News Release

Weir Farm National Historic Site to Increase Recreational Access to Park Grounds

A young visitor enjoys the solitude of Weir Pond.

NPS Photo

News Release Date: June 9, 2020

Contact: Kristin Lessard, [phone]

WILTON/RIDGEFIELD, CONNECTICUT – Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities, Weir Farm National Historic Site (NHS) is increasing recreational access. The National Park Service (NPS) is working servicewide with federal, state, and local public health authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and using a phased approach to increase access on a park-by-park basis.

Beginning June 10, 2020 Weir Farm NHS will reopen access to:
• Park grounds and parking lot to 50% capacity. Parking is limited.
• Park hours are 7:00 am to 5:00 pm daily, and the parking lot closes promptly at 5:00 pm.
• Short visits are encouraged to allow others the opportunity to enjoy the park, get outdoors, and recreate responsibly.
• There are resources available on the visitor center porch for self-guided visits, including maps, self-guided tours, Junior Ranger activities, and the National Park Passport Stamp.

With public health in mind, the following facilities remain closed at this time:
• Restrooms – please plan accordingly
• Burlingham House Visitor Center
• Historic Weir House, Weir Studio, and Young Studio
• Portrait photography and group activities are not permitted at this time.

The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners continues to be paramount. At Weir Farm NHS, our operational approach will be to examine each facility function and service provided to ensure those operations comply with current public health guidance, and will be regularly monitored. We continue to work closely with the NPS Office of Public Health using CDC guidance to ensure public and workspaces are safe and clean for visitors, employees, partners, and volunteers.

While these areas are accessible for visitors to enjoy, a return to full operations will continue to be phased and services may be limited. When recreating, the public should follow local area health orders including the latest guidance from Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont, practice Leave No Trace principles, avoid crowding and avoid high-risk outdoor activities.

The CDC has offered guidance to help people recreating in parks and open spaces prevent the spread of infectious diseases. We will continue to monitor all park functions to ensure that visitors adhere to CDC guidance for mitigating risks associated with the transmission of COVID-19, and take any additional steps necessary to protect public health.

We have amazing virtual resources for Weir Farm NHS, all of the time, so for people who are still home schooling or not traveling at this time check out options for a virtual visit, including our new virtual Junior Ranger program and online art exhibit.

Details and updates on park operations will continue to be posted on our website at www.nps.gov/wefa and social media channels. Updates about NPS operations will be posted on https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/news/public-health-update.htm.
 

www.nps.gov

About Weir Farm National Historic Site: Visit the home and studio of America's most beloved Impressionist, J. Alden Weir, and walk in the footsteps of a world-class artist. Set against a rural Connecticut landscape that has been painted by thousands of artists from 1882 to the present, Weir Farm is a national legacy of American Impressionism, the creative spirit, and historic preservation. Explore this National Park for Art and experience what Weir described as "The Great Good Place." Learn more at www.nps.gov/wefa and visit us on Facebook www.facebook.com/WeirFarmNHS, YouTube www.youtube.com/WeirFarmNHS, and Instagram @WeirFarmNHS.