FIRST UP on GMW is an occasional column that highlights shorter announcements or updates, and helps you get a quick start to the Wilton news of the day. Have a news tip, item or something you know people are chatting about? Email us at editor@goodmorningwilton.com.
Merwin Meadows Pond and Beach Closed for 2025 Season — YMCA Offers Beach & Pool Pass Option
Merwin Meadows park will be operating under limited circumstances for the upcoming summer season.
With the Merwin Meadows pond closed all summer for remediation and dredging due to damage sustained in the August 2024 floods, the Town of Wilton has coordinated with the Riverbrook Regional/Wilton Family YMCA to secure beach and pond access for Wilton residents.
The YMCA is offering a limited outdoor pass, which grants individuals and families not only access to the Y’s pond and beach, but also to a splash pad and 50 meter outdoor pool, playground and mini golf course. The cost of a family pass is $199 and is valid from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day. The Wilton Y is also offering full access summer memberships that give access to the whole facility.
“We appreciate the YMCA’s willingness to offer their facilities while we repair the damage to the pond at Merwin Meadows,” Wilton Parks and Recreation Administration Manager Kregg Zulkeski said.
Interested families can procure “Summer Limited” passes on the Wilton YMCA membership webpage.
Although the Merwin Meadows pond and beach will be off limits to park visitors, the playground and picnic areas along the wood line will still be available for use. In addition, the pavilion area will be available for both formal reservations such as birthday parties, and is open for use outside of any reserved times on a first come, first served basis. Restrooms will also be open for park visitors.
Merwin Meadows park will be staffed by Parks and Recreation Department officials to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for parkgoers. Merwin Meadows will be staffed beginning Friday, May 24 through Monday, Sept. 1 from the hours of 10 a.m.-6 p.m. every day.
Residents will still need a pass to enter the park. Passes can be procured at the Parks and Recreation office (180 School Rd.) Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., or by calling 203.834.6234. Refunds will be granted for residents who purchased a pass prior to the announcement of the beach/pond closure.
Zulkeski said the Parks & Rec Department “is looking forward to having the restoration project completed in a timely manner.”
Questions and comments should be directed to Zulkeski via email or at 203.834.6234, ext. 5.
Board of Selectmen to Vote on Ambler Farm Lease at Next Meeting
The Wilton Board of Selectmen held a public hearing on May 5, regarding a proposed lease between the Town of Wilton and the Friends of Ambler Farm, Inc., which manages the operations and programs at Ambler Farm for the Town of Wilton.
The Board of Selectman plans to vote on the terms of the lease at its regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, May 20. The Board of Selectmen invites members of the public who were unable to attend the public hearing to submit their comments about the lease before the May 20 meeting to First Selectman Toni Boucher via email.
Tour Bradley Park with Wilton Conservation Commission
On Sunday, May 18 at 1p.m., the Wilton Conservation Commission will offer a guided walk in Bradley Park. Commissioner Colleen O’Brien will lead the tour, which will start at the park entrance on Oak Ledge Ln. (at the end on the west side) and last about an hour. Light refreshments will be served afterwards, when there will be time to socialize and ask questions of the Conservation commissioners in attendance.
All are welcome, including dogs on leash. Long pants tucked into socks, and long-sleeved shirts are recommended clothing for walking in Connecticut woods.
Interested participants should pre-register via email to be contacted if the weather requires rescheduling.