Wilton’s Parks and Recreation Commission is continuing to make headway on plans for a dog park, with the commission searching for suitable locations.
“We [are] considering locations in the community and hope to have a site in the near future,” Parks and Recreation Department Director Steve Pierce told GOOD Morning Wilton.
Parks & Rec Chair Alix Korpan told GMW that a new location is under consideration.
Officials have not specified which locations they’re considering at this time.
Parks & Rec has made a dog park a “top priority” amenity, noting that Wilton is one of very few towns in the area without one. Pierce had previously told the commission that a park could cost between $40,000 and $50,000.
GMW reached out to Pierce and Korpan following the June 3 Parks & Rec meeting, which was held as an in-person site walk to view progress on projects currently underway by the Parks & Recreation Department.
Merwin Meadows Pond Dredging “Moving Along,” Guy Whitten Field Should be Ready for July 4th Fireworks
Pierce toured the commissioners around Merwin Meadows Pond, which is in the process of being drained, or “dewatered,” in order to allow a contractor to dredge silt deposited in the pond and on the beach during the August 2024 floods.
Pierce told GMW that he didn’t have much more to add to his Jun. 1 report to the Board of Selectmen (BOS) on the progress of the pond restoration, during which he told the board that progress is being made and staff will be in place when the pond is ready to be reopened.
Work continues at the Merwin Meadows pond to complete the remediation in time for summer. (Photo taken June 3, 2026) Credit: GOOD Morning Wilton 
Merwin Meadows Pond is shown on June 3, 2026, in the process of being drained, or “dewatered,” to allow contractors to dredge silt from the pond and beach that had been deposited there by the Aug. 2024 floods. Credit: GOOD Morning Wilton 
Merwin Meadows Pond is shown on June 3, 2026, in the process of being drained, or “dewatered,” to allow contractors to dredge silt from the pond and beach that had been deposited there by the Aug. 2024 floods. Credit: GOOD Morning Wilton
“We are waiting for the dewatering to conclude and [the] removal of the material off site,” Pierce said.
When the Board of Selectmen (BOS) voted unanimously in early April to allocate funds for the dredging, the hope was that the pond would be open in time for Memorial Day weekend. Korpan told GMW she hopes that now the pond will be ready to open mid-June.
The commissioners also visited Guy Whitten Field to see the progress being made on the installation of new lighting and sod. Pierce said that the sod should be fully “knitted in” by July 4th, allowing residents to observe the Independence Day fireworks display. The field is a popular venue for observing the display, with families staking out spaces hours in advance for picnics and holiday celebrations.
Korpan said her understanding is that the new lights will be connected to the new transformer installed by Eversource by June 12.
“As of now there will be no disruption to the July 4th celebration,” Korpan confirmed.
Regarding Dog Park Location
I frequent all dog parks in adjacent towns and beyond.
-The best are on slightly sloped land to avoid incurring mud during sustained wet conditions.
-Good fences keep dogs from wandering afar.
-EZ access with ample parking
-Good tree canopy, well shaded for canine and people comfort.
-A source of water nearby.
The most desirable site in Wilton is over the bridge at the Rt.7 commuter parking lot,
Excepting fencing and benches, everything is in place with a nice scenic entrance and quaint bridge over the river.
Please contact Parks & Rec to add your support for this ideal site.