Event Details
Dear Sir/Madam:9/1/2026
We are a group calling ourselves Friends of Winslow Park. We represent the people who want to preserve Westport's open space at Winslow Park as it is currently under attack.
Text Amendment #874 (PZ 26 00386) has been placed before the Planning and Zoning Commision (PnZ) of Westport to specifically alter the zoning laws for Winslow Park to develop a "dog port", a fenced area for dogs. https://www.westportct.gov/government/departments-a-z/planning-and-zoning-department/p-z-pending-applications-recent-approvals
We first learned something was afoot when a survey was placed around the park in May asking visitors if they approved of this idea. Recently, the results of this survey was posted on PnZ's website. Over 400 people completed the survey, 64.7% of the respondents answered NO when asked if they believed a dog port was needed or wanted in Westport. Additionally, when asked about their perspective on a dog port, 61.1% said unfavorable and 23.7% said favorable.
On Saturday, August 15th we found out the proposed text amendment was being presented and possibly voted on by the PnZ on Monday, August 17th. We immediately rallied and put together a petition saying we opposed the changes and outlined our reasons for doing so.
We collected 195 signatures at Winslow Park on Sunday, August 16th. Out of those, 151 provided complete information. Using only the 151 completed petitions we found that 94.2% of the people opposed the amendment and, taking a stroke count of those refusing to sign, potentially 7.4% of people agree with it.
We sat in on the PnZ meeting on August 17th and were pleased that the majority of the speakers were also opposed to the amendment. Unfortunately by 11:30 p.m. we ran out of time, not everyone got to speak and thus the meeting will continue on September 14th.
In summary, a survey showed a majority at Winslow Park do not approve of a dog port. Our petition showed the vast majority also do not approve and many people at the meeting of the PnZ do not approve of a dog port/a fenced in area for dogs. Yet, with this overwhelming opposition, they continue to press for the passage of this amendment to alter Winslow Park.
We encourage you to visit the PnZ website (see link noted above) covering this issue, many letters in opposition have been posted. The debate also continues on 06880. We think this issue is worthy of coverage. If you have a strong opinion please feel free to write the PnZ at pandz@westportct.gov, be sure to reference Text Amendment #874.In addition, attend the PnZ meeting on the evening of September 14th.Let’s keep Winslow as zoned, and as is, free space for all to enjoy.
Thank you,
The Friends of Winslow Park