Rowayton Community Dock

Download Rowayton Town Dock Rules (PDF)

The Community Dock located on Rowayton Avenue at the foot of Cook Street is the town’s dinghy dock.

For information contact:

These rules are subject to change at any anytime. Questions regarding these rules and usage of the park should be directed to the Dockmaster or the Rowayton Civic Association.

The Rowayton Town Dock is a City of Norwalk park. The Rowayton Civic Association is responsible for managing how the park is used.   

The deed of the Rowayton Town Dock stipulates that usage of the dock and dock area are for Norwalk residents only.  More specifically the deed stipulates that priority be given to residents of the 6th Taxing District. The Rowayton Civic Association reserves one dinghy spot for one licensed commercial fisherman who lives outside of the City of Norwalk. The fisherman must keep a mooring in the Five Mile River with his commercial fishing vessel on the mooring at least part of the year while keeping a dinghy at the Rowayton Town Dock. Out of town commercial fishermen who are not currently on the allowed dinghy list wishing to utilize the park must enter their name on the waiting list.

The following rules are specific to the operation of the Rowayton Town Dock.

Usage of the main dock:

The main dock (western dock) is a multi-use dock intended for broad usage by all who wish to enjoy the waterfront.  Priority should be given to sail/powerboats which intend to load/unload passengers or materials.  No boat should be tied at the dock for more than 10 minutes with the exception of approved commercial fishing vessels whose tender(s) are maintained at the dock.

Dinghy dock usage:

Space is available for up to 22 dinghys at the dock.  Currently there are no availabilities for new dinghy spots. Inquiries regarding the wait list may be sent to this email address.

Dinghys stored at the dock must be:

• No wider than 4’
• No longer than 10’
• No motors over 9.9HP
• Kayaks may not be used as a dinghy

and in general must not impede upon others.

To be granted a dinghy spot, you must be a resident of the City of Norwalk. Dinghy spots are renewed annually and proof of residency via a City of Norwalk Beach and Boat pass must be shown each spring to acquire a dinghy sticker for the season. Stickers will be distributed each spring at the Rowayton Community Center, date TBD. Dinghy owners must prominently display stickers on their boats.

Information about acquiring the beach and boat passes which document residency can be found at this link. 

Dates:

Dinghys are permitted at the dock from spring to late fall. Spring dates will be announced to string holders early in the season. Dinghy spots not used by July 4 are automatically forfeited to the next person on the waiting list. Dinghys on strings attached to the northern bulkhead are permitted through the winter at the owner’s discretion and City of Norwalk and the Rowayton Civic Association are not responsible for any damage or theft during the winter season.

Dock managers reserve the right to ask dinghy owners to remove their boats promptly if and when maintenance is required on the docks.

Dinghy responsibility:

In all cases, dinghy owners are responsible for the security and maintenance of their dinghies and everything within them (oars, paddles, motors, etc.). Dinghy owners place their dinghies at the town dock at their own risk.

Dinghies must be bailed of rain water promptly.  Lines used to secure dinghy to docks/strings must be in serviceable condition.  Dinghies in non-serviceable condition will be removed at the expense of the dinghy owner.

Parking:

Parking in the gravel area along the north side of the park is only permitted for the temporary loading/unloading of boats, kayaks, paddle boards and shellfish by commercial vessels. 

With the exception of one reserved space for a commercial fisherman who maintains a dinghy at the dock, street side parking is reserved for those using the park only.