PARKS + RECREATION
GREAT O U T D OOR S
W I T H S O M A N Y PA R K S A N D O P E N S PA C E S , G R E E N W I C H IS A N ATU RA L PL AYGR OUND FOR ACT IVE RESI D E N T S
Y
TOP: ISTOCKPHOTO.COM ; RIGHT: MARY ALICE FISHER
es, it’s close to Manhattan but Greenwich also is close to nature. Our town is blessed with hundreds of acres of scenic parks, unspoiled open spaces and coastal beauty. There are jogging and biking trails along the waterfront at GREENWICH POINT, a 147-acre beach and nature preserve also known as TOD’S POINT. There are hiking and riding trails in the BABCOCK PRESERVE ’s 297 acres of backcountry woods, which are filled with century-old oak. In Greenwich you can get out and enjoy the great outdoors, which offers both serenity and nonstop activity. Many sports and recreational activities revolve around the water to take advantage of the town’s location on Long Island Sound. On any given morning on the MIANUS RIVER between Riverside and Cos Cob, you’ll find teens and adults out rowing, kayakers making their way out of the harbor and paddle boarders working their abs. During the summer, Tod’s Point beach is covered with families enjoying the sun, swimming and building sandcastles. On rainy days, you can take in the environmental museum in the restored Innis Arden Cottage. In the winter, Tod’s Point becomes an unofficial dog park as people and their pooches (only allowed in the off-season) roam the beach and trails. Sailing is a popular pursuit. Kids and adults can learn how at the GREENWICH COMMUNITY SAILING CLUB, where you can take classes or rent Hobis, Lasers and Picos. On Wednesday and Thursday nights during the summer, the waters around Greenwich are filled with sailboats of all sizes out for weekly racing. Two of the town parks are actually islands located a short ride from the shore: ISLAND BEACH has a concession stand,
En route to Great Captain Island
grills, 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. For those who just like taking in the shoreline sights by boat, there’s the weekly “Cruise to Nowhere” on the town ferry boats. Bring your own drinks and snacks. On land, Greenwich residents love the Sport of Kings. On Sundays, spectators head up to the GREENWICH POLO CLUB at Conyer’s Farm (open to the public) to tailgate, socialize and watch the matches. Or you can actually take the reins by signing up for private polo lessons. Back in town, a different kind of sport is in
W E L C O M E T O G R E E N W I C H • 45