Darien EPC reviews redesigned playscape at 5 Old Parish Road and directs staff to draft permit resolution

The Darien Environmental Protection Commission on June 3 reviewed a revised permit application for a playscape and related features at 5 Old Parish Road. Staff and the project designer, Barbara Wilson, presented soil and floodplain information, tree impacts, erosion-control measures, and a planting/mitigation plan intended to offset tree loss and improve conservation values.

Wilson said the proposal was refined during review to reduce its scale and avoid floodplain impacts: the fence and play zone were shifted westerly to increase setback from the wetland (to approximately 15 feet), the mulched play area was reduced, and the playscape unit itself was downsized. Proposed mitigation includes removal-by-hand of non-native invasives (Pachysandra and Burning Bush) within the development envelope, and the planting of native trees (Red Maple, American Sycamore), shrubs (Silky Dogwood) and groundcovers (various sedges and ferns) to filter runoff and enhance habitat.

Staff outlined technical controls including a basic sediment-and-erosion control plan, use of 100% debarked pine mill chips in play areas, fenced tree protection for key trees adjacent to the development envelope, and a statement from the project engineer asserting the project will not adversely affect drainage given the minimal proposed grade changes. Commissioners asked about the size and condition of the eight trees expected to be removed; Wilson said most were small, non-native and in decline, and that invasive management would be limited to the development envelope rather than the whole property.

After the presentation and follow-up questions, the Chair directed staff to prepare a draft resolution for consideration at the next regularly scheduled meeting. No permit decision was made on June 3.