Westport Begins Easing Restrictions At Recreational Sites June 1

WESTPORT, CT — Beginning on Monday, June 1, Westport will ease some restrictions at town recreational sites as the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Connecticut slows, announced Parks and Recreation Director Jennifer Fava and First Selectman Jim Marpe.

The moves will allow for more outdoor activities in town, and comes as Gov. Ned Lamont also begins easing restrictions on gatherings statewide.

Among the plans, single rider golf carts and pull carts will be available at Longshore beginning June 1, and singles tennis will be allowed at the Town Farm courts and the Doubleday courts beginning June 5.

Also, individual use and exercise will be permitted at the athletic fields and tracks at Wakeman, Staples High School and Kings Highway School. However, "no organized, competitive, pick-up team play, practices or games will be allowed," according to officials.

"Staff from the Parks and Recreation Department, Westport Police Department and Westport School District will continue to work together to monitor and enforce the rules," Fava said. "We ask for everyone's cooperation as community compliance is necessary to keep our facilities open and to allow us to continue opening additional facilities."

Added Marpe, "This is another important step in our reopening process. It is an example of how we are listening to the community and working to safely respond to these concerns."

Social distancing protocols and/or the wearing of masks still applies when using many facilities in town. Masks may not be necessary for outdoor activities where there is adequate space, but one site where masks are helpful is at Compo Beach, according to Marpe.

"We are continuing to monitor the phase 1 reopening in Westport," Marpe said. "Town officials and business owners have been working overtime to insure a gradual, safe and efficient reopening of our beaches, local restaurants and retail businesses. That hard work cannot be in vain, and I implore everyone to respect the work that everyone has accomplished so far that benefits ALL of Westport. Please do your part by respecting the rules. It has been established by prominent federal, state and local health officials, that maintaining social distancing and wearing a mask when outside of your home reduces the risk of contracting and spreading the coronavirus. In my opinion, it is a clear demonstration of your respect towards your fellow Westporters to wear a mask whenever you leave your home for whatever reason.

"While it is important that everyone wear a mask and socially distance everywhere in town, it is especially relevant for those who are utilizing the sidewalks and areas surrounding Compo Beach. The limited width of the sidewalks, combined with the increased number of people utilizing the sidewalks, boardwalk and side streets in that area necessitates increased precautionary measures. It is recommended that everyone wear a mask and refrain from congregating. There are reminder signs located along the pathways, but we are also requesting self-monitoring. Please do not place other residents or town officials in the uncomfortable position of having to remind others to wear a mask or not to congregate. We are all trying to keep everyone safe and healthy.

This is from Fava's and Marpe's announcement:

Tennis:
The Town Farm tennis courts and the Doubleday tennis courts (located behind Saugatuck Elementary School) are anticipated to open on June 5, 2020. At this time, play will be limited to courts with nets and singles play only, along with other restrictions, which can be found on the tennis pages at www.westportrecreation.com.

Longshore Golf Course:
As of June 1, 2020, single rider golf carts and pull carts will be available at Longshore Golf Course through the 2pm tee time. Use is restricted so that enough time is available at the end of the day to ensure proper sanitization. Carts are limited and available while supplies last.

As of June 5, 2020, tee times at Longshore Golf Course will start at 7am on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays and will remain at 8am Mondays through Thursdays. Additionally, play will be extended daily with the last tee time at 7pm.

Athletic Fields:
As of June 1, 2020, the athletic fields at Wakeman, Staples (including Staples track) and Kings Highway will be open for individual use and exercise. No organized, competitive, pick-up team play, practices or games will be allowed. Current gathering rules limiting groups to no more than five (5) people must be adhered to, along with social distancing rules. Those not following these rules will be asked to leave. If compliance is not occurring, fields may be closed completely.

As of June 1, 2020, the Ginny Parker Field at Staples and the PJ Romano Field at Saugatuck Elementary will be closed for the summer due to construction.

For updates, please check the Town website at westportct.gov/covid19 or #Reopenwestportct.