With the dog days of summer upon us, residents of New Canaan and neighboring towns are filling empty days by lounging poolside at Waveny or stretching out in the sand at Kiwanis Park.
NewCanaanite caught up with some residents on what draws them to their locale of choice.
Poolgoers enjoy Waveny Pool.
Fans of Waveny Pool appreciate the variety of amenities offered.
“I’ve been coming here for eight years, because my oldest is eight,” New Canaan resident Claire Doneit said from her spot overlooking Waveny Pool. “I love it because she always finds friends here.”
Adds friend Rebecca Mann, who’s been enjoying the pool for the past three years, “I like it because it’s easy to watch the kids, and it tires them out. There are swim lessons, the showers are nice, the food is great, and there’s the baby pool.”
Swimmers on a quiet day at Kiwanis.
Devotees of Kiwanis Park, however, enjoy the low-key vibe, and how the park emulates a lake.
“This is our fourth summer living in New Canaan,” said one New Canaan resident, who opted not to use her name.
“We live pretty close, so we can walk,” she said. “My kids are young, and it’s a lot easier and safer for them because the water is shallow, unlike going to a pool. It’s just more manageable with three little kids. They also love playing in the sand.”
Residents at Waveny Pool.
Members of either parks have not allowed the cooler weather to deter them, according to Recreation Director Steve Benko.
“We’ve had some hot streaks, but it’s been normally cool and cloudy this summer. Despite the weather, the sales for passes have been good,” he said. “I think both facilities are operating well, and we’ve had good feedback from everyone.”
A total of 799 family passes have been purchased this summer, giving holders access to both Kiwanis and Waveny Pool, Benko said. About 100 of the passes were bought by nonresidents. On top of that, 84 pool nanny passes and 169 senior passes have been sold.