Great Escapes

GREATESCAPES

FROM THE BEACH TO THE BACKCOUNTRY, GREENWICH IS A NATURE-LOVER’S PARADISE

There are countless ways for residents to enjoy our town’s scenic coastal setting and more than 1,000 acres of open space, parks and woodlands. Sailing, kayaking, tennis, golf, birdwatching and horseback riding are just some of the sporty activities residents enjoy. For those who like more organized play, the town’s recreational programs are geared toward all age levels, from tots to adults, and even include indoor leagues for winter play. For starters, Greenwich boasts 42 basketball courts, 36 all-weather tennis courts (buy tennis and beach passes online or in season at the town hall), two lighted paddle-tennis courts, two running tracks, two horseshoe pits, a croquet field and 14 playgrounds. On King Street, the Robert Trent Jones Sr.-designed 18-hole GRIFFITH E. HARRIS GOLF COURSE, the only municipal course in Greenwich, is open to residents and their guests. Figure skaters and hockey players get ice time at the DOROTHY HAMILL RINK in Byram, where there are daily in-season, open-skating sessions, plus private and group lessons. Come summer, the rink is transformed into a turf field. For equestrians, the GREENWICH RIDING & TRAILS ASSOCIATION maintains a vast network of trails through the town’s backcountry. And speaking of horses, on Sunday afternoons in the summer, spectators head up North Street to the GREENWICH POLO CLUB at Conyers Farm to tailgate, socialize and watch high-level matches. And there are other team sports, including several organized by town-sponsored leagues, such as basketball, volleyball, softball, lacrosse and even pickleball, a game that combines elements of tennis, ping pong and badminton.

Not surprisingly, given the town’s proximity to Long Island Sound, many recreational activities revolve around the water. When the weather is fine, the Mianus River, which flows between Cos Cob and Riverside, serves as a launch pad for paddleboarders, kayakers and rowers. On bright summer mornings, you’ll see adults and teens in single, double and multiperson sculls. The beach at GREENWICH POINT PARK (also known as Tod’s Point) is a magnet for Binney Park has multiple athletic fields for soccer and other youth sports (above); Beautiful spring blooms at a garden in Belle Haven (opposite)

families who enjoy sunbathing and paddling in the placid surf. Easy walking trails meander along the coast and skirt the saltwater pond, where great blue herons and snowy egrets navigate the sedge-lined tidal flats. Thanks to the work of the Greenwich Point Conservancy, many of the park’s original buildings have been beautifully restored, including the COW BARN, which dates back to 1887. Here, you will find the magnificent SUE H. BAKER PAVILION (named for a beloved local schoolteacher and conservancy cofounder) with its stunning 4,000-square-foot dining deck. Grab a snack and enjoy the view. There is another concession stand close to the beach, or bring your own food and take advantage of the many strategically placed grills and picnic tables. Stroll to the park’s westerly tip and watch kite surfers swoop and soar on the stiff offshore breezes. Off-season, from December through April, the Point becomes a playground for dogs who frolic in the water, chase balls on the beach and walk the trails with their people companions. A strict leash law is enforced.

Sailing is a popular pursuit around town, and on weeknights, the waters are filled with sailboats of all sizes out for weekly racing. You don’t have to be a member of a private yacht club to join the fun. GREENWICH COMMUNITY SAILING, which operates out of the old Chimes Building at the Point, has rentals as well as lessons for kids and adults. You’ll learn the ropes on easy-to-manage Hobies, Hunters and Lasers.

Two of the town parks are actually islands located a short ride from shore: ISLAND BEACH has a concession stand, picnic tables and a playground; GREAT CAPTAIN ISLAND is home to a bird sanctuary and a historic lighthouse. Both islands are accessible by town ferry and can be reserved for overnight camping. Book early, as the highly sought-after slots fill up fast. On hot summer evenings, many people enjoy simply riding the town ferry round-trip as a way to wind down after work. Or, you can sign up for the popular Weekly Cruise to Nowhere, which offers a chance to see the magnificent shoreline homes from the water. Just remember to bring your own drinks and snacks.

Back on dry land, the action swings to the town’s multipurpose green spaces. In central Greenwich, BRUCE PARK’S walking trails curve past rose gardens and flowering trees; there’s a nonstop stream of strollers, joggers and dog-walkers. The huge playground has separate areas for toddlers and bigger kids. You’ll hear the thwack of baseball bats, tennis racquets and—only here—croquet mallets. Competitive and recreational croquet players dressed in regulation white gather to play on the beautifully maintained town court. Next to the ferry dock, ROGER SHERMAN BALDWIN PARK is home to the town’s only skate park, where enthusiastic teens hit the ramps and rails. The park also hosts concerts and other events, including the annual Families explore the pond and walking paths at Binney Park, situated on 32 scenic acres in the center of Old Greenwich. (above and opposite page)

Greenwich Town Party. A daylong family-friendly extravaganza of food, music and activities, it has become the unofficial kickoff to the summer

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season. In May, car buffs convene for the Concours d’Elegance vintage car show. In July and August, friends and family gather for the popular Wednesday evening concerts. September marks the annual Food and Wine festival, showcasing the area’s rich culinary landscape. Another September happening is Adopt-a-Dog’s highly anticipated Puttin’ on the Dog Festival, which benefits local animal shelters. Heading west, BYRAM PARK comprises nearly 30 acres of property. In addition to a small beach and playground, there is an extensive pool area with a 1,000-square-foot splash pad, kiddie pool and a concession stand. Back east in Cos Cob, the nine-acre COS COB PARK is situated along the Mianus River opposite the train station. On land formerly occupied by the old Cos Cob power station, you can take in the panoramic view of Long Island Sound from the open-air pavilion Audubon Center 203-869-5272 greenwich.audubon.org

Department of Parks and Recreation 203-622-7814 greenwichct.gov

Dorothy Hamill Skating Rink 203-531-8560 greenwichct.gov

DPR Tennis Office 203-618-7613 (MayAugust) 203-618-7649 greenwichct.gov Greenwich Community Sailing 203-698-0599 greenwichsailing.com

Greenwich Point Park 203-622-7814 greenwichct.gov Greenwich Botanical Center 203-869-9242 greenwichbotanical center.org

Griffith E. Harris Golf Course 203-531-7200 thegriffgolf.org

Greenwich Polo Club 203-531-1639 greenwichpoloclub.com

Greenwich Riding & Trails Associaton 203-661-3062 thegrta.org Mianus River Park 203-622-7814 greenwichct.gov

or one of the shaded benches set along the mile-long waterfront path and visit the town’s September 11 Memorial, which overlooks Indian Harbor. In Old Greenwich, BINNEY PARK—a gift from Crayola magnate Edwin Binney—hosts Little League sports, festive Fourth of July fireworks and model sailboat races. It’s also the terminus of the annual Memorial Day Parade, which stretches along Sound Beach Avenue. To commune with nature in a more meditative way, head to one of the town preserves or woodland sanctuaries. Hikers and horseback riders gravitate to the BABCOCK PRESERVE’s nearly 300 wooded acres in the backcountry, while MIANUS RIVER PARK, with nearly 220 acres straddling Greenwich and Stamford, attracts bird-watchers, mountain bikers, walkers and fishermen, who cast for trout in the fast-moving river. At the MONTGOMERY PINETUM PARK in Cos Cob, home to the GREENWICH BOTANICAL CENTER, there are primrose and tulip gardens, a rock garden, and trails lined with specimen conifers that lead to picnic areas and a flagstone terrace overlooking one of the ponds. Far north in the backcountry is the AUDUBON CENTER, a 285-acre nature preserve with seven miles of trails. A separate wildflower sanctuary has another eight miles of trails, a duck swamp and the KIMBERLIN NATURE EDUCATION CENTER, which houses an art gallery and children’s learning center. Here you will find a mile-long stroller and wheelchair accessible trail, making it even easier for the entire family to enjoy the center’s scenic landscape. Hikers at Babcock Preserve; Family time and playground fun; Annual Mini Sailboat Regatta at Binney Park (opposite page, clockwise); Cos Cob Playground (above)