Byram Park, tucked away between 1-95, Ritch Avenue, and Long Island Sound in the western end of town, has something for everyone.
The well-protected harbor provides slips for 300 small boats, while just beyond the ring of privately held islands there are 90 outwater moorings for larger craft. The boating facilities also include a launching ramp, lockers for the boaters' gear and a dry dock area. The park has also been home to the Byram Shore Boat Club for over sixty years.
For those bathers who prefer fresh water, the park has the only public pool in town, located right at the water's edge. Bathhouses are available for those using both beach and pool. For sports enthusiasts, the Park has lighted tennis courts as well as the only lighted ball field in Greenwich.
The sheer granite walls, which surround the softball diamond, were once part of a quarry operated by the Ritch family, beginning in the1840's. The quarry shipped a type of granite sometimes known as "Byram Blue Point". Legend has it that some of the stone from Byram Park was used in the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge as well as many other projects in New York City.
The Town acquired the 20-acre parcel in 1918, and an oral history by Charles Clark tells of the subsequent construction of the beach. Sand from Long Island was sailed across to coincide with high tide, and had to be frantically shoveled off the deck before the ebb stranded the boat.
In 1975, the Town purchased the Rosenwald property, an additional ten acres, which doubled the size of the beach. A hike up to the site of the old Rosenwald house, above the ball field, is worth it not only for the exercise but also for the spectacular panoramic view of Long Island Sound. On another bluff overlooking the Sound is a clambake area with a pavilion for family reunions and corporate outings. Permits are required for use of the clambake area. Please call the Parks and Trees Division for fees and availability at 622-7824.
There are also several areas for barbecues and quiet picnics scattered throughout the Park. The mature pines, maples, oaks and black walnuts, which populate the Park, provide secluded areas for quiet strolls. Lovely flowerbeds meticulously attended to by the Parks Department each summer also enhance the Park.
The Park also has many species of waterfowl including Mute Swans, Canada Geese and Mallards, which can be found year round along the quay. Migrant warblers and thrushes visit the park in May and September.
Size: 29.649 Acres
Hr. of Operation:
Saturday Before Memorial Day Through Labor Day
Daily Hours: 9:00 am to 7:45 PM
Pool Hours: 10:30 am to 5:45 PM
Family Swim: 4:45 PM to 5:45 PM Tu / Th / Sa
Adult Swim: 4:45 PM to 5:45 PM MO / We / Fr
Senior Swim: 10:30 am to 2:30 PM Thursday
Parking: Lot Parking
Use of Tennis Courts
Tennis Passes are required for all "in season" play on Town of Greenwich Tennis Courts. Annual Tennis season runs from May 15th through December 1st.
Court Reservations
Courts are only available to Tennis Pass holders. Instructions for reserving court times are included when Tennis Pass is issued.
