Process To Possibly Redesign Darien Town Flag Moves Forward

DARIEN, CT — The process to possibly redesign the Darien town flag moved forward on Monday, as Harris Cavanna, the Darien High School senior leading the initiative, presented an update to the Board of Selectmen.

One of the proposed flag options will be flown soon at Town Hall and Weed Beach in order to get more feedback from the community. So far, there has been no official action taken to formally change the flag.

First Selectman Jon Zagrodzky said the board will discuss the matter in about a month or so to go over feedback from the community.

Cavanna first contacted Zagrodzky in 2024 with the idea to redesign the flag, which has remained unchanged for many years.

The current flag is white with the town emblem in the middle. In an interview with Jim Cameron of Darien TV79 in April, Cavanna said he felt the flag could use a refresh. That interview can be viewed here.

A survey seeking feedback on redesign options was launched in December 2024, and Cavanna told the selectmen on Monday that he received over 800 responses. Respondents were able to rate the designs on a scale of one to 10, with one being least favorable, and 10 signifying they loved the concept.

The designs were then refined based on the survey data and suggestions, and Cavanna launched a second survey in March that contained seven options. He received about 500 responses.

Cavanna noted that 55.6 percent of respondents said they supported the initiative, while 44.4 percent said they didn't.

"I'm not recommending that we get rid of the town emblem," Cavanna reiterated Monday. "I do like the design of it and I think it's a great town symbol. I think the flag can also be a different town symbol that people can rally behind."

The top three designs were recently flown at Town Hall for less than a day so Cavanna and Zagrodzky could see them in action.

Cavanna on Monday played a video of the flags flying at Town Hall, and the selectmen all agreed in their support for the middle one, which happens to be Cavanna's favorite, too. It features the Rings End Bridge, seagulls and contrasting shades of blue.

"I like that one as well because it pops a little bit. From a distance, it's a little more visually appealing," Zagrodzky said. "One of the issues with the current flag is it's just an emblem with a white background."

"I think the contrasting colors is a must," added Selectman Michael Burke.

Selectman Marcy Minnick wondered if students from around town could also engage in giving feedback in the future.

Cavanna mentioned perhaps giving additional presentations to other town boards or commissions to spread the word about the work he's doing.

Zagrodzky encouraged the community to engage with the proposed flag that will soon be on display.

"Take a look, take pictures, let us know what you think," Zagrodzky said.

Monday's Board of Selectmen meeting can be watched on demand on Darien TV79.