Town of Greenwich Community First

The Department of Parks and Recreation is comprised of professionals in all facets of public service who deliver high quality leisure time opportunities through safe, well-organized and affordable programs across a comprehensive network of parks, playgrounds, marinas, beaches, athletic fields, neighborhood community centers, ice skating rink, municipal golf course and open spaces to promote the mental, physical and social well-being of our residents.  We foster a sense of community spirit and civic responsibility through the use and preservation of the Town’s natural resources for the enjoyment of current and future generations.

The Marine and Facility Operations Division of the Department of Parks and Recreation is accountable and responsible for the operation and budgeting of all municipal beaches, ferry services, off-shore islands and boating facilities.  Boating Facilities consist of four marinas: Byram, Cos Cob, Grass Island, and Greenwich Point.

The Parks Division provides quality grounds maintenance of 2000 acres of land inclusive of park land, open space, school campuses, and athletic turf. The division is also responsible for removal of leaves, ice, and snow of all recreation areas. In addition, the Parks Division works cooperatively with community groups on various special park improvement projects that are in accordance with the Master Plan for the Department of Parks and Recreation.

The Tree Division is responsible for the care and maintenance of all trees on roadsides, in parks, schools, and all other Town owned properties. The Tree Department is trained and equipped to provide a complete range of tree care services for the Town of Greenwich. Tree care services include tree removal, stump grinding, safety pruning, maintenance pruning, bracing, cabling, tree planting, insect & disease control, hazard tree evaluation, and tree value appraisal.

With the most recent storm; Hurricane Sandy, Parks and Trees personnel in conjunction with other departments, divisions and agencies worked around the clock coordinating efforts to clear downed trees across Town and ensure that residents were safe.  On several occasions throughout the storm Parks and Trees employees came to the aid of police, fire, and GEMS personnel trapped on roads by downed trees.   These employees spent time away from their families and post storm conditions at their homes to ensure the safety and well-being of Greenwich residents.

The Recreation Division is responsible for the implementation of a diverse program base of both active and passive recreation and leisure programs to meet the needs and interests of the Greenwich community.  The Recreation Division plans and assists with approximately 100 special events throughout Town during each fiscal year.  Additionally, the Division issues field permits available to residents and Town organizations for various games and activities. Normally, the permit season runs from mid-April through October.

The Griffith E. Harris Golf Course, the “Griff”is the Town’s only municipal golf course. The Department of Parks and Recreation oversees operation of the 18-hole golf course, which was designed by Robert Trent Jones and dedicated in 1965.  The Griff operates on a revolving fund, or self-supporting and strives to maintain affordable fees for its membership.  The Griff is a course that can be enjoyed by recreational golfers yet challenging for more advanced players.  The staff works very hard at maintaining high quality greens, fairways, rough and other areas of the course.

In summary, we work hard so you can play hard.  For more information or program registration, please visit our website: Parks and Recreation.