Town of Fairfield to Reopen Select Spaces for Passive Recreation Beginning May 1

FAIRFIELD — Chief Christopher Lyddy, on behalf of the Fairfield Police Department, reports that as part of phase one of the Town of Fairfield’s “Path to Recovery” plan, certain recreational facilities in town will reopen beginning on Friday, May 1.

Due to the downward trend of reported COVID-19 symptoms and cases throughout the town and region, as well as a decrease of reported cases and hospitalizations over the last 14 days, the Town will be reopening activities and spaces for passive recreation. This will initially include marinas, beaches (with limited access, for walking only), golf courses and other open spaces.

“Reopening these select facilities for passive recreation is a positive step as we all try to resume some of the activities we all enjoy,” Chief Lyddy said. “However, we must remember to still practice aggressive social distancing to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Also, any vulnerable or high-risk individuals should strongly consider avoiding these spaces until further notice.”

Facilities will have staff on hand to make sure proper guidelines are being followed. Items such as coolers, beach chairs, blankets or alcoholic beverages will be prohibited. 

For a full list of specifics relating to each area, including hours of operation, face covering requirements, open and closing procedures and other details, click here.

All decisions to reduce existing restrictions put in place to save lives have been made on a fact-based approach, with input from public health, local, state and federal officials and local Emergency Management officials.

All occupancies, locations, municipal services or businesses previously closed by The Town of Fairfield or Gov. Ned Lamont’s executive order shall remain closed unless specified.

Information on specific areas include:

Beaches: The beach will be open May 1 for passive recreation only; no chairs, blankets, bonfires, group gatherings or sports will be allowed. Limited parking will be available at Sasco, Jennings and and Southport beaches from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. for residents only with a valid 2020 beach sticker. 

The Penfield parking lot will remain closed.

Know before you go: Check the parking lot status here. 

Marinas: Beginning May 1, only M stickers will be allowed access to the marina lot with 24 hour gate coverage. The Ash Creek open space lot will remain closed. 

Residents with a valid beach sticker will be allowed access to Ye Yacht Yard.

Golf courses: Those wishing to use the Carl J. Dickman par 3 should use an “arrive, play, depart” approach. The course will open Friday, May 1 with online tee times only. No carts will be available. USGA guidelines will be enforced. 

The H.Smith Richardson driving range will open pending the completion of the parking lot.

Lake Mohegan: Beginning May 1, parking will be available from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. to residents only with a valid 2020 beach sticker, or license/proof of Fairfield residency. The cascades lot will remain closed. All dogs must remain on a leash at all times.

All other town parks and recreation areas remain closed. The Town is working to provide opportunities for residents to exercise and enjoy open space with the spring weather. Residents are urged to follow the CDC guidelines of 6-foot social distancing and wearing a face covering when such distancing can not be followed.

Visit FairfieldRecreation.com for additional locations or information on the status of additional locations in town.

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