Residents have taken to the trails at public parks and the New Canaan High School track in large numbers since town officials reopened the facilities for walking nearly three weeks ago, officials said Wednesday.
An online booking system for singles tennis at the NCHS courts also has seen more than 30 courts used on average this week, according to Recreation Director Steve Benko, who has an attendant overseeing the facility.
“Hopefully the next step is to get some of our fields reopened in a limited capacity, limited fashion,” Benko said during the Parks & Recreation Commission’s regular meeting, held via video conference.
“Just to go out and throw a lacrosse ball or kick a soccer ball or throw a football. That has been the one challenge. We have got people who want to get out on the turf fields, who climb up the fences or climb under the fences at Dunning [Stadium]. And we have to throw them off once in a while.”
The comments came during a general update from Benko.
During her own update, Commission Chair Rona Siegel praised Benko and his department as well as Parks Superintendent John Howe and Public Works Director Tiger Mann on their nimbleness and diligence through a time of uncertainty, as new directives come down from state and local leaders.
“Watching all the work and changing signs and things that have been going on, I’m utterly impressed and speechless,’ Siegel said.
“I know it hasn’t been easy, and I see that also during this time you are getting a lot of work done,” she added. “I’ve seen it in Waveny. I’ve seen it in Mead. I’ve seen it in Kiwanis. So thank you for all of the work, and your team.”
Asked about the prospect of Waveny Pool opening, Benko said that some preparation work has been done, including installation of an umbrella around the kiddie pool and the cleaning of bathrooms and mats. Yet the town—like the private clubs in New Canaan—is waiting for permission from state and local health officials to remove the pool cover.
“My best guess is that we will not see the pool open for Memorial Day,” Benko said. Much depends on what plan the governor lays out next week for the future phased reopening of facilities in Connecticut.
“Hopefully we may be able to get the pool open by the end of June,” he said. “There will be some restrictions, but hopefully we will make it work.”
Benko added that on Wednesday evening, a parasailor in full harness, helmet and sail came to Waveny intent on setting out, and had to be told by municipal officials and police that that’s not what New Canaan fields are open for at this time. The man was from Greenwich, Benko said.
“Kind of amazing,” he said.