A public referendum on March 31, 2026 for a proposed 25-acre waterfront park and conservation area at Saybrook Point, Old Saybrook.
Saybrook Point is already a community destination. This proposal would allow the town to transform the site into a 25-acre waterfront park and conservation area for generations to enjoy.
The project is an opportunity to connect the town's properties and improve public access for all to the waterfront. Environmental improvements include reducing runoff, adding native plantings, and expanding the tree canopy.
The proposal involves swapping the 145 College Street property for a Vicki Duffy Pavilion lease for a restaurant, gaining a 2.2-acre waterfront parcel with 350 feet of waterfront access.
The proposed acquisition would swap the 145 College Street property for a Vicki Duffy Pavilion lease for a restaurant, gaining a 2.2-acre waterfront parcel.
The proposal includes a year-round casual dining restaurant in the Vicki Duffy Pavilion with indoor and outdoor seating.
The final design will be shaped by the community with guidance from professional designers. Below are conceptual renderings showing possibilities across the seasons.
The following amenities have been discussed as part of the community planning process:
Nearly 10% of town residents provided input for this study to provide a vision for improving Old Saybrook's park system. Key recommendations include:
The Dock & Dine restaurant was born at Saybrook Point and was purchased in 1987 by Jon Kodama, who operated it until October 2012.
The Sand Bar restaurant was constructed (the building now known as the Vicki Duffy Pavilion) and operated until 1989 when the town purchased the building and land along with the mini-golf course.
Dock & Dine was destroyed by Superstorm Sandy. Options to rebuild Dock & Dine and, later, to create an outdoor dining venue, were unsuccessful.
Discussions began with the town and Parks & Rec Department, culminating in the current proposal and public hearing process.
The following decisions of the Old Saybrook electorate have had lasting value for generations.
Purchase of land including mini-golf and Sand Bar restaurant.
Renovation of the Town Hall campus.
Purchase that transformed Main Street.
Purchase of a 1,000-acre coastal forest along with other entities.
The town has identified four possible sources of funding:
Parks & Recreation Commission review
Board of Selectmen referral
Planning Commission C.G.S. §8-24
Public information discussions
Purchase & sale agreement and lease agreement
Referendum Vote: 3/31/2026, noon–8 PM
Town permitting — 155 College St. (restaurant) & 145 College St. (public amenities)
The referendum will be held on March 31, 2026. Both Old Saybrook residents and non-resident property owners are eligible to vote.
Vote in person on March 31, noon–8 PM at Old Saybrook High School.
Visit the Town Clerk's office at Town Hall any time before March 31 to fill out an absentee ballot and cast your vote.
Download the absentee ballot application below, fill it out, and mail it to the Clerk. She will send you your ballot to complete and mail back. All forms must be mailed — not emailed.
If you are a non-resident but own property valued at $1,000 or greater in Old Saybrook, you may vote using the same three options as residents.
Questions? Call the Town Clerk at (860) 395-3135
Documents needed to participate in the March 31 referendum.
Download, fill out, and mail to the Town Clerk to receive your absentee ballot.
Download PDF ↓Required for non-resident property owners voting in the referendum.
Download PDF ↓Full slide presentation from the February 2, 2026 public hearing on the proposal.
Download PPTX ↓