Longer Dog Season At Greenwich Point Could Be Explored Again

GREENWICH, CT — The idea to expand the dog season at Greenwich Point Park has been proposed and defeated several times over the years, most recently in October 2025.

But there could be a new effort brought forward in the future, even if it means giving residents only a few extra days with their four-legged furry friends at one of the town's crown jewel properties.

First Selectman Fred Camillo, a noted dog lover, said during last week's Board of Selectmen meeting that, in light of good weather and empty beaches, he has been receiving calls from residents asking about expanding access for dogs at Greenwich Point.

The town currently only allows dogs on-leash at Greenwich Point for four months, from Dec. 1 through March 31.

Camillo noted that other towns in CT allow dogs at their parks for six months, and he floated the idea of proposing an extension on the front end.

"Even if we got a couple of weeks or one month at the beginning and maybe go to Nov. 1," Camillo said. "We know it can be done, because other towns do two extra months. We'll see what we can do on the front end."

To change the current rules, any proposal would have to go through several town bodies, including the Conservation Commission, Shellfish Commission, Parks & Recreation Commission, Health Department, and ultimately, the Representative Town Meeting.

"I can see some departments and commissions may not like this, and that's OK. I just want to have the discussion because I promised everyone who was calling me that I would bring it up again," Camillo said. "Even if you got a couple more days, I think people would be really happy."

Last year, Greenwich High School student Violet Webby brought forward a proposal to expand dog access at Greenwich Point from Oct. 1 through March 31, and included a petition with 33 resident signatures.

An amendment to the proposal called for dog season to run from Nov. 15 through March 31, but it was soundly defeated by the RTM by a vote of 34-140-1.

Resident concerns about expanding dog season at Greenwich Point have ranged from impacts on wildlife and water quality to staffing needs.

The Board of Selectmen is expected to explore the idea further, although a solution is far off.

"I suspect this will be a lengthy discussion," Camillo said. "I don't think everyone will agree."