Pedestrian Access To Great Island Is Now Open: Here's What To Know

DARIEN, CT — At long last, the public will be able to stroll the grounds of Daren's Great Island.

Pedestrian access to the 60-plus acre property officially kicks off March 1 at sunrise. Town officials have called the pedestrian access a "soft opening" and a way for residents to experience the property for first-hand.

Selectman Monica McNally, who helped lead the way last year on the $85 million purchase as the town's chief elected official, serves as the chair of the Great Island Advisory Committee.

"The committee really felt strongly that getting people out there onto it and letting them experience the island for themselves will help form opinions about what we want to do longer term," McNally said during a board of selectmen meeting on Feb. 5.

Pedestrian access will be limited to paved roads, allowing guests to walk on a little over a mile paved loop from start to finish. No gatherings will be allowed; access is meant for continuous walking around the loop.

The full rules and a general view of the walking route can be found here. First Selectman Jon Zagrodzky and Darien TV79 also released a video on the opening.

The island will be open from sunrise to sunset Monday through Sunday. Construction to widen the access road to Great Island is projected to begin in early April. Once work begins, residents will be asked to access the island on weekends only.

Notably, no pets, bicycles or watercrafts will be allowed, but the decision on pets could be revisited in future months, officials have said.

Currently, the only people on the island are those who live in the few apartments there, as well as those who visit the horse stables.

According to the access rules, guests mut not enter any building or private driveway on the property. Pedestrians must remian at least 50 feet from all private residences.

There are no working restrooms on the island, and no vehicles allowed. Residents can park at Pear Tree Point and walk over, or even utilize services like Uber for drop-off near the entrance to the island.

There will be extensive signage posted leading up to Great Island, and on the property, reminding residents of the ground rules. Darien police will monitor the island.

Violations of the rules for pedestrian access could result in fines between $25 and $250.