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.

Parents & Kids
Darien Dash 2018 first place team

You Can Register for This Weekend’s Darien Dash Scavenger Hunt Through Thursday

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Registration is open through Thursday, March 12, for the Darien Youth Commission’s third annual townwide scavenger hunt, the Darien Dash, which takes place on Saturday. — an announcement from the Darien Youth Commission

Teams partaking in the scavenger hunt will compete to score the most points by answering town-based riddles and visiting participating merchants based on clues. The Darien Dash takes place from 1 to 3 p.m., Saturday, March 14. It begins at the Town Hall gym and ends at The Depot Youth Center on Heights Road, where points will be tallied and prizes given to winners. Participation in the event is open to all ages, but requires a vehicle and driver to travel about town, based on answers to riddles.

Classes
Darien Power Squadron safe boating course sailing on Long Island Sound

Final Safe Boating Course for the Year Begins Tuesday and Includes On-the-Water Training

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A Safe Boating Course will be presented at Darien’s Noroton Yacht Club, beginning at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday Feb. 4, continuing on consecutive Tuesday evenings for six classes, a review and an exam. — an announcement from the Darien Power Squadron

Taught by members of the Darien Sail & Power Squadron, this is the last presentation of the course for this boating season. Covered in the six classes are basic boat handling and seamanship, equipment and regulations, an introduction to charts and aids to navigation, basic piloting, and navigation rules. The course is directed at general, practical issues of interest to all boaters, and is not targeted to either power or sail.

Healthy Living
Tennis for kids Kings Highway Tennis Club

Darien Park and Rec Tennis Classes Offered with Kings Highway Tennis Club, Starting in November

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Darien Parks & Recreation is pleased to team up with Kings Highway Tennis Club to offer both adult and youth indoor tennis lessons starting the week of Nov. 11. — an announcement from Darien Parks and Recreation Department

Lessons will run for 18 weeks through early April.  Women’s, Men’s and Co-ed adult lessons will be offered in 1.5 or 1 hour increments weekdays, Tuesday and Thursday evenings and Saturday afternoons. Youth lessons are offered by age group on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. For a complete listing of classes, please visit the Darien Parks and Recreation Department Web page or call our office at 203-656-7325.

Parents & Kids

Fall Programs Offered by Darien Parks and Recreation Department

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The Darien Parks and Recreation Department offers a variety of programs for the residents of Darien. Registration for programs takes place online, at the Parks and Recreation office located in Town Hall, or through the mail. For more information please call the office at 203- 656-7325. Blue Wave Wrestling Club

Darien High School Wrestling coach Joe Testa will be offering wrestling classes at Darien High School this fall. Goals are to develop wrestler’s skills in scholastic wrestling.

Government & Politics
Dusk Weed Beach

Darien Parks and Recreation Programs Coming This Month and Some Registration Deadlines

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The Darien Parks and Recreation Department offers a variety of programs for the residents of Darien, but there are registration deadlines for many of them. Registration for programs takes place online, at the Parks and Recreation office located in Town Hall, or through the mail. For more information, please call the office at 203- 656-7325. Movie at the Beach: Incredibles 2
The Darien Parks and Recreation Department and the Darien Youth Commission will be co-sponsoring a movie night at Weed Beach on Friday, Aug. 30.

Beyond Darien
Lapham Road Waveny Park entrance

New Canaan Officials Support Surveillance Cameras to Record Vehicles Entering Waveny Park

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Following an online petition signed by more than 2,000 people, and acting on the advice of police, New Canaan officials said this week that they’re looking to install cameras to record motor vehicles entering and leaving Waveny Park, just north of the Darien border. — This article originally was published by NewCanaanite.com

Parks and Public Works officials said during a subcommittee meeting Tuesday that the cost of installation might be around $25,000, for which they would likely request a special appropriation. The main purpose of the cameras will be to “show visibility of activity coming in and out of our parks,” Parks and Recreation Commission Chairman Rona Siegel said during a meeting of the appointed body’s Camera Subcommittee. The two-person subcommittee, which also includes Parks Commissioner Matt Konspore, discussed potential locations for the cameras, focusing on the three entrances to the park — one on South Avenue and two on Lapham Road, including near the Waveny Pool. “It would just be an extension of cameras at the entrances — not throughout the park,” Siegel said during the meeting, held at Town Hall.

Outdoors
Weed Beach Fest 2019

Don’t Miss the BOAT! Weed Beach Fest is Coming Saturday, June 1

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Tis’ the SEA-SUN for Darien Parks and Recreation’s Third Annual Weed Beach Fest, presented by Ring’s End this Saturday! [CAUTION: This is Park & Rec’s announcement and we give you fair warning that there’s PUNishment ahead. A non-pun announcement from Darien’s Masonic Lodge follows.]
From 12 noon to 7 p.m., Saturday, June 1, Weed Beach will be deBAITably the HOTTEST place in town with live music, hot food vendors and games & activities for the whole the family! The Darien Sport Shop Stage will be located on the beach hosting local bands Gunsmoke and Chasing Day with a FINale from the Bruce Springsteen Cover Band, Alex Shillo! The popular Kids Cove returns from 12-5 p.m. and due to The Darien Foundation’s support, FREE FOR 2019!!

Outdoors
Weed Beach Darien Parks & Recreation Department

Beach Permits Available, Weed Beach Open Already; Park & Rec Summer Programs

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You can buy a town beach permit online or at Town Hall, and use last year’s permit until May 31 (Weed Beach is open with security guards; Pear Tree Point Beach gets security guards soon). And here are some of the spring and summer programs Darien Parks and Recreation Department offers, including a boat safety class where you can earn a Connecticut Safe Boating Certificate. — an announcement from Darien Parks and Recreation Department
Beach Permits Now on Sale
The Darien Parks and Recreation Department is currently selling 2019 park permits and boat launch stickers. These permit stickers allow entrance into Weed and Pear Tree Point Beaches and are available to Darien residents and taxpayers. Stickers may be purchased online or at the Darien Town Hall, Room 110.

Outdoors
Weed Beach Darien Parks & Recreation Department

You Can Now Get Beach Permits, Register for April Vacation Camp and a Safe Boating Class

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Be prepared for Spring and Summer: Beach permits, boat-launch stickers and registration for April Vacation Camp and a safe boating class are all now available from the Darien Parks & Recreation Department. — an announcement from the Darien Parks & Recreation Department
Beach Permits, Boat Launch Stickers
The Parks and Rec Department is now selling 2019 park permits and boat launch stickers. These permit stickers allow entrance into Weed and Pear Tree Point Beaches and are available to Darien residents and taxpayers. Stickers may be purchased online or at the Darien Town Hall, Room 110. 2018 permits are valid through Friday, May 31, 2019.