Parks & Rec Approves Basic Contours of Leash Policy

After , the Parks and Recreation Commission approved the basic contours of a leash policy for Darien's parks Thursday night.

The exact language will be fine-tuned by counsel before the commission takes a final vote in July.

Below is a park-by-park outline of the version approved Thursday.

Cherry Lawn Park: The commission unanimously approved a modified version but established a special zone in which dogs would be allowed off-leash year-round. The approved version stipulates that:

• Dogs are not allowed at any time in playground areas, community gardens, or playfields.
• A designated area between the Darien Nature Center and Brookside Road will remain open to off-leash dogs, year-round, from dawn to dusk. Dogs must stay on-leash to and from parking lots.
• Sept. 1 to May 31 ("off-peak"): On weekdays, dogs are allowed off-leash from dawn to dusk in the designated area and from dawn to 10:30 a.m. in the rest of the park. On weekends, dogs are allowed off-leash only in the designated area.
• June 1 to Aug. 31 ("peak"): Dogs are allowed off-leash only in the designated area.

(Feeling confused? Consult this chart.)

Tilley Pond Park: Dogs are allowed off-leash, weekdays from dawn to 10:30 a.m. (except during special events). The commission approved this measure unanimously.

Woodland Park and Selleck's Woods: The commission voted to require leashes at all times, rejecting a proposal for a special off-leash trail. The Woodland Park provision was approved 6-2; Selleck's Woods, 8-0. Commissioner Charlie Goodyear abstained from both votes.

Stony Brook and Diller Property: Dogs are allowed off leash, dawn to dusk, seven days a week. The commission unanimously approved this provision.

Holahan Field, McGuane Park, Baker Field, and Town Hall grounds: Dogs are required to be on leash at all times. The commission unanimously approved this provision.

Weed Beach, Pear Tree Point Beach: Dogs will continue to be banned except for "medically necessary" service animals. This provision was unanimously reaffirmed.