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. Please carry out what you bring in (carry-in, carry-out)
• Concession stands will be closed
• Tennis & pickleball courts will be open for singles play only
• Portable toilets will be available. We anticipate bathrooms reopening in mid-May
• Playgrounds and paddle hut will remain closed
• Those wishing to use the boat launch at Pear Tree Point Beach must have boat permit. Launch restricted to Darien residents
• Gazebo at Pear Tree will be closed
• No dogs will be allowed except for those going to Darien Boat Club Parks
PARKS
• Parks will be open to vehicles starting Thursday, May 7th
• Parks will be open for passive recreational use while practicing social distancing. Patrons should wear masks when not able to keep a 6-foot distance from others
• Hours will remain dusk to dawn
• Park Monitor will be enforcing social distancing rules, general park rules, and making sure large groups are not gathering
• We anticipate bathrooms reopening in mid-May
• Playgrounds, athletic fields, and paddle tennis courts will remain closed
• Tennis & pickleball courts will be open for singles play only
• Community gardens will remain open. Tools will not be shared and social distancing guidelines should be followed
• No organized athletic or recreational programs will be allowed or conducted until further notice
• Trails will remain open. Selleck’s Woods & Cherry Lawn will be open to one-way traffic only
• All picnic tables have been removed from the parks
• All gazebos and gathering places will be closed off
• Trash cans have been removed. Please carry out what you bring in (carry-in, carry-out)
• All dogs must be on leashes at all times, in all parks, until further notice
Questions? Should you have any specific beach or park questions, please email us at parkrec@darienct.gov