PUBLIC OPEN SPACE PROPERTIES in FAIRFIELD
Town of Fairfield Conservation Department Open Space Program
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What Does Public “Open Space” Mean, and Why is it Important?
What we know as “open spaces” in Fairfield are managed by the Conservation Department of the Town of Fairfield, through its Open Space Program. The Conservation Department manages or administers over 1,100 acres of town-owned high ground woodlands, lakes, creeks and springs, rivers, salt marshlands, bogs, and meadows throughout both inland and coastal Fairfield. These properties—and how we feel about them—are more vital today than at any time in our Town's history. The proximity of lower Fairfield County to Manhattan and other significant tri-state area business centers has wrought nearly unbearable pressure on every aspect of what only a few decades ago, we knew as a restful place to live and raise our families. Sadly, in so many ways, “better times” seem to have disappeared... along with much of the opportunities we might wish to enjoy, that which could be regarded as “small town” experiences and values. We need to remember... what used to be good. More change—more loss of control than we've already endured—is not welcome.
The means that we choose to “manage” these open spaces—and what we decide that word should really mean—speak to the foundation of how we wish to identify ourselves to others. Those choices reflect the honor, integrity, and benevolence of our community. Those choices become examples that we set for our children: about how our democratic government operates to identify and solve problems. Within that process, those choices express our level of determination that Town policies embody fairness and civility, and our pride of commitment to accomodate diverse opinions and interests as part of
legitimate political discourse.
The tensions of modern suburban living seem to reach so very deeply into nearly every aspect of Fairfield... too often making it appear that no refuge can be found from the relentless crush that can seem to have turned life into more like... merely survival. And perhaps it is in that way, through which we might question whether we may have more in common with the animals who live their lives in these open spaces than we might realize... or wish to confront? This can be a discussion well worth engaging. What could never be in dispute, however, is that the peaceful sanctuary that Fairfield open spaces can represent is critical to public health and well being, and an irreplaceable asset that should be treasured, respected, and enjoyed by all.
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| Oldfield North Marsh |
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Among these and other reasons, for decades the Town has applied significant effort to acquire open space parcels as a defense against the effects of population growth, nearly unbridled construction, and the continued decline in “green” areas. These open spaces have also provided land for active recreational uses, beaches, golf courses, ball fields, and the marina; but for designated passive recreational parcels as well—and it is for these passive recreational activites that many open spaces have tradtionally been administered. These places provide opportunities for uses such as hiking, nature appreciation and study, picnicking, wildlife observation, camping, horseback riding, exercising family dogs, and other positive, socially interactive outdoor activities. Additionally, these open spaces conserve and enhance natural resources, foster fish and wildlife habitats, and perhaps most notably, as described on the Conservation Commission's page focused on its Open Space Program,
“.... contribute significantly to the beautiful rural characteristics that are so much a part of the Town of Fairfield.”
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| Of the 52 properties captioned on the list of
Town-owned “open spaces,” 41... or 80%...
are expressly designated for purposes of
“wildlife protection” or “wildlife conservation.”
The open space areas captioned in the list below are open and accessible by the general public, regardless of place of home residence. Use of these parcels is governed by the document, “Rules and Regulations, Fairfield Beaches, Waterways, Channels, Marinas, Parks, and Open Space Areas Owned and Operated by the Town of Fairfield, Fairfield, CT”, which is available from the Conservation Commission; or click here.
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List of Town-owned and Managed Open Spaces in Fairfield
The list below is grouped into five areas:
A: (01 - 13); Sasco Creek Watershed (Total Acreage: 285.31 acres)
B: (14 - 32); Mill River Watershed (563.51 acres)
C: (33 - 42); Pine Creek Watershed (225.62 acres)
D: (43 - 51); Ash Creek Watershed (39.29 acres)
E: (52); Coastal (0.9 acres)
A. SASCO CREEK WATERSHED
1- Brett Woods Conservation Area
Acquired: 1941-1983
Acreage: 185.7 acres
Uses: hiking, horseback riding, camping, wildlife conservation,
wetland protection
Access: west end North Street and Redding Road (just past cul-de-sac);
North Street and Gilbert Highway (end of North Street); Fallow Field Road
(at Mulberry Hill Road right-of-way); Treasure Road and Gilbert Highway
2- Morehouse Farmstead Open Space
Acquired: 2000
Acreage: 29.74 acres
Uses: passive recreation and open space
Access: West side of Redding Road adjacent to Merritt Parkway
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5- Cedar Meadow Open Space
Acquired: 1999
Acreage: 1.8 acres
Uses: wildlife conservation, wetland protection
Access: south side of Cedar Road between Grist Mill Lane and Half Mile Road
6- Sasco Creek - Kirik Open Space
Acquired: 1972
Acreage: 5.1 acres
Uses: wildlife conservation, wetland protection
Access: north side of Wakeman Lane adjacent to
Sasco Creek
7- Sasco Creek Pond
Acquired: 1968
Acreage: 5.57 acres
Uses: hiking, fishing, wildlife conservation, wetland protection
Access: Arbor Drive; Hulls Highway just north of Arbor Drive
8- Sasco Creek Marsh
Acquired: 1971
Acreage: 2.40 acres
Uses: wildlife protection, wetland protection
Access: south side of Kings Highway; adjacent to
Sasco Creek
| 111- Pequot Road
Acquired: 1946
Acreage: 0.11 acres
Uses: wildlife conservation, wetland protection
Access: north side of Pequot Road; adjacent to Sasco Creek
2- Bilberry Trail Open Space
Acquired: 1993
Acreage: 7.0 acres
Uses: hiking, horseback riding, wetland protection,
wildlife conservation
Access: north side of Mill Hill Terrace, opposite Southport Woods Drive
13- Mill Hill Open Space
Acquired: 2002
Acreage: 37.77 acres
Uses: undesignated
Access: undesignated
Sasco Creek Watershed area
Total acreage: 281.15
Also:
3- Greenfield Farm
(see bottom of page)
4- Binger Woods
(see bottom of page)
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| Springer Glen |
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9- Westway Road
Acquired: 1964
Acreage: 2.68 acres
Uses: wildlife conservation, wetland protection
Access: west side of Westway Road at intersection with Oxford Road
10- Southgate Lane
Acquired: 1965
Acreage: 1.48 acres
Uses: wildlife conservation, wetland protection
Access: from Sasco Creek
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B. MILL RIVER WATERSHED
14- Hoyden’s Hill Open Space
Acquired: 1966-1973
Acreage: 58.5 acres
Uses: hiking, cross country skiing, wildlife conservation, agriculture, golf driving range, police firing range
Access: Hoyden’s Lane by Driving Range entrance or at Driving Range; North Street west of Morehouse Highway
15- Barbieri Open Space
Acquired: 1993
Acreage: 41.1 acres
Uses: wetland protection, wildlife conservation
Access: east side of Hoyden's Hill Open Space; west side
of Morehouse Highway at Bluebell Lane
16- Grace Richardson Conservation Area
Acquired: 1966-1970
Acreage: 87.4 acres
Uses: hiking, wildlife conservation, wetland protection
Access: intersection of Congress Street and Morehouse Highway; east side of Hoyden's Hill Road
17- Quarry Pond Open Space
Acquired: 1997
Acreage: 8.05 acres
Uses: wildlife conservation, wetland protection
Access: west side of Hoyden's Hill Road along gas transmission line
19- Lake Mohegan Open Space
Acquired: 1967-1985
Acreage: 170.4 acres
Uses: hiking, picnicking, fishing, horseback riding, wetland protection, wildlife protection
Access: beach parking lot; Morehouse Highway and and Mohican Hill Road; Morehouse Highway just south of the Merritt Parkway; East Field Circle; Morehouse Highway
just south of the beach parking lot
21- Black Rock Turnpike Property
Acquired: 1996
Acreage: 0.85 acres
Uses: wildlife conservation, wetland protection
Access: east side of Black Rock Turnpike just north of
Rock Ridge Road
22- Samp Mortar Rock Historic Area
Acquired: 1966
Acreage: 7.3 acres
Uses: historic conservation, hiking, wildlife conservation
Access: west side of Springer Road just south of cul-de-sac
23- Mountain Laurel Open Space
Acquired: 1966
Acreage: 23.9 acres
Uses: hiking, wildlife conservation, wetland protection
Access: north side of Mt Laurel Road on sharp bend
| 24- Trillium Road Open Space
Acquired: 1970
Acreage: 4.6 acres
Uses: wetland protection, wildlife conservation
Access: east end of Trillium
Access: north side of Mt. Laurel road on sharp bend
25- Philbin Open Space
Acquired: 1993
Acreage: 2.3 acres
Uses: wetland protection, wildlife conservation
Access: north side of Trillium Road Open Space
26- Springer Glen Open Space
Acquired: 1971-1976
Acreage: 38.0 acres
Uses: hiking, fishing, wildlife conservation, wetland
Access: north side of Stillson Road; north of intersection with Mill Plain Road; south end of Pheasant Lane
27- Drake Lane
Acquired: 1968
Acreage: 3.6 acres
Uses: wetland protection, wildlife conservation
Access: east end of Drake Lane
28- Millspaugh Drive
Acquired: 1951
Acreage: 2.0 acres
Uses: wetland protection, wildlife conservation
Access: west end of Millspaugh Drive
29- Dudley Drive
Acquired: 1968
Acreage: 1.2 acres
Uses: wetland protection, wildlife conservation
Access: at intersection with Cynthia Drive
30- Flower House Drive & Duck Farm Open Space
Acquired: 1968
Acreage: approx. 5 acres
Uses: wetland protection, wildlife conservation
Access: west side of Flower House Drive on east side of Mill River
31- Riverfield
Acquired: 1958
Acreage: 18.6 acres
Uses: wetland protection, wildlife conservation
Access: west of Riverfield School, south of Duck Farm Road on east side of Mill River
32- Perry’ s Mill Ponds
Acquired: 1960-1974
Acreage: 81.41 acres
Uses: education, hiking, fishing, wetland conservation,
wildlife conservation
Access: east side of Bronson Road; north of Sturges Highway bridge; north side of Perry Street; south side of Sturges Road; east side of Mill River
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| Sturges Lake |
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Mill River Watershed Area
Total acreage: 563.51
Also:
18- Daw Property
(see bottom of page)
20- Crow Hill Open Space
(see bottom of page)
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C. PINE CREEK WATERSHED
33- Old Field North Marsh
Acquired: 1949-1958
Acreage: 21.18 acres
Uses: wetland protection, wildlife conservation
Access: north side of Old Field Road at Pine Creek
34- Old Field South
Acquired: 1966-1995
Acreage: 34.2 acres
Uses: wetland protection, wildlife conservation
Access: east end of Meadow Court
35- Stock Property
Acquired: 1995
Acreage: 6.2 acres
Uses: wetland protection, wildlife conservation
Access: south side of Old Field Road, w side of Pine Creek
36- Bilyard Property
Acquired: 1998
Acreage: 0.68 acres
Uses: wetland protection, wildlife conservation
Access: east side of Ennis Lane at cul-de-sac
| 40- Reef Road Marsh
Acquired: 1982-1988
Acreage: 7.56 acres
Uses: wetland protection, wildlife conservation
Access: east side of Veteran's Park
41- Old Dam Road Marsh
Acquired: 1941-1982
Acreage: 37 acres
Uses: hiking, salt marsh restoration, wildlife conservation
Access: south side of Old Dam Road, opposite Kiwanis Field
42- Wakeman Island
Acquired: 1940-1953
Acreage: 12 acres
Uses: salt marsh restoration, wildlife conservation
Access: south and east of Pine Creek marsh
Pine Creek Watershed Area
Total Acreage 225.62 acres
Also:
37- Down's Property
(see bottom of page)
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| Hoyden's Hill |
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38- Pine Creek Marsh
Acquired: 1940-1979
Acreage: 77 acres
Uses: wetland protection, wildlife conservation
Access: north side of Old Dam Road, east of tennis courts
39- One Rod Highway Marsh
Acquired: 1940-1953
Acreage: 28 acres
Uses: wetland protection, wildlife conservation
Access: north and south sides of One Rod Highway
40- Reef Road Marsh
Acquired: 1982-1988
Acreage: 7.56 acres
Uses: wetland protection, wildlife conservation
Access: east side of Veteran's Park
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D. ASH CREEK WATERSHED
44- Woodside Circle
Acquired: 1966
Acreage: 1.0 acres
Uses: wetland protection, wildlife conservation
Access: east side of Woodside Circle on Rooster River
45- Gypsy Springs
Acquired: 1966
Acreage: 2.5 acres
Uses: wetland protection, wildlife conservation
Access: north end of Grace Street; s end of Beaver Street
46- Sanfilippo Property
Acquired: 1997
Acreage: 0.14 acres
Uses: wetland protection, wildlife conservation
Access: north side of Gypsy Springs Open Space
47- Mary Katona Memorial
Acquired: 1984
Acreage: 2.2 acres
Uses: hiking, wildlife conservation
Access: west side of Katona Drive; opposite west end of Pepperbush Lane
| 49- Ash Creek/Penfield Mills Open Space
Acquired: 1939-1978
Acreage: 25+ acres
Uses: boating, fishing, shellfishing, hiking, picnicking, playground, wildlife conservation
Access: east of South Benson Marina; from Riverside Drive Open Space
50- Woods Wetland Conservation Area
Acquired: 1988
Acreage: 3.0 acres
Uses: salt marsh, wildlife conservation
Access: south bend of Shoreham Terrace
51- Cambridge Street Wetland Conservation Area
Acquired: 1988
Acreage: .50 acres
Uses: salt marsh, wildlife conservation
Access: from Turney Creek
Ash Creek Watershed Area
Total Acreage: 39.29 acres
Also:
43- Szost Property
(see bottom of page)
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| Flower House Drive & Duck Farm Open Space Area |
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48- Ash Creek/Riverside Drive
Acquired: 1978
Acreage: 2.85 acres
Uses: salt marsh, shellfishing
Access: south side of Riverside Drive
What does “conservation” mean?
By definition, conservation refers to
“the act of conserving,” or:
1] prevention of injury, decay, waste, or loss;
2] preservation: conservation of wildlife;
3] official supervision of natural resources in order to preserve and protect them through prudent management; and
4] the careful utilization of a natural resource in order to prevent depletion.
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| Perry's Mill Ponds Open Space Area |
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| E. COASTAL AREA
52- Rickards Dune
Acquired: 1973
Acreage: .9 acres
Uses: dune restoration
Access: south side of
Fairfield Beach Road;
east of Penfield Beach
Coastal Area
Total Acreage: 0.9 acres
(Sequence breaks are below):
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Other parcels managed through the Open Space Program, by Town of Fairfield Conservation Commission.
These properties have not been dedicated as conservation open space, but are administered by the Conservation Commission (see definition of "open space," below). Total: 60.63 acres.
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3- Greenfield Farm
Acquired: 1998
Acreage: 20.73 acres
Uses: farm lease; hiking trails
Access: south side of Congress Street between Cross Highway and Hillside Road
4- Binger Woods
Acquired: 1999
Acreage: 30.0
Uses: hiking trails
Access: south side of Cross Highway between Redding and Congress
18- Dawe Property
Acquired: 1999
Acreage: 2.0 acres
Uses: conservation
Access: accessible only from town property on east side of Burr Street north of Merritt Parkway
| 20- Crow Hill Open Space
Acquired: 1998
Acreage: 4 acres
Uses: undesignated
Access: Pent Road on south side of Congress Street
37- Downs Property
Acquired: 1999
Acreage: 1.8 acres
Uses: conservation
Access: east end of Meadow Court
43- Szost Property
Acquired: 1998
Acreage: 2.1 acres
Uses: conservation
Access: east end of Nutmeg Lane; north end of Sigwin Drive; west side of Jeniford Road
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| Mill Hill Open Space Area |
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41 of 52
TOWN OF FAIRFIELD
MANAGED OPEN SPACE PROPERTIES CAPTIONED AS DESIGNATED USAGE FOR "WILDLIFE PROTECTION" OR "WILDLIFE CONSERVATION"
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| Samp Mortar Rock Historic Area |
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Definition of Public Open Space.
Town of Fairfield Ordinances, Chapter 35:
Real Property Management
§35-12. Designation of use of acquired land.
(Added: 10/25/1999)
A. Legislative findings. The RTM finds that there is no clear process in state statutes, the Town Charter or the Town Code for designating property as to use upon acquisition, determining administrative responsibility for such property and changing such use designation and administration, as necessary, in the future. Therefore, the RTM desires to establish
such a process.
B. Definition. For purposes of this §35-12, "open space" means land which may be used for any of the following purposes:
(1) Recreation, including, but not limited to, children's play, such as playgrounds, ice skating and sledding; land sports, such as baseball, football, soccer, tennis, track, gold and climbing; water sports, such as fishing, boating, swimming, and waterskiing; and passive recreation, such as strolling, hiking, horseback riding, sitting, sunbathing, picnicking
and nature study.
(2) Conservation, including, but not limited to, natural and scenic resources, wildlife habitat, water supply and other natural resources; the protection of soil from erosion; the conservation of historic areas; and the conservation of man-made structures from the dangers of floods.
(3) Preservation of community character, including, but not limited to, the protection and enhancement of the desirable physical and visual character of the town and preservation of appropriate lands from future development.
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| Brett Woods Conservation Area |
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C. Designation of use.
(1) Property acquired before June 22, 1998. any property acquired before June 22, 1998, which carries a designation as to use on the Town Plan and Zoning Commission Map of the Town of Fairfield Public Lands shall continue to have the use designation shown on such map.
(2) Property acquired after June 22, 1988, and before enactment of §35-12. All properties acquired by the town through purchase or donation after June 22, 1988, and before enactment of this §35-12 shall be designated "open space," as defined herein, unless otherwise required by state or federal law, any valid municipal law, a valid rule or regulation of the Town Plan and Zoning Commission or by a valid deed restriction on use of the property. Such property shall be administered by the commission or department specified at the time of acquisition, but if no specific designation was made, such property shall be administered by the Conservation Commission.
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| Grace Richardson Conservation Area |
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(3) Property acquired from and after enactment of §35-12. All property acquired by purchase or donation after the enactment of §35-12 shall be designated by the RTM in the resolution authorizing the acquisition of such property, consistent with any requirements of state or federal law, any valid municipal law, a valid rule or regulation of the Town Plan and Zoning Commission or any valid deed restriction regarding use of such property. if no other designation is made, the property shall be designated "open space," as defined in Subsection B, and shall be administered, subject to other designation by the RTM, by the Conservation Commission.
D. Change in use. If the use or administration of any town property, including open space, as defined in Subsection B is proposed to be changed, such change shall be conditioned upon the approval of the RTM. The RTM may request the recommendation of the board or commission administering the property before approving the change.
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| Pine Creek Marsh |
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