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Greenwich residents truly have the best of both worlds -- the sophistication
of an upscale suburb along with the untouched natural beauty of over 8,000
acres of protected land, including 32 miles of coast, 20 parks and 4 beaches.
Town residents enjoy nearly 1500 acres of
park land. They include a large Audubon Center, two islands on the Sound
with beaches served by town ferries, and Greenwich Point, with a beach,
boating and picnic facilities and woodland walks.
The town also owns and operates an 18-hole
golf course, dozens of paddle and tennis courts, a skating rink and marinas.
There are four private yacht clubs, eight golf clubs and a tennis and
squash racquet club.
Year-round recreation is offered by the
YMCA and YWCA and, for children, a Boys & Girls Club, a teen center,
and the very first chapter of the Boy Scouts of America, founded by Greenwich's
Ernest Thompson Seton.
Greenwich
Beaches
Greenwich beaches are open to Greenwich
residents, their guests and also non-residents. Residents must obtain
a valid beach pass and passes for their guests, which may be obtained
at Town Hall. Non-resident day beach passes for Greenwich Point and Byram
Park are $10 and day parking passes are $20. Children under 5 years old
are free. Passes for Greenwich Point are sold at the Eastern Greenwich
Civic Center and Town Hall. Passes for Byram Park are sold at Town Hall.
For more information, call the Beach Card Office at 622-7817 or send email
to parksandrecreation@greenwichct.org.
Byram Beach
Phone: 531-8938
Located on Byram Shore Road just off I95 exit 2, this
little beach has a swimming pool, tennis courts, playground,
and park for picnicing. |
Great Captain's Island
Phone: 622-7814
Accessible to residents (and their guests) by ferry* or private
boat, this lovely island has a bird sanctuary, a lighthouse, and
17 acres of rugged wilderness for picnics, but has no concession
stand -- so be sure to bring your own lunch. The island is also
available for camping and private parties with a permit. Call 622-7824
for more information. |
Greenwich Point (Tod's Point)
Phone: 531-8938
Located at the end of Shore Road in Old Greenwich, this
beach is a favorite for its 147-acres of varied terrain,
with jogging and walking paths, biking, hiking, blading,
wind surfing, swimming, and copious picnic options.
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Island Beach (Little Captain's Island)
Phone: 661-5947
Accessible to residents (and their guests) by ferry* or private boat, this little
island is a popular summertime destination, with concession
stand, bar, and 4 acres of picnic area and beach. |
* Please note that ferry service is for
residents only (with valid beach card). Ferry service between the Arch
Street Dock and the Islands begins June 11th and ends in September. Service
to Great Captain's Island is available Friday through Monday. Times vary
according to the tides. Trips to Island Beach run daily from 10:00 am
to 7:00 pm (6:00 pm beginning August 20), every hour on weekdays and every
half hour on weekends. Ferry fee is $2.00 for residents with valid beach
card, $7.00 for their guests. For more information, call 618-7672.
Greenwich Parks
Audubon Center
613 Riversville Road. Phone: 869-5272
With 240 acres of walking trails, the Audubon Center is a beautiful
place whatever the season. |
Babcock Preserve
North Street. Phone: 622-7824
A year-round favorite, this park has 297 acres of trails for walking,
running, hiking and cross-country skiing. |
Binney Park
Sound Beach Avenue, Old Greenwich
Located in lovely Old Greenwich, this park appeals to everyone.
Tennis, playing fields, playground, pond skating and a great backdrop
for pictures. July 4th fireworks here are a blast. |
Bruce Park
Bruce Park Drive and Indian Field Road
Athletics are king at Bruce Park, a very popular place for walking,
jogging, and blading. Has its own fitness trail, tennis courts,
play fields and lawn bowling! |
Garden
Education Center
Bible Street, Cos Cob. Phone: 869-9242
Located within the Montgomery Pinetum, this public park has 102
acres of wooded trails, majestic trees, unusual plantings and vibrant
wildflowers.
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Mianus River Park
Cognewaugh Road, 622.7814
A 215-acre woodland park with fishing and hiking trails, located
on the Greenwich-Stamford border.
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