Old Greenwich Association

Binney Park Master Plan Initiative

Project Background

Binney Park is composed of 32 acres in the middle of Old Greenwich. It has always been a focal point of beauty, relaxation, and recreation since its dedication to the town in 1933. Currently, the Greenwich Parks and Recreation is developing a Master Plan for the park’s maintenance and improvement.

Because Binney Park is an asset to the entire community, it is important to involve a cross section of people in setting priorities. The Old Greenwich Association in conjunction with the Old Greenwich Garden Club and the Riverside Association has attempted to initially define some of the issues and develop suggestions. From this launching point, it is hoped that residents will respond with their own comments on how to maximize the beauty and utility of one of Greenwich’s outdoor treasures.

Overall Park Design

As parkland becomes an ever scarcer commodity, Binney Park and the Kitchel Natural Park should live up to the potential for which it was designed. In setting priorities, our citizen groups believe that the Master Plan should recognize the following:

• Binney Park’s layout and general “foundation” make it one of the most cherished parts of town.

• The park is in a mature phase, and requires attention to maintain its appeal.

• Large modifications are not required. Very focused efforts should be undertaken that preserve and highlight the park’s character.

• Binney Park is part of a larger “package” encompassing the Perrot Library and downtown Old Greenwich. These 3 major areas should have a consistent aesthetic, as they serve as a destination hub for residents and visitors and play a significant role in the area’s continuing vitality.

Actions for Consideration

Binney Park can be divided into four sections, which together offer great versatility. The use and condition of each section, however, varies widely.

Duck Pond and land north of Wesskum Wood

The most widely recognized section of Binney Park with its picturesque pond enhanced by footbridges, walking paths, gazebo and majestic weeping willows.

Suggested Actions:

• Replace existing lights around the pond and along the paths, which have become unsteady over time, to improve safety. Select lighting fixtures that complement those around the Perrot Library.

• Replace and reposition the Binney Park sign in the northwest corner opposite the library and establish an “entrance” to the park.

• Expand pockets of annual and perennial plantings similar to those by the Time Capsule at the south corner. The island and the proposed entrance sign should be targeted.

• Remove dead trees and replace with new, especially the weeping willows.

• Add a centrally located kiosk with map to illustrate the entire park’s range and features.

Recreation Area

It is composed of baseball fields, soccer fields, tennis courts, swing sets, playground, and field house. The Field House was recently renovated and keeping up with high recreational usage on the fields poses challenges.

Suggested Actions:

• Make maintenance of the recreational facilities a high priority, given the shortage of fields all over town.

• Continue to employ humane methods for managing the geese population around the recreation and duck pond areas.

Scenic Overlook and Hiking Area

Tucked north of Arch Street, with heavy overgrowth and no signage, this part of the park is easily missed.

Suggested Actions:

• Install new sign to increase recognition

• Clear overgrowth from paths to increase usage

The Binney Kitchel Natural Park

Not commonly perceived as part of Binney Park, but an increasingly appreciated area of natural space and a complement to the “developed” areas. Eagle Scouts recently cleared the trails within the preserve.

Suggested Actions:

• Maintain all walking paths

• Create new signage and improved access near the corner of Sound Beach Avenue and Harding Road to tie the property into the overall park structure.

Request for Community Input

A Master Plan needs to reflect the thoughts of a wide spectrum of the community to be successful. Comments and suggestions are strongly encouraged, and should be addressed to:

Old Greenwich Association

or email: comments@oldgreenwich.org

All remarks will be compiled and forwarded to the Greenwich Parks and Recreation Department.