DARIEN, CT — Darien residents may now bring their dogs to Great Island.
The town announced last week that as of Nov. 16, leashed dogs are welcome to the 60-plus acre property for a trial period until March 31, 2025, but they must remain leashed and on paved paths at all times.
Additionally, as part of expanded access to Great Island, residents may walk off the paved paths and roads unless signage or barriers indicate otherwise.
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“Visitors are reminded to respect all posted signs and avoid restricted areas,” the town said in an announcement. “Please note that the property has tenants residing on-site. We ask all visitors to pay close attention to signs indicating private residences and respect those areas. We appreciate your cooperation as we continue to provide safe and enjoyable access to Great Island for everyone.”
Dog access has been a topic of conversation since the town first opened Great Island to pedestrians.
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A survey on Great Island conducted by landscape architecture firm Reed-Hilderbrand generated “200 to 400 mentions” of dogs on Great Island, with 45 percent of people in support of allowing them and 45 percent in opposition. The survey did not solicit views on allowing dogs.
Residents said dog walking is a primary form of exercise and socialization, and some pointed to the successful implementation of dogs at other parks such as Tod’s Point in Greenwich and Waveny Park in New Canaan.
Those opposed to dogs at Great Island have concerns about their impact on wildlife and ecosystems, and residents’ ability to follow rules, pick up after their dogs and keep them on leashes.
On Oct. 17, the Great Island Advisory Committee voted to allow dogs as part of a desire to expand property access for residents.
The town first needed to complete tasks such as installing signage, roping some areas off, adding garbage cans, benches, and conducting stump removals and hole filling before the rules took effect.
Reed-Hilderbrand principal Beka Sturges said at the meeting she preferred to wait before making a decision on dogs at Great Island.
The Great Island Vision and Master Plan design team held a second community engagement workshop on Nov. 16.
Another survey on the Great Island Vision Plan is now online.
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