Police, Parks & Rec to Enforce Park & Beach Closures

UPDATE: On Monday afternoon First Selectman Camillo clarified that there is no access to boats stored at the marinas in parks including the Grass Island Marina, Greenwich Boat Club, Byram Shore Boat Club and the Old Greenwich Yacht Club. Boat owners will be notified when they will be able to access their vessels.


Original story: Across Greenwich on Monday morning signs are going up atop barricades at public parks and beaches indicating they are closed.

On Sunday Greenwich First Selectman Fred Camillo issued a directive to close town parks and beaches to slow the spread of COVID-19. As of Sunday night at 8:00am all Town Parks, school fields, and beaches were closed. Playgrounds were already closed following an earlier directive.

Greenwich Police Lt Mark Zuccerella said in his Monday media update that the department will be conducting enforcement of the closure of town parks and beaches.

Closed sign at Byram Park. Across town signs notify residents that all parks and beaches are closed. March 22, 2020 Photo: Leslie Yager

“The Greenwich Police, Park Department and other Town resources will be out making sure the parks are not used,” Zuccerella said, adding that police urge residents to follow Governor Lamont’s advice to “Stay Safe, Stay Home.”

On Sunday Greenwich First Selectman said town volunteer fire companies will also assist in enforcement and that violators may be cited for trespassing or more severe criminal sanctions in accordance with Connecticut General Statutes.

“For the past week, I have been saying that if people do not adhere to the national public health guidelines of social distancing, I would be forced to close the parks and beaches. It is unfortunate, but I have to make this difficult decision in the interest of the welfare and health safety of our residents.”

Zucerella said calls for service have been lower than normal for the past two weeks. He added that there are no changes to 911 responses.

Police also shared news from the American Red Cross that there is a blood shortage and people can visit American Red Cross to find a donation site.

In fact the American Red Cross website describes the shortage as severe. “Donors urgently needed,” they said, urging eligible and healthy donors to make an appointment to provide lifesaving blood products to patients.

See also:

COVID-19 UPDATE: Camillo Orders Town Parks & Beaches Closed 

Greenwich Town Hall to Shut Down Monday; Town Golf Course to Close Sunday

P&Z and Wetlands Close for Cleaning after Employee Calls in Sick with Flu-Like Symptoms