Combating the Dog Days of Summer

The Scuba Sports Club’s Summer Picnic
12–5 pm, Saturday, August 16, 2008
Bryam Park Clambake Area, Greenwich CT

Park details available along with map.

Are you dreading those hot, humid summer days? Would you rather spend your day lying on the beach, playing croquet with your friends, picnicking in the shade? TSSC is offering the perfect excuse to escape from it all and do just this.

Come join us on August 16, at Bryam Park Clambake Area for a day of sun, swimming, snorkeling (sorry, no diving), baseball, croquet, and friends. For those who don't know the park, a day at Byram Park can be compared to a day in a luxurious resort. The beach is small and intimate and the Clambake pavilion affords excellent views over Byram Harbor.

In keeping with a long-standing tradition of summer fun, TSSC will be holding its summer family and friends picnic in Greenwich at Byrum Park clambake area, beginning at 12 noon and ending at 6 pm. The price of $10 includes access to the entire park, swimming in Long Island Sound, unlimited soda, grills, picnic tables and most importantly a wonderful day with family and friends. The picnic is BYOB (as in Bring Your Own Barbecue food and charcoal Briquets, Baseball, Beach chair).

Worried about admission? Tickets must be purchased ahead of time, and will be for sale at the June 11 and July 9 TSSC general meeting for $10. Or you may purchase them at any time by mailing a check (the check must be received by August 1) together with a self-addressed envelope payable to The Scuba Sports Club, to:
Paul Dengler
P.O. Box 116
Goldens Bridge, NY 10526.
If you have any questions, contact Paul Dengler.

Worried about what to bring? Bring your favorite barbeque/picnic foods — Frisbees — charcoal — beach chairs — towels — and most importantly yourselves!

Worried about losing your ticket? You should be! Without one you will not be admitted into the park

Worried about your large family? Children under 5 are admitted free.

Worried about too much sun? Pavilions are there for shade (and bring sun block lotion).

Worried about beach safety? Byrum Park has lifeguards on its beach.

Worried about not knowing anyone? This is the time to make new friends and find new dive buddies.

Worried about getting there? Directions may be found at the bottom of this page.

Worried about dogs? No worries. No pets are allowed in the park.

Worried about what you will miss? You should be! So purchase a ticket, and find out for yourself!

We’re all looking forward to seeing you at 12 noon on Saturday, August 16 — but if you unfortunately have other plans, keep your eye on the newsletter for other upcoming events!

— Gwyn Grant

Byrum Park History

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 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.

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.

If you wish to arrive early to enjoy the park and get the most for your admission fee, some club members will be arriving as early as 10 am. The park’s hours are 8 am to sunset.

Directions From 95 North:
Take exit 2 toward Delavan Ave/Byram
Turn left at Byram Shore Rd
Turn right at Ritch Ave
Byram Park 4 Ritch Ave W
Greenwich, CT 06830