Here's What Greenwich's Parks & Recreation Fees Could Look Like In 2026

GREENWICH, CT — The Board of Selectmen this week got a look at proposed 2026 fee increases for Parks and Recreation programs and services.

Assistant Director of Greenwich Parks and Recreation Dan Carlsen presented the proposed fee schedule to the board, an annual occurrence in which the department reviews its offerings.

"The way we approach the fee change recommendations, we like to look at the cost of the program or service we provide, taking a look at salary increases, minimum wage increases, cost of equipment, transportation costs and facility upkeep costs and try to identify what that is and adjust pricing accordingly," Carlsen said.

"It's also based on our operational demands and programming demands, depending on what activities and things people like to see and like to partake in, as well as, importantly, market comparisons."

The department looks at operations and pricing in the private sector, as well as what other municipalities of similar size are doing to get an idea of what the market rate is, Carlsen explained.

Parks and Recreation staff try to strike a balance between dealing with rising costs and providing access to high quality services and programs, Carlsen noted. Fee increases are meant to be incremental.

"We try not to hit the same fee year over year over year, or try to do a gigantic increase all at once because we do want to continue to keep access for all of our residents," Carlsen said. "That's important for us - to keep that equity aspect involved and make sure that everybody has an opportunity to participate, especially in youth programs."

First Selectman Fred Camillo said the fee proposals look "pretty normal," and he pointed out "a lot of fees were left untouched."

"We found over the last six years that sometimes fees haven't been raised in five or six years, but [Parks and Rec. tries] to keep it at or below our neighboring communities," Camillo said, adding that he doesn't remember hearing many complaints the last few years.

"I appreciate you always considering the access part of this where the whole point is to get our community out there. No matter what your background or ability to pay, these programs and facilities are open to all at a reasonable rate. It's very, very much appreciated as one who took advantage of these as a kid," Camillo said.

You can view the entire proposed fee schedule here.

Notably for 2026, the fee for an annual park pass for adults age 16-64 is proposed to increase from $40 to $45 before April 15, and from $45 to $50 on or after that date.

A parking sticker fee for non-Greenwich registered vehicles is proposed to remain at $225 per vehicle, but only if its purchased before April 15 - a new condition. The fee jumps to $275 on or after April 15.

In the organized recreation category, fees for tennis (now two weeks long), basketball, field hockey, soccer and softball instruction are proposed to be increased for 2026.

The fees for resident membership cards for tennis/pickleball are proposed to go up to $45 before April 15, and to $50 after April 15. The fee for senior residents remains the same at $20 and $25 respectively.

Rentals across the board at the new Cohen Eastern Greenwich Civic Center are also proposed to go up next year, as are several fees for town-run camps, and synthetic turf field rentals at Cos Cob, Greenwich High School and Western Middle School.

The fee to use Byram Park was $275 without parking and $425 with parking in 2025.

For 2026, one fee of $325 is proposed because Carlsen said residents would previously choose the cheaper option and find parking elsewhere, either in the park or on nearby streets.

"There really wasn't a need to have the parking charge option, because there was difficult enforcement of it, so we kind of settled on an average rate blended between the two," he said.

There are other increases proposed under marine and facility operations and the Griffith E. Harris Golf Course.

The selectmen will consider the fee proposals again during its Dec. 23 meeting to allow time for public feedback.