for our residents.

Boating 2021
Greenwich Boat Show 2021

Greenwich Boat Show Returns This Year With Three-Week Virtual Event

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The 13th annual Greenwich Boat Show will make its return in 2021 with a change of course as a 3-week long virtual event that will run April 5-25. This year’s adapted show format creates an extended opportunity for boaters and dealers to safely connect online, in-person and on-water ahead of a much-anticipated 2021 boating season. — an announcement from the Greenwich Boat Show

Boating has experienced a wave of unprecedented interest over the last year as more people discovered the value of spending time on the water. The Greenwich Boat Show will help meet the high demand for new boats and fulfill the increased desire to experience the freedom of enjoying time outdoors on the water. During the three-week show run, boat buyers will be able to go online to view current boat models and request sea-trials from 16 of the area’s leading boat dealers offering a wide range of boat brands and styles.

Cruises 2020
Sheffield Island Lighthouse aerial

Norwalk Seaport Association Has Safe, Relaxing Cruises You Can Take This Autumn

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For a safe, interesting outing as the warm weather wanes, you can try the Norwalk Seaport Association’s sunset cruise on Wednesdays through Sundays, with two daily cruises on Saturdays and Sundays. Here’s what it’s like:

(This description is from the Norwalk Seaport Association, with information on making arrangements at bottom.)

A cruise with the Seaport Association from the Norwalk Harbor into Long Island Sound is blissful on an autumn day. This cruise is just long enough, about two hours, to feel refreshed and recharged when you are back on land. There are 25 islands that stretch about six miles from Norwalk to Westport located about a mile off the coast. Geologically, the islands are considered to be terminal moraines that consist of materials left by the last glacier.

Coronavirus 2020
Weed Beach Darien Parks & Recreation Department

As More Flock to Beaches, Darien Closes Them to Out-of-Town People

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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.

Animals
Darien Cops Website Coyote

Coyote Bites Woman in New Canaan Park: Walkers Warned To Be Wary in Waveny

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New Canaan Police are urging Waveny Park visitors to avoid trails and areas of tall grass Thursday after a coyote bit a woman taking a morning walk there with her dog. — an article from NewCanaanite.com. At about 6:30 a.m., a woman was bit in the backside by a coyote near the walled garden east of Waveny House, according to police. Officer Allyson Halm, head of the New Canaan Police Department’s Animal Control section, said it’s unclear at this point whether the coyote is sick or was exhibiting “escorting” behavior while denning. “If it’s a den situation, I’m not sure where it is,” Halm said.

Government & Politics
Weed Beach Darien Park and Recreation Park & Recreation 03-02-17

Changes in Rules Announced at Darien Parks

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The Darien Parks and Recreation Department has announced various changes related to more reopening of facilities now that the COVID-19 epidemic is spreading slower. Lifeguards will be on duty at both beaches starting July 1. Also, trash cans are being brought back to town parks on Friday. The department also announced that “all trash cans will be reinstated at all parks and beaches tomorrow, June 12, 2020.” In an email, Park & Rec Director Pam Gery said: “[W] had an unfortunate incident of two pictures of garbage left at Weed Beach that turned viral on social media today.

Recreation
Weed Beach Darien Parks & Recreation Department

Darien Beaches Back to Closing at Traditional 10 PM Time, Tennis and Pickleball Courts Open

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Weed and Pear Tree Point Beaches are going back to their normal 10 p.m. closing times, and tennis and pickleball courts can be used by town residents, the Parks & Recreation Department announced Thursday. The announcement includes several other rules changes (all of which took effect on Thursday): The town now has a carry-in/carry-out policy regarding trash at parks (there are dumpsters you can use at the beaches). That includes taking your dog-poop bags with you, disgusting as that may be if you’re driving out. Here’s the Park & Rec announcement:
Beach Hours:
Beginning Thursday June 4, The Darien Parks & Recreation Department will be extending the closing hours of Weed Beach and Pear Tree Beach from 8 p.m. to our normal closing hours at 10 p.m.
Security guards will be on from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. with the park monitors working from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Please remember to SPREAD OUT TO STOP THE SPREAD while enjoying your beaches. Tennis Courts: may play singles and or doubles while always following the safety guidelines from the USTA. 
Pickleball: may play singles only until further notice.

Healthy Living
Weed Beach

Darien Parks and Beaches Now Open: Here Are the Rules

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Darien Parks, including both beaches, are again open to Darien residents, the Parks and Recreation Department recently announced. They had been closed due to social distancing concerns in order to slow the spread of the COVID-19 epidemic. Here are the rules for visitors, from the town government website:
BEACHES
• Beaches will be open to vehicles starting Thursday, May 7 from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily

• Beaches will be open to Darien residents only

• Security guards will be checking for vehicle permit. A 2019 permit is valid through May 31, 2020. • Daily passes will not be sold at gate

• Park monitor will be enforcing social distancing rules, general park rules, and making sure large groups are not gathering

• No lifeguards will be on duty until further notice

• All picnic tables have been removed from the beaches • Trash cans have been removed.

Recreation
Bradford Benton Woodshop program Darien Park and Rec online class

Darien Parks and Recreation Classes Go Virtual with Online Offerings

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Lisa Nelms of SproutChefs has taken her Darien Parks and Recreation classes online: Instead of offering hands-on classes in the Mather Center, the classes now come from Chef Lisa’s kitchen to the participant’s kitchens, by way of Zoom. — an announcement from Darien Parks and Recreation Department

Classes are setup so kids can be the chefs and their parents can assist as sous-chefs. During the next upcoming session, participants may pick and choose from a variety of dessert classes offered every Friday at 3 p.m.

Enrollment is limited to 10 participants, so that individual attention can be given to each chef. The classes are scheduled to last an hour, but that may vary. Some chefs finish early, while others may have more questions and want more time.

Outdoors
Boating Course Students

Tri-State Govs Agree on Allowing Marinas Open During COVID-19 Epidemic (With Regulations)

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Marinas, boatyards and marine manufacturers in the tristate area will be allowed to open for personal use as long as strict social distancing and sanitization protocols are followed, Gov. Ned Lamont, New York Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo and New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy said in an announcement on Saturday. — an announcement from Governor Ned Lamont’s Office

Chartered watercraft services or rentals will not be allowed, and restaurant activity at these sites must be limited to take-out or delivery only, like anywhere else in the three states. This announcement aligns the policies of the three states on this particular service. Governor Lamont explained that in Connecticut, this multi-state alignment is an affirmation of the state’s current policy, and marinas and marina repair remain on the essential business list. Governor Lamont said, “Our states share workforces, resources, public transit, and we all have share a connection on the water.

Healthy Living
Jayme Stevenson somber

First Selectman to Those Gathering in Groups at Darien Parks: Don’t You Make Me Shut Them Down

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First Selectman Jayme Stevenson says people using town parks need to avoid gathering in groups to prevent spread of COVID-19 — or she’ll have to shut them the parks down, which she said would be a shame. As of Wednesday, it partly started: The Darien Parks and Recreation Department has already shut down use of tennis and paddle courts at town parks at Stevenson’s direction, as announced in this tweet:

 

“Socially distancing is the most important thing for us to do right now,” Stevenson said. “We can stop this virus in its tracks if we all pledge to ourselves and one another that we’re going to follow the appropriate social distancing protocols.” Stevenson urged parents to tell their children to stop gathering in groups in their neighborhoods or elsewhere in town, and she said that at this time play dates are a bad idea, as well:

“It would be a terrible thing for any one of us to have the virus, not be symptomatic and transfer it to one of our friends, one of our loved ones, our parents, our grandparents — somebody with a medical condition. “So please: You cannot gather.”

Government & Politics
Darien Train Station Darien Railroad Station

First Selectman: Darien Playgrounds, Train Station Buildings, Winter Rec Programs Close

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First Selectman Jayme Stevenson early Monday afternoon issued a town “State of Emergency” order that closes all town playgrounds, the buildings at both town train stations, winter Park & Recreation Department programs and “all nonessential municipal meetings.” After issuing a news release at 1:27 p.m., an additional release with more information was sent out at 2:06 p.m. Here is the longer, later version:
Full Text
Sub headings and boldface have been added by Darienite.com:

First Selectman Declares State of Emergency for the Town of Darien Business and Public Facilities/Programs Closure Notice

At 2 p.m. today [Monday, March 16], in response to and in coordination with federal, state and local agencies, First Selectman Jayme Stevenson has issued a Town of Darien State of Emergency. This action has been taken to augment the Town’s response efforts to slow the spread of the COVID-19 and to underscore to the Darien community the seriousness of the virus crisis. State Level Actions
Beginning at 8 p.m. on Monday, March 16, Governor Lamont, in a coordinated action with the governors of New York and New Jersey, has ordered the temporary closure of all bars, restaurants, gyms, fitness centers and similar public exercise studios, and movie theaters. Restaurants and bars that serve food will be temporarily required to move to takeout and delivery service only.