Westport Coronavirus Update: Longshore Sets May 15 Reopening Date

WESTPORT, CT — Play is expected to begin at Westport's Longshore Golf Course on May 15 following the coronavirus (COVID-19) shutdown, Parks and Recreation Director Jennifer Fava announced on Wednesday. On the same date, the town also anticipates opening the Soundview and Compo Beach parking lots, which were closed in March.

"As of May 15, play at Longshore Golf Course will be allowed under strict restrictions, with details to be finalized in the next two weeks," Fava said in a statement. "Only walking will be allowed – no carts. The driving range, pro shop, and halfway house will remain closed and only porta-johns will be available."

Beach parking at Compo Beach and Burying Hill Beach will be limited in an effort to reduce the potential spread of COVID-19 and for the safety of our residents and staff, Fava said. Beach emblems will only be available for Westport and Weston residents, and no daily parking will be available. Additionally, parking will be limited to 50 percent capacity at this time.

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"While we anticipate opening Longshore Golf Course and the Compo Beach lots on May 15, all of this is subject to modification as the current health crisis causes circumstances to change," Fava said. "If we find guidelines are not being followed, the Town may make changes as appropriate, such as changes in capacity or whether to keep facilities open all together.

"Once the Longshore Golf Course is open for golf, activities such as walking, running, etc. on the course will no longer be allowed," she added. "We urge residents not to utilize the roadways within Longshore for those activities due to safety considerations."

The Soundview and Compo Beach parking lots will be open to valid 2020 Westport and Weston beach emblem holders only from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily beginning on the 15th. Boat slip holders and drystall holders will also require their special parking pass, along with their emblem, and will not count towards the 50 percent capacity. Restrooms will remain closed, but porta-johns will be available. In an effort to limit gatherings, grills and tables will not be available.

Parking at Burying Hill is anticipated to open Memorial Day weekend and will require a valid 2020 Westport or Weston beach emblem, according to Fava.

"Compo Beach and Longshore Park are clearly Westport’s most popular outdoor destinations and we are doing everything we can to safely open them for at least limited use," said First Selectman Jim Marpe. "We will continue to work toward opening other sports and recreation facilities, but will do so cautiously so as not to undo our efforts to combat the virus. We understand the desire for our residents to get back to some normalcy, especially as the weather gets warmer. In order to relax our restrictions, we need the cooperation of everyone to adhere to the guidelines so that we can keep the facilities open. If we don’t receive that cooperation, we will have no choice but to re-tighten restrictions for the health and safety of our community."

This is from Fava's announcement:

Beach emblem parking restrictions and regulations at Longshore Club Park will take effect May 15. The Old Mill lot remains open for residents of Old Mill and Compo Mill Cove only.

The Parks and Recreation office remains closed to the public. All beach emblems must be purchased online at www.westportrecreation.com. If assistance is needed, staff can assist over the phone by calling 203-341-5152. If someone is not available to take your call, leave a message and someone will get back to you.

For updates, please check the Town website at westportct.gov/covid19 or #Westportctcovid19info.