By Thane Grauel

WESTPORT — The Planning and Zoning Commission on Monday enthusiastically endorsed a plan to upgrade the playground at Compo Beach.

The 8-24 request (required under state law for a significant change in use of municipal property), was praised for its increased accessibility to those with physical challenges and other disabilities, as well as an asset to the community at large.

It was unanimously recommended for a positive report.

The P&Z incorporated recommendations from the Parks and Recreation Commission, made last week when it approved the plans with several pieces of equipment added to comply with Americans with Disabilities Act standards, including accessible swings, a rocking playground pieces and other features. 

The playground is owned by the town, but the applicant was Rick Benson and the Westport Rotary Club, which, which the help of other community groups, is funding the upgrade.

Benson, who’s been in Vietnam with less-than-reliable internet connectivity, asked a fellow Rotarian who has a familiar face around town, former First Selectman James Marpe, to begin the presentation.

“The restoration of the Compo Beach Playground is the Westport Rotary Club’s centennial gift to the Town of Westport,” Marpe said. “The first community build of this playground was in April 1989. That playground was replaced in April 2006, and now we propose a significant renovation in April 2025.”

“All three projects have been a collaboration between Westport Rotary, the Westport Young Woman’s League and other community groups,” Marpe said. “For funding, in-kind contributions and volunteer labor.”

“Assuming the Planning and Zoning Commission issues a positive report, we’ll move forward with forward with the Board of Selectwomen and the RTM to have the gift to the town formally accepted,” Marpe said.

Joshua Sterling, a member of the Compo Beach Organizing Committee, again presented then plan heard May 15 by the Parks and Recreation Commission.

Planning and Zoning Director Mary Young said that committee recommended in its approval it be granted final say over colors and surfaces.

“And so, I say to the Planning and Zoning Commission, should a majority of you decide also decide to issue a positive approval for the this, you would do well to include the Parks and Rec Commission comments as part of your recommendations, for consideration by the selectwoman as this proceeds further in the process.”

Member Amy Wistreich had a couple of questions about shading and the challenges for some of getting to the playground across sand, but called the project “a pride and a joy for everyone in this town.”

She said the improvements were very thoughtful and environmentally sensitive.

Member Michael Calise asked about an unused area to the northeast, and if there was enough room for a grandparent to plant a beach chair to watch a child, and wondered how it might affect the nearby volleyball court.

Sterling said a bricked area might afford a larger seating area, “and we’re also putting in some extra benches around those walkways.”

Vice Chair Neil Cohn asked if a water fountain or water feature could be included.

“I don’t know if that’s been looked at, but kids who play out there don’t necessarily take care or their hydration and now that we know more about what that means it’s probably good to have that incorporated,” he said.

He said he liked that some shade had been added, “and I think it’s a really good plan.”

Member Breanne Injesky asked about maintenance costs.

“I’m wondering if the maintenance costs of ll this new equipment is going to be similar to what the old playground was, if it’s a cost the town’s going to be able to absorb,” Injesky asked.

Sterling said that after the last upgrade, there was a donation for maintenance costs, but that quickly ran out.

“We’ve adjusted out fundraising goals this time around so that the amount that we hope to donate to the town is enough to keep the fundraising and upkeep for several years,” he said.  

“Thank you to everyone who’s involved in this project and making it happen,” said member John Bolton. “I too, like Neil Cohn, remember when I started a family in 1999, I remember just remarking that I was looking forward to the time that I’d be able to take my child to that playground, our playground, our signature playground.”

“This playground, as proposed in the 8-24, is maximum accessibility for everyone across the spectrum,” Bolton said. “Typical, special needs and all points in between.”

Chairman Paul Lebowitz said it was “thrilling to see the amount of accessibility you’ve added to this.”

“Since 2006 to now, I think we’ve made great strides in accessibility, but this takes the beach into another level,” he said. “And I’m thrilled to see it.”

Thane Grauel grew up in Westport and has been a journalist in Fairfield County and beyond for 36 years. Reach him at editor@westportjournal.com. Learn more about us here.