Darien Warns Residents About Ice Skating In Unsafe Conditions

DARIEN, CT — Darien is warning residents about ice skating in town in unsafe conditions.

First Selectman Jon Zagrodzky said Tuesday morning during the regularly scheduled board of selectmen meeting, which was broadcast on Darien TV79, that "a lot of folks" came out to ice skate recently at Tilley Pond and Gorham's Pond during the recent stretch of frigid temperatures.

But conditions for ice skating have been unsafe, Zagrodzky said, noting that there must be at least 6 inches of cloudy ice, or 4 inches of clear ice, for skating to be allowed.

Parks & Rec. performed tests on town-owned Tilley Pond Monday, and found the cloudy ice to be just 3.5 inches.

"That does not meet our safety standards and the safety standards for our insurance companies. That's why we have not posted skating is available," Zagrodzky said.

Selectman Monica McNally said she recently saw about 12 cars parked at Gorham's Pond, which is privately owned.

Parks & Rec. has performed testing there before, Zagrodzky said, but Town Administrator Kate Buch warned against that.

"We as a town should not test. We don't have any liability now. If we started testing there, we would," she said.

Buch reminded residents that not only would they put themselves in danger by skating on thin ice, but they'd put the town's first responders in jeopardy.

"The ponds are not safe for skating right now, so please do not do that," Zagrodzky added. "We will get a more active communication program to let you know when we have the next cold weather round and when such activities are safe."

You can view Tuesday's entire Board of Selectmen meeting on Darien TV79