City of Norwalk Recreation and Parks Master Plan (2033 Rec Playbook) by Nick Kuhn, PLA, CPRP

Mission

Special Thanks

Published/Approved: September 26, 2023 125 East Ave. Rm 225, Norwalk CT 06861-5125

Table of Contents .................................................................................6 Needs Assessment......................................................................11 12 22 28 58 78 92 ............................................................95 Appendix..................................................................................115 158 174 8 8 99

Purpose

How to use this plan:

For a quick review of key takeaways, review

The Benefits of Recreation and Parks:

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Climate Change Focus on Neighborhood Parks Parks for People of All Ages and Abilities Recreation Centers as Community Hubs Adventure Recreation Sponsorship for Parks and Recreational Facilities Mobile Connectivity Trail Networks Drones in Parks Video Surveillance Fitness & Wellness E-Sports

6. 7.

Case Study: Coastal Resiliency

Hunter’s Point South Waterfront Park:

August Wilson Park Improvements and 20092019

Parks are Popular in Norwalk: Growth of Parks in Norwalk

9 83.1% 48.4% 43.0% 41.8% 40.4% 36.5% 19.6% 16.3% 14.4% 4.7% CityofNorwalkCalfPastureBeach CityofNorwalkCranburyPark Arestaurant MaritimeAquariumatNorwalk YourlocalCityofNorwalkpark StateorNationalPark AnotherCitypark Ashoppingmall SteppingStonesMuseumforChildren Other 0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%

Needs Assessment

Guiding Documents

Key Takeaways:

resources.

Overview • • • • • • • •

Norwalk Tomorrow Development [POCD] 2019-2029):

MIXED-USE ACTIVITY CENTERS Regional downtown Activity center Urban village ROBUST CONNECTIONS Potential bike route Greenway/trail Blueway NEW HOUSING & ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES Corridor revitalization Future regional mall OPPORTUNITIES Climate resilience Future open space

* * *

14 • • • • • •

Policies:

15 • • • • • •

• • • • • • • • • • • • •

Policies:

• • • •

Master Plan of Parks and Open Space for the City of Norwalk (1996):

• • •

• • • • • •

Parks Capital:

Open Space Capital: Summary

Demographic Analysis

Key Takeaways: Overview

20202025203020352040 85,000 80,000 100,000 105,000 75+ 65-74 55-64 45-54 35-44 25-34 15-24 5-14 Under 5 CT = 8.1% CT = 12.7% CT = 11.5% CT = 5.0% CT = 12.4% CT = 10.7% CT = 14.4% CT = 13.1% CT = 12.4% 6.9% 9.1% 12.8% 15.0% 12.6% 11.3% 12.8% 13.6%

rate: (2010-2021) Ages 65+ Ages 25-34 Ages 45-54 + 3.2% - 3.1% -1.6 %

Growth

25 I-95 I-995I I-95 Highway Highw High igh y way hway ighway iggh ay ghway ghwa wa Highwa ighwa ghw Highw Hig 1 Highwa Highway hway Highhwway ay h ighway i a ghway way w Highw igh ig Hiighw H 1 Main Av M A MainAv v Ma a n e H Hi a Highway ay y w ig way7 7 Highw Highway H Highwa High Hig ghway gh ghwa g ghw hway h wayhwa w a ay y 7 oN aw l k eH r gat e G e e n w a y East Coas Greenway EastCoast Greenway oNrwalkHer tage G eenway I-95 9 I-95-9 I-95 I-9 -9 Highway igh Highwy Hg ay wayighwa wa ghwa ghw w Higghhw 1 Highway y ay1 1 Main Av Ma v M MainA MainAv Mai A ain n e Hi H Highway Highwa ghhway Higighwhwaighway way ighwa wayigh ghwa wa 7 Highway Highwa H Highw High Hi ighw g ghwa ghw gh hway h wa w way y 7 awroN k eH gat e G e n w a East Coast G eenway EastCoast Greenway oNrwakHeritage Greenway I-95 59 I-9 I-95 9 Highway w Highw gh igh g ay way ywaHghw Hihw 1 Highwa Highway hwaway ay ighway hway wa ghwa w ghw h igh ighw g H Hi i 1 Main Av ainM A nAv ve Hi Highway Highway Highwa way y ghway w 7 Highway Highwa hway a ay y 7 oN aw l k eH r gat e G e e n w a y East Coast Greenway EastCoast Greenway oNrwalkHer tage G eenway

I-95 9 Highw Higghw Hig ay1 ay1 a ighw Highw 1 ayy1 ayy1 ay Main Mai M Ma Ave A Av Highw hw w ighway7 ay7 y7 7 Highw H Highhw ay 7 ay7 7 y awroN l k eH r igat e G r e e n w a y East Coast Greenway EastCoast Greenway oNrwalkHeritage Greenway <$100,000 Summary

27 +10.2% (2021-2026) +9.4% (2021-2026) $125,137$112,995

$150,000$199,999 $200,000+ CT = 9.6% CT = 13.4% CT = 15.1% CT = 6.7% CT = 9.8% CT = 12.2% 5.1% 15.6% 12.1% 16.5% 10.9% 9.3% $100,000$149,999 $75,000$99,999 $50,000$74,999 $35,000$49,999 $25,000$34,999 13.3% Lessthan $24,999 CT = 17.0% CT = 16.1%

NorwalkConnecticut

improved. Overview C2 Highest Parks 87 47 47 52 86 82 82 Parks

Key Takeaways:

1912 – Library of Congress

Chicago

Canal Park Washington DC –LandscapePreformance.org

Case Study: Social Sustainability

The Power of 10+; Project for Public Spaces:

Case Study: Safety

Environmental Design (CPTED):

School Parks

1 2 3 4 6 5 7 8 10 11 Andrews Field Flax Hill Park Grassy Island Honey Hill Park Mathews Park Oyster Shell Park Shady Beach Springwood Park Woods Pond 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 City of Norwalk Community Parks: 11 1 2 Regional Parks: Calf Pasture Park k Cranbury Park Veterans Park 1 2 3 3 3 10 16 11 6 5 14 4 1 17 9 15 7 2 12 18 8 13 School Parks: Nathan Hale Middle School Brien McMahon High School Norwalk High Schhool 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 11 1 13 1 14 1 15 1 16 1 17 18 12 1 4 2 3 5 7 8 12 9 10 1 17 13 16 23 22 28 24 11 30 25 26 27 18 21 14 15 20 2 1 6 12 Andrew Santeniello Park Cannon Street Park Charles Creek Park Church Park Devils Garden Open Space Edge Water Park Hart Nature Preserve Heritage Wall Lewis Park Madison Street Park Magrath Park Nick Bredice Paark r Norwalk Town Gr G een e n Norwalk Harbor Wal W k Peach Islsland d Pinkney P Park k Pon Po o us Avenue Ope pe p n Spacce Swi w tch tc tow owwer e Par P k Uni U on o Park Wil W lie Morrerer P rPark k Wil W son Ave W Wil Wi son so o Pooint n 1 10 14 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 11 15 13 4 7 2 5 8 3 6 9 Taxing Districts and Other Parks annd Open en Spaces: r 15 2 1 11 1 7 4 3 14 1 9 1 12 2 8 18 8 13 19 6 20 2 1 10 1 16 City of Norwalk Neighborhood and Pocket Parks: Bouton Street Park Devons Place Fera Park Fitch Park Irving C. Freese Park Ludlow Park Meadow Street Park Mill Hill Park Mill Pond Park North Water Street P Park San Vincenzo Park Washington Street Plaza Witch Lane Park Woodward Ave. Park k 1 15 8 2 16 9 3 17 10 4 18 19 20 21 11 5 12 6 13 7 14 0 0.5 mi 1 mi 1 1.5 m mi 2 m mi Legend: Public Open Spaace e Other Open Spacce Greenways Proposed Bike Lanes Middle School High School Norwalk Hospital Public Library Points of Interest City ity y Hal Ha H l Nor Noorrw orw or alk Coll Cool Co ege eg Pine in I Island and an I-9 I95 5 Hig Hiig H hwa hwwa h y1 y1 H Hig Highwa h hway1 y1 Mai Ma M a n A nA ve Hig Hi Higghwa hw hwwaay7 y7 y7 Hig H Hi ig g hwa hw h wa w a 7 y 7 y7 y kNorwal eritaH geGreen w a y East CoastGreenway 9 2 1 EastCoastGree nway N orwalkHe r itageG reenway

• • • • • • Total Score: 1 2 3 4 5 n/a ge Does the site make ood first impression? re there ample places to sit and are they conveniently located Does the site provide a eelin et or perceived sa ety? (CPTED standards, etc. Do vehicles dominate the site throu access roads, parkin and/or maintenance? Recommendations or comments on the com ort and imag o the site? inkages Are there clear and open view lines into open spaces? yf g/ g an people easily Does the site function for people with special needs? Do paths and/or roads connect people to primar amenities? re there transit stop and/or parking and bike racks near of primary point Recomme da on o comments n the ve of access and linkage to or within the sitee? Sustainabilit & Resilienc y Does the site provide places or people to ather? Does the site promote a healthy lifestyle and/or helps reduce daily stress lear and safe access point Does the site use ener water an material resources efficiently? Does the site improve water quality? ance, preserve, promote g y? Does the site incorporate resilient desi eatures or practices Is the site a node within a lar ecological corridor or habitat? Does the site enhance environmental awareness or knowled e? or private revenue-generating opportunities Does the site help sustain or increase ad acent propert values? Does the site contribute to nearb propert development or redevelopment potentials? Does the site provide permanent Recommendations or comments on the level or qual y sustainability or esiliency of the s sitte? ? General Comments intercept survey): City of Norwalk Park Site Evaluation Criteria Site Name: Date/ Time: Comments about facilities: Instructions: Using your first impression or observation of the site, answer the following questions by checking the box (number) that best its Scoring Definitions: 1 = No or None; 2 = Minimum or Few; 3 = Average or Some; 4 = Several or Many; = Yes, Maximum, or Many; n/a = not applicable to site Design & Construction Is there evidence that the design and construction of the site meet the needs of users served? Is the site readily accessible to the users being served? (walking, biking, vehicle, etc.) Does the site utilize durable materials or products? Does the site include appropriate recreation amenities for intended users? (fields and courts for athletics, etc.) Has the site been developed or recently renovated? Is there evidence that the site utilizes design standards for branding, materials, etc. Recommendations or comments on the design and/or construction of the site? Effectiveness 1 2 3 4 5 n/a Are people using the site or is empty? Is there evidence that the site is used by people of different ages? How many different types of activities are available? Are there choices in intensity of activities? (passive/at-will or active/programmed) Is there a balance of active recreation (programmed spaces) and passive (at-will) opportunities? Is there evidence that the site serves users’ current needs for recreation, relaxing, or other activities? Recommendations or comments on the effectiveness of the site? Recommendations or comments on the conditions of the site? Condition 1 2 3 4 5 n/a What level of use is evident from visitors? What level of pride evident from staff regarding maintenance or customer service? Does the site need improvements? (1=Very Much; 5=No/none) Facilities Type Qty Relative Condition Poor Average Good n/a Athletic Field(s) type: Multi-Purpose Play Field(s) Basketball Court(s) Tennis Court(s) Other Sport Court(s) type: Paved Trail(s) Unpaved Trail(s) Uncovered Seating Signage Wayfinding Parking Lots (# spaces) Accessible Parking (# spaces) Lighting (Area or Ped.) Roadways in Park Facilities Type Qty Relative Condition Poor Average Good n/a Canoe/Kayak Access Bench(es) Bike Rack(s) Picnic Pavilion(s) Playground(s) Restroom(s) Community Center Outdoor Pool Splash Pad Lake(s) Pond(s) Beach(es) Other: (fill in) Other: (fill in)

Silvermine Elem. Scho c ch ol 59 A

6 Cranbu bu b ry r Par Pa a k 7 76 52 5 Hon onHo ey y Hilill P l ark

Ken Ke K dal a l Elem emm. School o 64 4

Comm omm mm mCom Co unit n nitu y

F Flax H Park k rk 59 9 ghw Fod Fo or Far Fa m 9 69

Mai M Ma ve e Hig Hi Hig g i hwa hw w y7 y7

Fer Fe a P a ark k 59

roN walk Heri ta geGreen w a y East

54 Wol Wo o fpit Elem. School

69 Tra T Tr cey e ey El E em. em Sc S hool

74 Mil M l H Hill il i Paark k

Hig g Highwa hw h y1 y1

60 Nor Norwal w k High h School

6 60 Nar N Na a ama am m ke Elem. Sch S ool

6 Nat N han an Ha H le Mid idddle School 62

City Cit t ty y ityCi H Ha Hal al all

Pin P Pine ine n Isl s Island and an n Cem em Cemme e Ce t tary a ary rytaar r

Aqua Aqua quariu ri

-9 9 Hig Hig Hi ay1 y y1 y1

Fitch ch Par Pa k 5 59 Coast Gree

6 North th Wa W 64

Water e Str S eet Park

Bouton on o St S reet P t ark ar a 54

8 Bririen e McMahon High S Schoo hooool l 58

Witch Lane Park k 5 54

9 M Mil il ill P l lPPond d Pa P rk 69

i v r hwa wa w y as I

0 Lud L low lo Paark rk 70

52 M Marvin Elem. School

72 Taylor Farm

72 Shady dy Beach

San Vincenzo Park k 58

Springwood P dP d ark ar 4 49

0 0 0.5 5 mi 1 mi m 1 1.5 m mi 2 m mi 5 Legend:

Other

Greenways s Elementary School Middle School Points of Interest 75 50 0 100 74 49-

Public Open Spa S ce

Open

Space

I-9

Hig H Hi i g hwa hw h w wa a y 7 7 y y7 EastCoastGreenway

nway

62 Cra C Cr b nbu n nb ry r Ele E m. School

School Parks: 61/100

Conclusion

Level of Service Analysis

Key Takeaways: Overview

, [...], will have an equal opportunity to

ParkTypes

Notes:Notes:*Source:CityofNorwalk;**NationalRecreationandParkAssociationAgencyPerformanceReviewMedianNumberper Facilitiesper1,000populationforjurisdictionswithpopulationbetween50,000to99,999;^ Stamford,NewHaven,Hartford, Waterbury,Danbury (withoutgolfcourses)

2040 Cityof NorwalkLOS (Est.100,348Pop.) Acreage 2020LOS (acres/1000 pop) NRPA2022 LOS** Peer^ Communities LOS AcreageNeededto MeetExistingCity LOS CityParks RegionalParks274.56 3.0127.59 CommunityParks202.31 2.2220.33 NeighborhoodParks50.10 0.555.04 Misc.OpenSpaces&PocketPark 75.73 0.837.61 CityOwnedParksTotal:602.70 6.619.2010.1360.57 SchoolParks SchoolParks272.71 2.9927.41 OtherPublicParkProviders TaxingDistricts36.14 0.403.63 OakHillsParkGolfCourse152.86 1.68 AllParksTotal:1,064.41 11.679.2010.1391.61 CityofNorwalk2020LevelofService (Pop.91,184)*

Notes: *Source: City of Norwalk; ^ National Recreation and Park Association Agency

Performance Review Median Number per Facilities per 1,000 population for jurisdictions with population between 50,000 to 99,999

Meets needs or surplus of facilities

Minimum level of need

High level of need

Facility Level of Service • • • •

Facility Type Existing Number of Facilities* Facilities Needed by 2040 to Maintain Existing LOS Facilities Needed to Meet 2022 NRPA LOS^ Athletic Fields Baseball (Adult & Youth) 141 (3) Multi Use Softball 141 (6) Soccer (Multipurpose) 283 (21) Sport Courts Basketball Courts 26.53 (16) Tennis Courts 404 (26) Volleyball Courts (sand) 2 0 2 Pickleball Courts 711 Recreation Facilities Picnic Shelter 81n/a Playgrounds 323 (8) Community Center 0 0 2 Gymnasium 1 0 1 Golf Course (Disc) 2 0 n/a Skate Park 1 00 Speciality Restrooms 172n/a Dog Parks 3 0 n/a Aquatics Indoor Pool 1 0 1 Spray Pad/Spray Feature 4 0 n/a

Figure D2 Legend

Notes:FTE=FullTimeEquivalent;*Source:CityofNorwalk;**NationalRecreationandParkAssociationAgencyPerformanceReview MedianNumberperFacilitiesper1,000populationforjurisdictionswithpopulationbetween50,000to99,999;^ Stamford,NewHaven, Hartford,Waterbury,Danbury(withoutgolfcourses);^^Developedparklandonly.

• • • Norwalk (2023)* PeerCities (2022)^ NRPA (2022)** Average Budget (2014 2023) Neededto meetPeer Average Neededto MeetNRPA Average FTEStaff 31.0051.1064.10 AcresperFTE 28.2423.93n/a5.58n/a FTEper10kPop. 3.404.589.6010.7556.54 Expenditures9,567,828 $ 9,839,628 $ 7,330,336 $ $9,362,905 $percapita$104.93$86.86$104.38 $102.68(1,442,976) $ 154,881 $ $peracre^^$10,929.54$8,745.87$9,642.00 $10,695.45(1,706,683) $ (922,202) $

Percentage of the community within a 10-min walk

40% 69%

Percentage of the community within a 20-min walk

82%

Percentage of the community within a 15-min bike ride

Access Level of Service

Summary

42 k geGreen w Ea oastG a N kHer G enway Legend: 3 Mile Service Area Middle School High School Norwalk Hospital Public Library Points of Interest awroN l e r igat Hig H Hi ig g h e G r e e n wa w a y 7 y7 y 7 Mai Ma M a ai i n n A nA ve H Hig Hiigghwa w hw h y1 y1 Hig Hi Hiig g i hwa hw hwaway7 y y7 y7 City ty Hal Ha l 5 N Nororw orrwalk a alk lk C it Comm Co unit nit ni n y Coll l C Co ege eg Pin Pi Pine inne Isl s Island and Ceme C e e em t tary ary East Coast Greenway Aququa uaAqqu rium um m r I-995 y1 y1 Hig g Hig Hihwhwa a wahw y y orwalkHe G eenw ritage EastCoast eenway Public Open Spaace c Other OpenSpacce Open S ac Greenways 0 1 mi 2 m mi Proposed Bike Lanes 0.5 mi 1 1.5 m mi 1/2 Mile Service Area 1 Mile Service Area 3Mil S 1 2 3 4 6 5 7 8 9 10 11 Andrews Field Flax Hill Park Grassy Island Honey Hill Park Mathews Park Oyster Shell Park Shady Beach Springwood Park Woods Pond 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 City of Norwalk Community Parks: 11 1 2 Regional Parks: : Caalf Pasture Park Crranbury Park Ve e eterans Park 1 2 3 3 3 10 16 11 6 5 14 4 1 17 9 15 7 2 12 18 8 13 School Parks: Nathan Hale Middle Sc c chool Brien McMahon High S l School Norwalk High Schhool 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 11 1 13 1 14 1 15 1 16 1 17 18 12 1 4 2 3 5 7 8 12 9 10 1 17 13 16 23 22 28 24 11 30 29 25 26 27 18 19 21 14 15 20 2 1 6 12 Andrew Santeniello Park Cannon Street Park CharlesCreekPark Charles C k P Church Park Devils Garden Open Space p p Edge Water Park Hart Nature Preserve Heritage Wall L i P k Lewis Par Madison Street Park MagrathPark k rath P Nick Bredice Paark r NorwalkTown wn Gr G een e n walk T n r Norwalk Harbor Wal W k Peach Islland d Pinkneey Park Pon Po P us Avenue ue O S Ope pe p n Spac acce Swiwitch tc tow owwer e Par Pa P k Union o Park U on Wil W lie Morrerer Park k Wil W son so Ave W Willson so o Pooint n 1 10 14 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 11 15 13 4 7 2 5 8 3 6 9 Taxing Districts and Other Taxing Districts Other ParksandOOpen Spaces: Parks and O e en r 1 15 5 2 11 7 4 3 14 1 9 5 12 8 1 18 8 13 1 19 9 6 2 21 1 20 2 1 17 1 10 16 City of Norwalk Neighborhood and Pocket Parks: s s: Bouton Street Park Devons Place Fera Park Fitch Park Irving C. Freese Park Ludlow Park Meadow Street Park Mill Hill Park Mill Pond Park North Water Street P Park San Vincenzo Park Washington Street Plaza Witch Lane Park Woodward Ave. Park k 1 15 8 2 16 9 3 17 10 4 18 19 20 21 11 5 12 6 13 7 14

0 0.5 mi 1 mi 1 1.5 5 m mi 2 m mi k geGreen w Ea oastG a N kHeritageG enway Legend: Greenways Proposed Bike Lanes 1/2 Mile Service Area 1 Mile Service Area 3 Mile Service Area Middle School High School Norwalk Hospital Public Library Points of Interest awroN l e r igat Hig Hi H g ig hw h e G r e e n wa w a y y 7 7 Mai Ma M ai n A nA n ve e Hig Highwa w hw h y1 y1 Hig Hi Hiig g Hi hwa hw hwway7 y7 y7 y City y Hal Ha l 5 Nororrw Noorworwalk alk k C it t Comm mm ommunitunnity y Coll Co C ege eg Pin Pi Pine n ine ne Islland and an nd Ceme C meCe t tary taar ary ry East Coast Greenway Aqua a qua q Aqu u rium um r I-9 9 I--95 y1 y1 Hig H hwa h y y orwalkHe G eenw ritage G EastCoast eenway Public Open Spaace e Other OpenSpacce Open S 15 2 11 7 4 3 14 1 9 5 12 8 1 18 8 1 13 3 1 19 9 6 2 21 1 20 2 1 17 1 10 16 City of Norwalk Neighborhood and Pocket Parks: s: Bouton Street Park Devons Place Fera Park Fitch Park Irving C. Freese Park Ludlow Park Meadow Street Park Mill Hill Park Mill Pond Park North Water Street P Park San Vincenzo Park Washington Street Pllaza Witch Lane Park Woodward Ave. Park k 1 15 8 2 16 9 3 17 10 4 18 19 20 21 11 5 12 6 13 7 14

44 0 0.5 mi 1 mi 1 1.5 5 m mi 2 m mi k geGreen w Ea oastG a N kHer G enway Legend: Greenways Proposed Bike Lanes 1/2 Mile Service Area 1 Mile Service Area 3 Mile Service Area Middle School High School Norwalk Hospital Public Library Points of Interest awroN l e r igat Hig H Hi ig g hw h w e G r e e n wa a y 7 y y7 7 Mai Ma M ai n A nA ve Hig Highwa hw y1 y1 Hig Hi Hiig g Hi h hwa hw hwway7 y7 y7 City t ty Hal Hall 5 Nororrw Noorworwalk alk lk C i it t Comm mm ommunitunnity y Coll Col Co l C eg ege Pine Pin i ine n I Island and an Ceme C e me eme m tary t taarry ar East Coast Greenway Aqua a Aq rium um um I-995 y1 y1 Hig Hiig H hwa hwwa h y y orwalkHe G eenw ritage EastCoast eenway Public Open Spaace Other OpenSpacce Open S 3 10 16 11 6 5 14 4 1 17 9 15 7 2 12 18 8 13 School Parks: Nathan Hale Middle Scchool Brien McMahon High S l School Norwalk High School 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 11 1 13 1 14 1 15 1 16 1 17 18 12 1

45 0 0.5 mi 1 mi 1 1.5 5 m mi 2 m mi k geGreen w Ea oastG a N kHeritageG enway Legend: Greenways Proposed Bike Lanes 1/2 Mile Service Area 1 Mile Service Area 3 Mile Service Area Middle School High School Norwalk Hospital Public Library Points of Interest awroN l e r igat Hig Hi H g ig hw h e G r e e n wa w a y y 7 7 Mai Ma M ai n A nA n ve e Hig Highwa w hw h y1 y1 Hig Hi Hiig Hi ghwa hw hwaway7 y7 y y7 City y ty H Hal Ha a l 5 Nororrw Noorworwalk alk k C it t Comm mm ommunitunnity y Coll Co C ege eg Pin Pi Pine n ine ne I Isl sl sland and an and Ceme C meem Cem e tary tar taar ary ry East Coast Greenway Aqu Aqqua a ua uq rium um r I-9 9 I--95 y1 y1 Hig g Highwa hwa hwway y orwalkHe G eenw ritage G EastCoast eenway Public Open Spaace e Other OpenSpacce Open S 4 2 3 5 7 8 12 9 10 1 17 13 16 23 22 28 24 11 30 29 25 26 27 18 19 21 14 15 20 2 6 12 Andrew Santeniello Park Cannon Street Park CharlesCreekPark Charles Creek Park Church Park Devils Garden OpenppSpace Edge Water Park Hart Nature Preserve Heritage Wall L i P k Lewis Par Madison Street Park MagrathPark k h Park Nick Bredice e Paark r NorwalkTown wn Gr G een n k T re Norwalk Harbor Wal W k Peach Island d Pinkneey Park k Pon Po o us Ave A nue ue Ope pe pen Spacce Swiwitch tc tow owwer e Par P k Union o Park U on Wil Wi W lie ie Morre reer P r ark Wil W son s Ave W Wil i son so o Pooint n 1 10 14 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 11 15 13 4 7 2 5 8 3 6 9 Taxing Districts and Other Other ParksandOOpen Spaces: Parks and O en r

47 0 0.5 mi 1 mi 1 1.5 5 m mi 2 m mi k geGreen w Ea oastG a N kHeritageG enway Legend: Greenways Proposed Bike Lanes 1/2 Mile Service Area 1 Mile Service Area 3 Mile Service Area Middle School High School Norwalk Hospital Public Library Points of Interest awroN l e r igat Hig Hi H g ig hw h e G r e e n w wa a y y 7 y7 7 Mai Ma M a ai i n n A nA ve e H Hig igghwa w hw h y1 y1 Hig Hi Hiig Hi ghwa hw hwaway7 y y7 y7 City y Hal Ha Hall 5 N Nor o or orw rw rwalk a alk k C it Comm m o unity y Coll Co C ege eg Pine Pin i I Island d and a an n Ceme C e eme Cemmetary t tarary ar East Coast Greenway Aqua A arium rium I-995 y1 y1 Hig H hwa a h y y orwalkHe G eenw ritage G EastCoast eenway Public Open Spaace e Other OpenSpacce Open S 1 2 Regional Parks: : Calf Pasture Pa P rk k Cranbury Park y Veterans Park 1 2 3 3

48 0 0.5 mi 1 mi 1 1.5 5 m mi 2 m mi k geGreen w Ea oastG a N kHer G enway Legend: Greenways Proposed Bike Lanes 1/2 Mile Service Area 1 Mile Service Area 3 Mile Service Area Middle School High School Norwalk Hospital Public Library Points of Interest awroN l e r igat Hig H Hi ig g hw h w e G r e e n wa a y 7 y y7 7 Mai Ma M ai n A nA ve Hig Highwa hw y1 y1 Hig Hi Hiig g Hi h hwa h hw w way7 y7 y7 City y Hal Haall 5 Nororrw Noorworwalk alk lk C i it t Comm mm ommunitunnity y Coll Col Co l C eg ege Pin P Pine in ine I Isl l sland and Ceme C meCe e em t tary taarary ry East Coast Greenway Aq A ua a qua q qu u rium ium u um m r I-995 y1 y1 Hig Hiig H hwa hwwa h y y orwalkHe G eenw ritage EastCoast eenway Public Open Spaace Other OpenSpacce Open S 3 10 16 11 6 5 14 4 1 17 9 15 7 2 12 18 8 13 School Parks: Nathan Hale Middle Scchool Brien McMahon High S l School Norwalk High School 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 11 1 13 1 14 1 15 1 16 1 17 18 12 1 15 2 11 7 4 3 14 1 9 5 12 8 1 18 8 1 13 3 1 19 9 6 2 21 1 20 2 1 17 1 10 16 City of Norwalk Neighborhood and Pocket Parks: s: Bouton Street Park Devons Place Fera Park Fitch Park Irving C. Freese Park Ludlow Park Meadow Street Park Mill Hill Park Mill Pond Park North Water Street P Park San Vincenzo Park Washington Street Pllaza Witch Lane Park Woodward Ave. Park k 1 15 8 2 16 9 3 17 10 4 18 19 20 21 11 5 12 6 13 7 14

49 0 0.5 mi 1 mi 1 1.5 5 m mi 2 m mi k geGreen w Ea oastG a N kHeritageG enway Legend: Greenways Proposed Bike Lanes 1/2 Mile Service Area 1 Mile Service Area 3 Mile Service Area Middle School High School Norwalk Hospital Public Library Points of Interest awroN l e r igat Hig Hi H g ig hw h e G r e e n wa w a y y 7 7 Mai Ma M ai n A nA n ve e Hig Highwa w hw h y1 y1 Hig Hi Hiig g Hi hwa hw hwway7 y7 y7 City y Hal Haall 5 Nororrw Noorworwalk alk k C it t Comm mm ommunitunnity y Coll Co C ege eg Pin Pi Pine inne ne I Isl slland and nda Ceme C eem t tary ary ar East Coast Greenway A Aqua qua q quuarium mriu r um I-9 9 I--95 y1 y1 Hig H hwa h y y orwalkHe G eenw ritage G EastCoast eenway Public Open Spaace e Other OpenSpacce Open S 1 2 3 4 6 5 7 8 9 10 11 Andrews Field Flax Hill Park Grassy Island Honey Hill Park Mathews Park Oyster Shell Park Shady Beach Springwood Park Woods Pond 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 City of Norwalk Community Parks: 11 3 10 16 11 6 5 14 4 1 17 9 15 7 2 12 18 8 13 School Parks: Nathan Hale Middle Scchool Brien McMahon High S l School Norwalk High School 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 11 1 13 1 14 1 15 1 16 1 17 18 12 1 15 2 11 7 4 3 14 1 9 5 12 8 1 18 8 13 1 19 9 6 2 21 1 20 2 1 17 1 10 16 City of Norwalk Neighborhood and Pocket Parks: s: Bouton Street Park Devons Place Fera Park Fitch Park Irving C. Freese Park Ludlow Park Meadow Street Park Mill Hill Park Mill Pond Park North Water Street P Park San Vincenzo Park Washington Street Pllaza Witch Lane Park Woodward Ave. Park k 1 15 8 2 16 9 3 17 10 4 18 19 20 21 11 5 12 6 13 7 14

0 0.5 mi 1 mi 1 1.5 5 m mi 2 m mi k geGreen w Ea oastG a N kHer G enway Legend: Greenways Proposed Bike Lanes 1/2 Mile Service Area 1 Mile Service Area 3 Mile Service Area Middle School High School Norwalk Hospital Public Library Points of Interest awroN l e r igat Hig H Hi ig g hw h w e G r e e n wa a y 7 y y7 7 Mai Ma M ai n A nA ve Hig Highwa hw y1 y1 Hig Hi Hiig g Hi h hwa hw hwwaay7 y7 y y7 City ity ty Hal H Haall 5 Nororrw Noorworwalk alk lk C i it t Comm mm ommunitunnity y Coll Col Co l C eg ege Pin P Pi Pine in ine ne I Isl sl s and dan Ceme C me m eme e Ce Cem e em tary ry ytar a East Coast Greenway Aqquua a Aqu rium ium um I-995 y1 y1 Hig g Hiighwa hw hwa way y orwalkHe G eenw ritage EastCoast eenway Public Open Spaace Other OpenSpacce Open S 1 2 3 4 6 5 7 8 9 10 11 Andrews Field Flax Hill Park Grassy Island Honey Hill Park Mathews Park Oyster Shell Park Shady Beach Springwood Park Woods Pond 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 City of Norwalk Community Parks: 11 1 2 Regional Parks: : Calf Pasture Pa P rk k Cranbury Park y Veterans Park 1 2 3 3 3 10 16 11 6 5 14 4 1 17 9 15 7 2 12 18 8 13 School Parks: Nathan Hale Middle Scchool Brien McMahon High S l School Norwalk High School 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 11 1 13 1 14 1 15 1 16 1 17 18 12 1 4 2 3 5 7 8 12 9 10 1 17 13 16 23 22 28 24 11 30 29 25 26 27 18 19 21 14 15 20 2 1 6 12 Andrew Santeniello Park Cannon Street Park CharlesCreekPark Charles Creek Park Church Park Devils Garden Open Space p Edge Water Park Hart Nature Preserve Heritage Wall L i P k Lewis Par Madison Street Park MagrathPark k h Park Nick Bredice Paark r NorwalkTown wn Gr G een n k T re Norwalk Harbor or Wal W k Peach Island d Pinkneey Park Pon Po o us Avenue O S Ope pe p n Spacace Swiwitch tc tow owwer e Par Pa P k Union o Park U Wil Wi W lie ie Morre reer P r ark Wil W son so Avve W Willson so o Pooint n 1 10 14 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 11 15 13 4 7 2 5 8 3 6 9 Taxing Districts and Other Other ParksandOOpen Spaces: Parks and O en r 15 2 11 7 4 3 14 1 9 5 1 12 2 8 1 18 8 13 1 19 9 6 2 21 1 20 2 1 1 17 7 1 10 16 City of Norwalk Neighborhood and Pocket Parks: s: Bouton Street Park Devons Place Fera Park Fitch Park Irving C. Freese Park Ludlow Park Meadow Street Park Mill Hill Park Mill Pond Park North Water Street P Park San Vincenzo Park Washington Street Pllaza Witch Lane Park Woodward Ave. Park k 1 15 8 2 16 9 3 17 10 4 18 19 20 21 11 5 12 6 13 7 14

51 kNorwal geGreen w Ea oastG a N orwalkHer itageG enway Legend: Public O Other O Greenw Propose 1/2 Mil Middle School High School Norwalk Hospital Public Library Points of Interest awroN l k e r igat Hig Hi H g ig hw h e G r e e n wa w a y y 7 7 Mai Ma M ai n A nA n ve e Hig Highwa w hw h y1 y1 Hig Hi Hiig g Hi i hwa hw hwway7 y7 y7 y City y Hal Ha l 5 Nororrw Noorworwalk alk k C Comm ommmmunit nit t itymmun un y Coll Co C ege eg Pine Pi Piin n I Island and an Ceme C em tary tar t y taar ary East Coast Greenway Aqua Aqu Aq a uarium riuium u r m I-9 9 I--95 y1 y1 Hig H hwa h y y orwalkHe G eenw ritage G EastCoas eenway pen Spaace e OpenSpacce Open S ays 0 1 mi 2 m mi d Bike Lanes 0.5 mi 1 1.5 5 m mi e Service Area 1 2 3 4 6 5 7 8 9 10 11 Honey Hill Park 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 City of Norwalk Community Parks: 11 1 2 Regional Parks: : Veterans Park 3 3 3 10 16 11 6 5 14 4 1 17 9 15 7 2 12 18 8 13 School Parks: Brookside Elemenntary School Cranbury Elemenntary School l Fox Run Elementaary School Kendall Elementaary Scchoool Rowayton Elementary School l Nathan Hale Middle School Ponus Ridge Midddle School Roton Middle Schhool Brien McMahon High School Norwalk High School 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 13 1 14 1 15 1 16 17 18 12 15 2 11 7 4 3 14 1 9 5 12 8 18 1 13 3 19 6 21 20 2 1 17 10 16 City of Norwalk Neighborhood and Pocket Parks: Broad River Park Malmquist Field 2 9 Bouton Street Park 1 Devons Place Fera Park Fitch Park Fodor Farm Irving C. Freese Park Ludlow Park 8 3 4 5 6 7 Meadow Street Park Mill Hill Park Mill Pond Park North Water Street P Park River Edge Park Roosevelt Center Rowayton Docks Ryan Park San Vincenzo Park Washington Street Pllaza Witch Lane Park Woodward Ave. Park k 15 16 17 10 18 19 20 21 11 12 13 14 Columbus Elementary School y West Rocks Midddle School 1 Andrews Field Flax Hill Park Grassy Island Mathews Park Oyster Shell Park Shady Beach Springwood Park Woods Pond 1 Calf Pasture P Park Cranbury Parrk Marvin Elementaary School Naramake Elementary School y Silvermine Elemeentary School Tracey Elementarry School Wolfpit Elementaary School 1 1 1

52 kNorwal geGreen w Ea oastG a N orwalkHer G enway gend: Public O Other O Greenw Propose 1/2 Mile Middle School High School Norwalk Hospital Public Library Points of Interest awroN l k e r igat Hig H Hi ig g hw h w e G r e e n wa a y 7 y y7 7 Mai Ma M ai n A nA n ve Hig Highwa hw y1 y1 Hig Hi Hiig g Hi i hwa h hw w way7 y7 y7 City t ty Hal Ha H ll 5 Nororrw Noorworwalk alk lk C Comm m mmunit unnit t it i y m n Coll Col Co l C eg ege Pine Pin i ine n I Island and an Ceme C e me eme m tary t taarry ar East Coast Greenway Aqua a Aq rium um um I-995 y1 y1 Hig Hiig H hwa hwwa h y y orwalkHe G eenw ritage EastCoas eenway pen Spaace OpenSpacce Open S ays 0 1 mi 2 m mi d Bike Lanes 0.5 mi 1 1.5 5 m mi Service Area 1 2 3 4 6 5 7 8 9 10 11 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 City of Norwalk Community Parks: 11 1 2 Regional Parks: : Calf Pasture P Park k 1 3 3 10 16 11 6 5 14 4 1 17 9 15 7 2 12 18 8 13 School Parks: Brookside Elemenntary School Marvin Elementaary Schhool Rowayton Elementary School Brien McMahon High School Norwalk High School 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 13 14 15 16 17 18 12 15 2 11 7 4 3 14 1 9 5 2 12 1 8 18 13 19 6 21 20 2 1 17 10 16 City of Norwalk Neighborhood and Pocket Parks: Broad River Park Fitch Park 2 5 Bouton Street Park 1 Columbus Elementary School Cranbury Elemenntary School Fox Run Elementaary School Kendall Elementaary School Silvermine Elemeentary School Tracey Elementarry School Wolfpit Elementaary School Nathan Hale Middle School Ponus Ridge Midddle School Roton Middle Schhool West Rocks Midddle School 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Andrews Field Flax Hill Park Grassy Island Honey Hill Park Mathews Park Oyster Shell Park Shady Beach Springwood Park Woods Pond 1 Cranbury Parrk Veterans Park 3 Naramake Elementary School Devons Place Fera Park 3 4 Fodor Farm Irving C. Freese Park Ludlow Park Malmquist Field Meadow Street Park Mill Hill Park Mill Pond Park North Water Street P Park River Edge Park Roosevelt Center Rowayton Docks Ryan Park San Vincenzo Park Washington Street Pllaza Witch Lane Park Woodward Ave. Park k 15 8 16 9 17 10 18 19 20 21 11 12 6 13 7 14

kNorwal geGreen w Ea oastG a N orwalkHer itageG enway Legend: Public O Other O Greenw Propose 1/2 Mil Middle School High School Norwalk Hospital Public Library Points of Interest awroN l k e r igat Hig Hi H g ig hw h e G r e e n wa w a y y 7 7 Mai Ma M ai n A nA n ve e Hig Highwa w hw h y1 y1 Hig Hiig Hi i ghhwa wa hw w y7 y7 City C ty ity y Hal Ha l 5 Nororrw Noorworwalk alk k C Comm ommmmunit nit t itymmun un y Coll Co C ege eg Pine i ine in n I Island and an Ceme C me metary t tarary ytaararry East Coast Greenway Aqua ua qua a A rium um r I-9 9 I--95 y1 y1 Hig H hwa h y y orwalkHe G eenw ritage G EastCoas eenway pen Spaace e OpenSpacce Open S ays 0 1 mi 2 m mi d Bike Lanes 0.5 mi 1 1.5 5 m mi e Service Area 1 2 3 4 6 5 7 8 9 10 11 Flax Hill Park Oyster Shell Park Shady Beach 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 City of Norwalk Community Parks: 11 1 2 Regional Parks: : Calf Pasture P Park k Cranbury Parrk Veterans Park 1 2 3 3 3 10 16 11 6 5 14 4 1 17 9 15 7 2 12 18 8 13 School Parks: Brookside Elemenntary School Columbus Elementary School Cranbury Elemenntary School l Fox Run Elementaary School Kendall Elementaary Scchoool Marvin Elementaary Schhool Naramake Elementary S School Rowayton Elementary School l Silvermine Elemeentary Sc S hool Tracey Elementarry Schhool Wolfpit Elementaary School 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 11 1 13 14 15 16 17 18 12 1 15 2 11 7 4 3 14 1 9 5 1 12 2 8 18 1 13 3 19 6 2 21 1 20 2 1 17 10 16 City of Norwalk Neighborhood and Pocket Parks: Bouton Street Park Broad River Park Devons Place Fitch Park Fodor Farm g Ludlow Park q Meadow Street Park North Water Street P Park g Roosevelt Center y Ryan Park San Vincenzo Park Woodward Ave. Park k 1 15 8 2 3 17 10 18 21 5 6 13 Nathan Hale Middle School Ponus Ridge Midddle School Roton Middle Schhool West Rocks Midddle School Brien McMahon High School Norwalk High School 1 1 1 1 Andrews Field Grassy Island Honey Hill Park Mathews Park Springwood Park Woods Pond 1 Fera Park 4 Irvin C. Freese Park 7 Malm uist Field 9 River Ed e Park 14 Rowa ton Docks 16 Washington Street Pllaza Witch Lane Park 19 20 Mill Hill Park Mill Pond Park 11 12

54 kNorwal geGreen w Ea oastG a N orwalkHer G enway gend: Public O Other O Greenw Propose 1/2 Mile Middle School High School Norwalk Hospital Public Library Points of Interest awroN l k e r igat Hig H Hi ig g hw h w e G r e e n wa a y 7 y y7 7 Mai Ma M ai n A nA n ve Hig Highwa hw y1 y1 Hig Hi Hiig g Hi i hwa hw hwway7 y7 y7 City t ty Hal Ha H ll 5 Nororrw Noorworwalk alk lk C Comm m mmunit unnit t it i y m n Coll Col Co l C eg ege Pine n I Island and Ceme C e Ceemetary tar taary y arry East Coast Greenway Aqu A Aqua quua q rium ium u um m r I-995 y1 y1 Hig Hiig H hwa hwwa h y y orwalkHe G eenw ritage EastCoas eenway pen Spaace OpenSpacce Open S ays 0 1 mi 2 m mi d Bike Lanes 0.5 mi 1 1.5 5 m mi Service Area 1 2 3 4 6 5 7 8 9 10 11 Mathews Park 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 City of Norwalk Community Parks: 11 1 2 Regional Parks: : Calf Pasture P Park k Cranbury Parrk Veterans Park 1 2 3 3 3 10 16 11 6 5 14 4 1 17 9 15 7 2 12 18 8 13 School Parks: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 13 14 15 16 17 18 12 15 2 11 7 4 3 14 1 9 5 12 8 18 1 13 3 19 6 21 20 2 1 17 10 16 City of Norwalk Neighborhood and Pocket Parks: Bouton Street Park Broad River Park Devons Place Fera Park Fitch Park Fodor Farm Irving C. Freese Park Ludlow Park Malmquist Field Meadow Street Park Mill Hill Park Mill Pond Park North Water Street P Park River Edge Park Roosevelt Center Rowayton Docks Ryan Park San Vincenzo Park Washington Street Pllaza Witch Lane Park Woodward Ave. Park k 1 15 8 2 16 9 3 17 10 4 18 19 20 21 11 5 12 6 13 7 14 Brookside Elemenntary School Columbus Elementary School Cranbury Elemenntary School Fox Run Elementaary School Kendall Elementaary School Marvin Elementaary School Naramake Elementary School Rowayton Elementary School Silvermine Elemeentary School Tracey Elementarry School Wolfpit Elementaary School Nathan Hale Middle School Ponus Ridge Midddle School Roton Middle Schhool West Rocks Midddle School Brien McMahon High School Norwalk High School 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Oyster Shell Park Shady Beach Springwood Park Woods Pond 1 Andrews Field Flax Hill Park Grassy Island Honey Hill Park

55 kNorwal geGreen w Ea oastG a N orwalkHer itageG enway Legend: Public O Other O Greenw Propose 1/2 Mil Middle School High School Norwalk Hospital Public Library Points of Interest awroN l k e r igat Hig Hi H g ig hw h e G r e e n wa w a y y 7 7 Mai Ma M ai n A nA n ve e Hig Highwa w hw h y1 y1 Hig Hi Hiig Hi i ghwa hw hwway7 y7 y7 y City C ty ity y Hal Hall 5 Nororrw Noorworwalk alk k C Comm ommmmunit nit t itymmun un y Coll Co C ege eg Pine Pi Piin n I Island and an Ceme C em tary tar t y taar ary East Coast Greenway Aqua Aqu Aq a uarium m um u riu i I-9 9 I--95 y1 y1 Hig H hwa h y y orwalkHe G eenw ritage G EastCoas eenway pen Spaace e OpenSpacce Open S ays 0 1 mi 2 m mi d Bike Lanes 0.5 mi 1 1.5 5 m mi e Service Area 1 2 3 4 6 5 7 8 9 10 11 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 City of Norwalk Community Parks: 11 1 2 Regional Parks: : Veterans Park 3 3 3 10 16 11 6 5 14 4 1 17 9 15 7 2 12 18 8 13 School Parks: Cranbury Elemenntary School l Rowayton Elementary School l Silvermine Elemeentary Sc S hool Tracey Elementarry Schhool p Nathan Hale Middle School Roton Middle Schhool West Rocks Midddle School Brien McMahon High School Norwalk High School 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 11 1 13 1 14 15 1 16 1 17 18 12 15 2 11 7 4 3 14 1 9 5 12 8 18 13 19 6 2 21 1 20 2 1 17 10 16 City of Norwalk Neighborhood and Pocket Parks: Woodward Ave. Park k 21 Bouton Street Park Broad River Park Devons Place Fera Park Fitch Park Fodor Farm Irving C. Freese Park Ludlow Park Malmquist Field Meadow Street Park Mill Hill Park Mill Pond Park North Water Street P Park River Edge Park Roosevelt Center Rowayton Docks Ryan Park San Vincenzo Park Washington Street Pllaza Witch Lane Park 1 15 8 2 16 9 3 17 10 4 18 19 20 11 5 12 6 13 7 14

Elemenntary School Columbus Elementary School

Run Elementaary School

Elementaary School Marvin Elementaary School Naramake Elementary School y

Brookside

Fox

Kendall

Ridge Midddle School 1 Andrews Field Flax Hill Park Grassy Island Honey Hill Park Mathews Park Oyster Shell Park Shady Beach Springwood Park Woods Pond 1 Calf Pasture P Park Cranbury Parrk

Wolf it Elementaary School 1 Ponus

kNorwal geGreen w Ea oastG a N orwalkHer G enway gend: Public O Other O Greenw Propose 1/2 Mile Middle School High School Norwalk Hospital Public Library Points of Interest awroN l k e r igat g Hig H Hi ig hw h w e G r e e n wa a y 7 y y7 7 Mai Ma M ai n A nA n ve Hig Highwa hw y1 y1 Hig Hi Hiig g Hi i hwa h hw w way7 y7 y7 City t ty Hal Haall 5 Nororrw Noorworwalk alk lk C Comm m mmunit unnit t it i y m n Coll Col Co l C eg ege P Pin Pine i in n ine e ne Isl Issland and d an Ceme C Ceemmetar t tary taar a ary ry East Coast Greenway Aqua a Aq rium um um I-995 y1 y1 Hig Hiig H hwa hwwa h y y orwalkHe G eenw ritage EastCoas eenway pen Spaace OpenSpacce Open S ays 0 1 mi 2 m mi d Bike Lanes 0.5 mi 1 1.5 5 m mi Service Area 1 2 3 4 6 5 7 8 9 10 11 Mathews Park Springwood Park 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 City of Norwalk Community Parks: 11 1 2 Regional Parks: : 3 3 10 16 11 6 5 14 4 1 17 9 15 7 2 12 18 8 13 School Parks: Cranbury Elemenntary School l Fox Run Elementaary School Rowayton Elementary School Silvermine Elemeentary Sc S hool p Nathan Hale Middle School Brien McMahon High School Norwalk High School 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 11 13 1 14 15 16 17 18 12 15 2 11 7 4 3 14 1 9 5 2 12 1 8 18 13 19 6 2 21 1 20 2 1 17 10 16 City of Norwalk Neighborhood and Pocket Parks: Broad River Park Woodward Ave. Park k 2 21 Bouton Street Park 1 Devons Place Fera Park Fitch Park Fodor Farm Irving C. Freese Park Ludlow Park Malmquist Field Meadow Street Park Mill Hill Park Mill Pond Park North Water Street P Park River Edge Park Roosevelt Center Rowayton Docks Ryan Park San Vincenzo Park Washington Street Pllaza Witch Lane Park 15 8 16 9 3 17 10 4 18 19 20 11 5 12 6 13 7 14 Brookside Elemenntary School Columbus Elementary School y Kendall Elementaary School Marvin Elementaary School Naramake Elementary School Tracey Elementarry School Wolf it Elementaar School 1 1 Ponus Ridge Midddle School Roton Middle Schhool West Rocks Midddle School 1 1 1 Andrews Field Flax Hill Park Grassy Island Honey Hill Park Calf Pasture P Park Cranbury Parrk Veterans Park 3 Oyster Shell Park Shady Beach Woods Pond 1

57 kNorwal geGreen w Ea oastG a N orwalkHer itageG enway Legend: Public O Other O Greenw Propose 1/2 Mil Middle School High School Norwalk Hospital Public Library Points of Interest awroN l k e r igat Hig Hi H g ig hw h e G r e e n wa w a y y 7 7 Mai Ma M ai n A nA n ve Hig Highwa w hw h y1 y1 Hig Hi Hiig Hi i ghwa hw hwway7 y7 y7 y City City ty Hal Ha l 5 Nororrw Noorworwalk alk k C Comm ommmmunit nit t itymmun un y Coll Co C ege eg Pine Pi Piin n I Island and an Ceme C em tary tar t y taar ary East Coast Greenway Aqu Aq a Aquua qu rium um r I-9 9 I--95 y1 y1 Hig H hwa h y y orwalkHe G eenw ritage G EastCoas eenway pen Spaace e OpenSpacce Open S ays 0 1 mi 2 m mi d Bike Lanes 0.5 mi 1 1.5 5 m mi e Service Area 1 2 3 4 6 5 7 8 9 10 11 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 City of Norwalk Community Parks: 11 1 2 Regional Parks: : Calf Pasture P Park k Veterans Park 1 3 3 3 10 16 11 6 5 14 4 1 17 9 15 7 2 12 18 8 13 School Parks: Columbus Elementary School Fox Run Elementaary School Kendall Elementaary Scchoool Rowayton Elementary School l y y Wolfpit Elementaary School Nathan Hale Middle School West Rocks Midddle School Norwalk High School 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 13 1 14 15 16 1 17 18 12 1 15 2 11 7 4 3 14 1 9 5 1 12 2 8 18 1 13 3 19 6 2 21 1 20 2 1 17 10 16 City of Norwalk Neighborhood and Pocket Parks: Fitch Park g Ludlow Park Roosevelt Center Woodward Ave. Park k 15 8 21 5 Bouton Street Park Broad River Park Devons Place Fera Park 1 2 3 4 Fodor Farm Irvin C. Freese Park 6 7 Malmquist Field Meadow Street Park Mill Hill Park Mill Pond Park North Water Street P Park River Edge Park 9 10 11 12 13 14 Rowayton Docks Ryan Park San Vincenzo Park Washington Street Pllaza Witch Lane Park 16 17 18 19 20 Brookside Elemenntary School Cranbury Elemenntary School y Marvin Elementaary School Naramake Elementary School Silvermine Elemeentary School Trace Elementarry School

Ponus Ridge Midddle School Roton Middle Schhool 1

Brien McMahon High School Andrews Field Flax Hill Park Grassy Island Honey Hill Park Mathews Park Oyster Shell Park Shady Beach Springwood Park Woods Pond 1 Cranbury Parrk

1 1

Key Takeaways:

Overview • • • • • •

59 E2

Youth Programs

Adults Programs

Strengths

Weaknesses

Threats •

• Area

• • •

Key Performance Indicators • • • • • • • • referral • • • • • •

Quality Standards Customer Requirements

• • • CHARLES COUNTY AFB Election Districts 4 & 8 Laurel Greenbelt District Heights M-NCPPC PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY 2040 SERVICE AREAS CALVERT COUNTY

Cost Recovery Goals

• • • • • • • Equity

Similar Providers • • • • • • • • 32.4% 28.4% None +$1.00 +$5.00 +$4.00 +$3.00 +$2.00 35.7% of households households 47.5% of households over age 65 userfeeorcharges would

Focus AreasGrowth Programs

Nature Enjoyment

Table E6 • • • • • • • • • • •

Table E6: General Growth Recreation and Leisure Activity Trends

Fitness & Wellness:

Wearable Technology:

Home Exercise Gyms:

Strength Training with Free Weights:

Exercise for Weight Loss:

Personal Training:

High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT):

Health and Wellness Coaching:

Body Weight Training:

Online Live and On-Demand Exercise Classes:

• •

Performing Arts and Cultural Programming:

Fitness and Wellness:

Encore Programming:

Specialized Tours:

Pool Design:

•

• • • •

Water Fitness: Spray Parks: NRPA Top Trends • • • • • •

Sport & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA): Sports, Fitness, and Leisure

71 • • •

Activities

Report • • • • • •

Topline Participation

Figure E7: Sport & Fitness Industry Association Historic (2017-2022) U.S. Participation Rates by Sport and Activity Category Figure E8: Sport & Fitness Industry Association Non-Participant Top Interests by Age Group (2022)

Sports Categories:

Racquet Sports:

Team Sports:

Water Sports:

• • •

Figure E9: Sport & Fitness Industry Association Participation Rates and Trends by Generation (2019-2022)

74 • • • • •

• • • • • • • •

Summary Program Menu

75 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

77 • • • • • • • •

Public Engagement

Key Takeaways:

Engagement

398

Online Survey

paation 54

4,530+

510+

850+ hours of Public

Participation 337

Statistical Survey Responses

Responses

Focus Group Participants 84 Community Workshop Participants ty

Stakeholder Interviews

Website Visits

Presentation & Report Downloads 4 1,000+ Business Cards

Overview

Focus Groups

16.Funding collected through user fees and charges helps the City to provide high-quality programs and services through lower property taxes. Such programs are likely to be facility or recreation programs, youth or adult sports, paid park events, and special events and festivals. Please check the additional amount in user fees or charges you would be willing to pay for your favorite 17.Which FOUR of the following leisure and recreation providers would you most prefer to visit? (06) Stepping Stones Museum for Children (07) The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk (10) Other: _________________________________________________ 18.Counting yourself, how many people in your household are... Ages 65-74:____ ____(1) Male____(2) Female____(3) Non-binary 21.Are you or any members of your family of Hispanic, Spanish, or Latino/a/x ancestry? ____(05) Native Hawaiian other Pacific Islander anish, or Latino/a/x ____(99) Other:_____________________________________________ Email Address: ____________________________________________________ This concludes the survey. Thank you for your time ONLY be used to help identify the level need your area. Thank you! ges C uch ents, specia ation provide in Mus Aquariu -44panic, at H ispanic, SpaniPage 8.Please indicate you or members of your household have need for the ACTIVITIES listed below well your or members of your household's needs are currentlybeing met using scale of to 1, "Yes," how well are your needs being met? Fully Met Mostly Met Partly Met 9.Which THREE activities listed above do you think are most important for you and members of [Write in your answers below using the numbers from the list in Question 8.] 1st: ____2nd: ____3rd: ____ 10.Which FOUR of the activities from the list in Question do you currently participate in MOST [Write in your answers below using the numbers from the list in Question 8, or circle "NONE."] 1st: ____2nd: ____3rd: ____4th: ____NONE 11.Please check ALL the ways you prefer to learn about City of Norwalk recreational programs and ____(03) Newspaper ads/articles ____(05) Social media(Twitter, Facebook, etc.) ____(06) School flyers/newsletter ____(07) E-mail blasts ____(08) Conversations with City/Department staff ____(10) Other: _________________________________________ Individual interviews gave insight into teens, and more. Please h need where means "Fully Met" and means "Not Met." Type Do you ty? art 06 stor08 6th-12th activities tennis, pickleball, etc. tne 4. Special populat Special events/festival unteer opportun ater-related activities (swimming, ishin 20 utdoor adventure recreatio 2. erobics spinnin Yoga/Pilates/Zu 4. omputer educatio Sports 26 Using Wi-Fi Which th your household? sing nd: Questio OFTEN? sing number 3rd: 11. Please activities. Recreation brochures ity Department websit 03)Newspaperads/articles 06) 07) 08)C ©ETC Institute Page Community Interest and Opinion Survey Let your voice be heard today! The City of Norwalk would like your input to help determine park and recreation priorities for our community. This survey will take 10-15 minutes complete. When you are finished, please return your survey in the enclosed postage-paid, return-reply envelope. We appreciate your time. rate your overall satisfaction on scale of 4 to where means "Very Satisfied" and means "Very Dissatisfied." Facility/Amenity Do you use this amenity/facility? "Yes," how satisfied are you with the overall quality this amenit /facilit yg 02. Lar er communit parks Yes No hborhood parks 04. Walkin paths and trails Yes No 06. Outdoor sport courts basketball, tennis, etc. Yes No Splash pads 08. Ka ak/canoe launch Yes No parks 10. Open space lawn Yes No public 2.Which THREE of these parks and recreation amenities/facilities do you think should receive the using the numbers from the list in Question 1.] 1st: ____2nd: ____3rd: ____ 3.Do you feel there are sufficient parks and green space areas within walking distance of your 4.Have you or other members of your household participated in any programs (sports, recreation ____(1) Yes [Answer Q4a-b.] ____(2) No [Skip to Q5.] 4a.Approximately how many different recreation programs offered by the City of Norwalk have you or members of your household participated in over the past 12 months? ____(1) program ____(2) to programs ____(3) to programs ____(4) to 10 programs ____(5) 11 more programs 4b.Overall, how would you rate the quality of the programs offered by the City of Norwalk that you and members of your household participated in? ____(4) Excellent____(3) Good____(2) Fair____(1) Poor

and partnerships.

Abb. TimeframesGroups PGSPrograms Ongoing Group1 WTNRWaterfront, Trails, Natural & Regional Parks ST Short-Term (1-3 Years) Group2 CNPCommunity/Neighborhood Parks MT Mid-Term (4-7 Years) Group3 Long-Term (7-10 Years) Group4 AFAthletic Facilities V Vision (10+ Years Subsystem

Summary

18.4% 22.0% 26.1% 26.1% 28.8% 33.5% 40.4% 45.1% 59.3% 62.6% 68.5% 88.1% 8.7% 3.6% 16.6% 11.3% 11.6% 24.9% 9.8% 24.6% 24.9% 30.0% 43.9% 54.0% 0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100% Kayak/CanoeLaunch SplashPads AthleticFields OutdoorSportCourts (Basketball,Tennis,Etc.) DogParks Playgrounds OpenspaceorLawn SmallerNeighborhoodParks Restrooms(Public) LargerCommunityParks WalkingPaths&Trails Beaches(Public)

No Yes

F7. Overall, how would you rate the

32.0% 20.0% U.S.Average Participation Norwalk Participation 56.0% 23.0% 1.5% 18.2% 60.6% 19.7% Poor Fair Good Excellent 84

of your household from using parks, trails,

16.3% 16.9% 16.9% 20.8% 21.4% 22.8% 26.4% 30.9% 32.3% 38.9% 6.0% 5.0% 16.0% 10.0% 12.0% 13.0% 33.0% 0%5%10%15%20%25%30%35%40%45% Lackofaccessibilityparking Parksorfacilitiesnotwellmaintained Parks/facilitiesaretoocrowded Programorfacilitynotoffered Securityisinsufficient/loitering Parks/facilitiestoofarfromresidence Lackofsidewalkorbikelaneaccess Idonotknowlocationsofparks/facilities Lackofrestrooms Idonotknowwhatisbeingoffered 61.1% 53.4% 49.6% 46.3% 34.7% 29.1% 22.3% 17.2% 8.6% City/DepartmentWebsite EmailBlasts SocialMedia(Twitter,Facebook,etc.) RecreationBrochures FromFriends&Neighbors NewspaperAds/Articles RadioorCableAccessTelevision SchoolFlyers/Newsletters ConversationswithCity/DepartmentStaff 85

partly met or not met.

14,867 11,531 10,968 10,438 10,181 8,261 7,923 7,732 7,731 7,453 7,348 7,014 4,659 4,553 4,238 4,044 3,609 2,921 2,919 2,826 2,730 2,462 2,102 2,002 1,999 1,719 1,335 689 WalkingPaths/Sidewalks Restrooms NaturalParks&Preserves Trails/Multi UsePaths OutdoorPools Walking/RunningTracks SmallerNeighborhoodParks Picnicarea/Shelters OutdoorSocialGatheringSpaces OutdoorExerciseEquipmentorStations CommunityorRecreationCenters CommunityGardens DogParks(off leash) LargerCommunityParks Canoe/Kayaklaunches PickleballCourts IndoorCourts MultipurposeFields Playgrounds TennisCourts SplashPads Marina/BoatLaunches SkateParks GolfCourses BasketballCourts YouthBaseballandSoftballFields DiscGolfCourses AdultBaseballandSoftballFields

do you think are most

38.6% 31.5% 19.3% 17.5% 17.5% 16.9% 16.6% 13.4% 9.2% 8.6% 7.4% 7.4% 0%5%10%15%20%25%30%35%40%45% WalkingPaths/Sidewalks NaturalParks&Preserves SmallNeighborhoodParks DogParks(off leash) OutdoorPools LargerCommunityParks Trails/Multi UsePaths Restrooms Playgrounds Walking/RunningTracks MultipurposeFields OutdoorExerciseEquipmentorStations 87

12,116 11,045 10,320 10,085 9,628 9,131 8,987 8,718 8,665 8,338 7,448 7,329 7,300 7,242 6,270 5,014 4,705 4,492 4,152 3,696 3,635 3,441 3,412 2,531 1,898 1,073 NatureEnjoyment Fitness&Wellness PerformingArts SeniorAdultActivities Aquatics History&Museums Outdoor/AdventureRecreation Water RelatedActivities SpecialEventsandFestivals FamilyEvents Yoga/Pilates/Zumba UsingWi Fi VisualArts Socializing VolunteerOpportunities AdultSports RacquetSports Aerobics/Spinning Boating/Sailing ComputerEducation YouthCamps Teen(6th 12thgrade)activities Youth(K 5thgrade)activities YouthSports eSports(videogames) SpecialPopulations 88 are

do you think are most

35.6% 22.0% 17.5% 16.9% 15.4% 15.1% 14.5% 13.9% 13.9% 11.9% 8.0% 7.7% 0%5%10%15%20%25%30%35%40% NatureEnjoyment SpecialEventsandFestivals SeniorAdultActivities Fitness&Wellness PerformingArts History&Museums FamilyEvents Water RelatedActivities Aquatics Outdoor/AdventureRecreation Youth(K 5thgrade)activities YouthSports 45.4% 28.2% 22.0% 19.9% 18.1% 17.2% 16.0% 14.8% 10.4% 10.1% NatureEnjoyment SpecialEventsandFestivals Fitness&Wellness Outdoor/Adventure Recreation History&Museums Water RelatedActivities Socializing PerformingArts FamilyEvents SeniorAdultActivities 89

for Black

89.0% 85.8% 82.8% 76.6% 73.0% 8.9% 12.8% 14.2% 19.0% 22.8% 2.1% 1.5% 3.0% 4.5% 4.2% Maintainexistingbeachparks&wateraccess Maintainexistingparks Redevelop/improveexistingbeach&waterfrontparks Developnewtrails&connectexitingtrails/sidewalks Maintainexistingsportsfields&sportcourts 39.8% 37.7% 40.1% 52.5% 48.7% 35.3% 43.0% 43.3% 33.8% 38.0% 24.9% 19.3% 16.6% 13.6% 13.4% Developmoredogparks Developmoreathleticfields&sportscourts Developindoorspaces&courts Purchaseland&developmorelargercommunityparks Developindoor/outdooraquaticsfacility(ies) 40.7% 33.2% 33.2% 32.9% 29.7% 23.4% 22.3% 17.2% 15.4% 15.1% Maintainexistingbeachparks&wateraccess Maintainexistingparks Developnewtrails&connectexistingtrails/sidewalks Redevelop/improveexistingbeach&waterfrontparks Purchaselandforopenspaceornaturalareas Purchaseland&developmoreneighborhoodparks Maintainexistingschoolparks Developindoor/outdooraquaticsfacility(ies) Redevelop/improveexistingneighborhoodparks Maintainexistingsportsfields&sportcourts

propertytaxes to fund the as most important to your household.

Parkfoundation(non profit)

Sponsorships

Userfees/charges(rentals,sportsleagues,etc.)

Revenuebonds(parkingfees,etc.)

PropertyTax

60.2% 59.3% 54.0% 36.5% 33.5% 13.6%

Specialtaxdistrict 91

Needs Assessment Summary

Key Takeaways:

= Indicates High Needs

= Indicates Medium Needs

= Indicates Low Needs

Walking Paths / Sidewalks

Smaller Neighborhood Parks

Natural Parks and Preserves

Facilities

Larger Community Parks

Outdoor Pools

Programs and Activities

Nature Enjoyment

Fitness and Wellness

Performing Arts

Family Events

Guiding Documents Demographic Analysis Focus Groups Stakeholder Interviews Program Assessment Online Survey Online Survey (Needs/Importance Level of Service Analysis

Needs Assessment Techniques

Long-Range Vision

Key Takeaways:

Overview

WATERFRONT PARKS

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

ATHLETICS SCHOOL PARKS

School Parks

1. 2. 3. 4. 1. 2. 3. 4.

PROGRAMS

1. 2. 3.

Key Takeaways:

Overview

Criteria Score Range ImprovesAccessorConnectivitytoPublic SpacesorWaterfront 0 5 ImprovesorAdvancesEquityGoals0 5 RevenueGenerationPotential0 5 ImprovesSafety0 5 MeetsExistingO&MResourcesorDeferred Maintenance 0 4 IncorporatesGreenInfrastructureand Practices 0 4 DocumentedPublicNeedorDemand0 4 LeveragesAlternativeFundingSourcesor Match 0 3 AlignswithGoalsofOtherAdoptedor ApprovedGuiding Documents/Initiatives 0 3 TotalPotentialScore38

Priority # Location/Project Cost Score Indoor Recreation Space Cost Score 98 S. Main Street Community Center renovation 22 Ludlow Park Cost Score Update park sign; provide ADA curb ramps into park; enhance landscaping; additional benches, trash receptacles and bike racks; resurface tennis courts and replace one court with two (2) pickleball courts; add small 15x15 shelter and new drinking fountain. 21 Woods Pond Cost Score Update park signage; add paved ADA parking spaces and ADA route to lake overlook; provide benches, trash receptacles, and bike racks; add paved trail along Rocks Rd. (1,000 LF) 21 Shady Beach Cost Score Install bike racks; additional tree canopy 19 Taylor Farm Cost Score Update park signage; provide medium 20x20 shelter; expand existing parking by 8 10 spaces; add 2 ADA parking spaces with ADA route into park. 18 Irving C. Freese Park Cost Score Remaining master plan improvements: landscaping, drainage, amphitheater, lighting, tree removal, tree planting, paved pathways, site furnishings, drinking fountain, and utilities. 18 Bouton Street Park Cost Score Drainage improvements around playgrounds; update park sign; enhance landscaping; add crosswalks and traffic calming signage along Oak ST, Windsor PL, and Bouton ST 17 Andrews Field Cost Score Relocate Norwalk HS athletic field; improve drainage and grading; ADA access route into park; park entry sign 17 Honey Hill Park Cost Score Update park signage; develop unpaved hiking trail loop with benches and interpretative signage; provide ADA parking spaces and ADA route to spectator seating areas; provide bike racks and trash receptacles 17 Meadow Street Park Cost Score Playground replacement with EWF surface (2 5 age and 5 12 age) 17 Flax Hill Park Cost Score Convert asphalt court to two (2) pickleball courts; playground replacement with EWF surface (2 5 age and 5 12 age); install security cameras and emergency callbox; update park entry sign; add picnic tables for existing shelter; clear invasives off dugout 17 Silvermine Elementary School Cost Score Sport courts resurfacing; update park signage; ADA access into park from Perry Ave. 16 Fitch Park Cost Score Update park sign; provide ADA parking and accessible route into park from parking; complete sidewalk gap from street entrance; enhance landscaping; additional benches, trash receptacles and bike racks 16 Wolfpit Elementary School Cost Score ADA access from parking lot; update park signage; repair erosion along stairs 16 River Edge Park Cost Score Signage/trail kiosk; remove invasives; install picnic table, seating and bike repair station; 15 Mathews Park Cost Score ADA accessible routes from parking at park entry and near tennis to destinations; remove safety hazards throughout lawn around mansion (abandoned utilities) 14 West Rocks Middle School Cost Score Resurface existing tennis and basketball courts 14 Mill Hill Park Cost Score Update signage; install bike racks, additional interpretative signage 14 Devon's Place Cost Score Update park signage; enhance landscaping; provide ADA seating areas 14 Columbus Elementary School Cost Score Playground replacement with PIP surface and ADA access; resurface court; update park signage 13

Priority# Location/Project Cost Score VeteransPark Cost Score MasterPlanprojects:fountain,marina,landscaping, publicart,streetscape,harbor/policemarineunit, pavilions 23 NewWaterfrontAccessPoints Cost Score 5thStreetstreet endwaterfrontaccess,passivespace 20 DevelopparkingspacesandkayaklaunchatLowndes Avestreet endwaterfrontaccesspoint 20 SpringwoodPark Cost Score Replatpropertytoparkarea;addvehicleentryfrom IngallsAve;add10 12spaceparkinglot;development smallplayground;addbenches,trashreceptaclesand bikeracks;resurfacebasketballcourts;removeoldfield lighting;update/addparkentrysignageinmultiple points;addsidewalkaccessfromIngallsAve. 20 ShadyBeach Cost Score InstallplaygroundwithEWFsurface(2 5ageand5 12 age);additionaltreecanopyplanted;updatepark signage 19 MeadowStreetPark Cost Score Replaceperimeterchainlinkfencewithblackaluminum andremovegates;enhancelandscape;add2 3fitness stations,stabilizehillsidewithplantings;addartwork onretainingwalls;addcrosswalk;replacearealighting 17 WoodwardAvenuePark Cost Score Publicartonpumpstationbuilding;installsmall15x15 shelter;constructsmall8 10carparkinglot 17 LudlowPark Cost Score laygroundreplacementwithEWFsurface(2 5ageand 5 12age) 17 RiverEdgePark Cost Score AddsidewalkconnectioneasttoPlattsvilleAve. 16 WolfpitElementarySchool Cost Score Renovateexistingdugout/ballfield 16 SpringwoodPark Cost Score Addunpavedwalkingpathtonorthareaofsite 16 CranburyPark Cost Score Remainingmansionprojects:Phase1millwork,catering sprinklersystem;Phase2siteworkmillwork restoration,elevator;Phase3sitework,foundation, walls/roofs,fireprotectionandelectrical 15 FlaxHillPark Cost Score Constructunpavedhikingtrailloop;benchesalongtrail; installsmallsingle zonedogpark 15 NewWaterfrontAccessPoints Cost Score Bluewaysignagestandardsandimplementation 14 CalfPasturePark Cost Score Providekayaklockers;replacesandvolleyball 14 Priority# Location/Project Cost Score Greenways Cost Score Contributiontogreenwaydevelopment:Priority greenwaysegmentsasdeterminedbyLRTPUpdate; 27 VeteransPark Cost Score Resiliencyprojects:coastalrestoration;kayaklaunch, walkingtrail,plantings;masterplandevelopmentfor long termcoastalrestoration 23 FutureMiniParks Cost Score Two(2)miniparks;oneinvicinityofWinfieldSteastof EastSt.;andoneinvicinityofGrummanAvesouthof MerrittPkwy;15%contingency 19 CalfPasturePark Cost Score Provideeventlawnwithstageelectricalhook ups; foodtruckcourt;provideadditionalbikeracksandbike repairstation 19 MillPondPark Cost Score Updateparksignage 18 WitchLanePark Cost Score InstallplaygroundwithEWFsurface(2 5ageand5 12 age);installtwopickleballcourts,small15x15shelter, drinkingfountain;crosswalksatWitchLaneand RowaytonAve. 17 Skatepark Cost Score Newskatepark;locationtobedetermined 17 AndrewsField Cost Score Pavedperimetertrailandunpavedwalkingpath;2 small15x15shelters 15 Boardwalk/pondoverlook;interpretativesignage 15 HoneyHillPark Cost Score InstallplaygroundwithEWFsurface(2 5ageand5 12 age);small15x15shelter 14 OysterShellPark Cost Score Completionofparkmasterprojects:Utilities,site furnishings,landscape,hardscape,shadestructure 14 CalfPasturePark Cost Score PlaygroundreplacementwithPIPsurface 14 CranburyPark Cost Score Eventstageutilityhook ups;gardenrestoration;three (3)small15x15shelters. 14 WoodsPond Cost Score DevelopanADAaccessiblekayaklaunchNWof existingparkinglot;addsmall15x15shelter;add kayaklockers;addadditionalinterpretativesignage 14 KendallElementarySchool Cost Score Small15x15shelter;updateparksignage;sportcourt resurfacing 13

Cost Recovery

Facility Type Typical Cost Recovery Range Modern Recreation Center w/ Aquatics80 90% Community Centers w/ Gymnasiums Only50 75% Outdoor Soccer/Baseball Complex (non tournament) 50 60% Outdoor Pool (not municipal water park)40 60% Arts & Crafts/Enrichment Focused Program Facility 50 75%

• • •

• • • • • Summary

•Private Providers

Strategic Plan

Overview

Key Takeaways:

they are completed.

Provide

PartnerwithNorwalkPoliceDept.toreviewandenhance securityandsurveillancebestpracticesforparks.

Developtemplateforstandardrestroomoptionsandimplement baseduponpriorityparkimprovements.

Continuetoengagethepublicintheplanninganddesignofnew parksorimprovementstoexistingparksandrecreation facilities.

Identifyandpartnerwithvolunteergroupstoencourage maintenanceofexistingparksandfacilities.

Improveathleticfieldandsportcourtmaintenanceby developingstandardsandidentificationofadditionalfundingfor implementationofbestpractices.

Creatingsharedparkingtoreduceimpervioussurface,increase parkspace,andsupportbusinessandlocalresources.

Provide

Identifyprioritiesforenhancedaccesstoexistingparks;i.e. crosswalks,entrypoints,bikeracks,etc.

Developaccessstandardsforparks,i.e.pedestrian,bicycle,and whereappropriate,vehicleparkingstandards.

ContinuetopartnerwithNorwalkPublicSchools,taxing districts,andotherparkandrecreationproviderstomeet communityneedsinneighborhoodsthatlackwalking/biking accesstopublicparks.

ContinuetopartnerwithTransportation,MobilityandParking Dept.fortheimplementationoftheTransportationMaster Plan'spedestrianandbicycleinfrastructuretoprioritypark destinations.

Evaluateexistingcityowned,vacant,orunderutilized properties,andwhereneeded,identifypotentialacquisition opportunitiesforadditionalparklandinareaswithoutexisting walkorbikeaccesstoparkland.

Evaluateandimplementcostrecoveryrecommendationsfor programs,services,andrentals.

Prioritizetheimplementationofcapitalimprovementsforparks andrecreationfacilitieswithinCity'sCapitalImprovement Program(CIP).

ExploreestablishmentofaParksFoundationwithamissionto supplementimprovementstoexistingparksandprogramming.

TermOwnerPolicyDevelopmentOperationsLegal&Finance

3.4Short TermOwnerCapitalProjectsOperations Grants,Mayor'sOffice, CommonCouncil

Securestaffandproactivelyobtaincompetitivegrantsandother fundingsourcessuchasspecialtaxingdistrictsorrevenuebonds forpriorityparkcapitalandrecreationprogramming opportunities.

3.5Short TermOwnerCapitalProjectsOperations Grants,Mayor'sOffice, CommonCouncil

Identifyopportunitiestoleverageexistingfundingandgrants awardsthroughgrantstackingduringtheacquisition,planning, and/ordesignphaseofprojects.

Provide year round indoor recreation opportunities to residents through development of new facilities and partnerships

G#GoalsObjectivesTimeframe RoleofR&P Dept ActionsTypesPotentialFundingSourcesPartnerships 1 1.1Short TermOwnerPolicyDevelopmentOperations Recreation,Parks&Cultural Affairs 1.2Short Term Owner& Partner PolicyDevelopmentOperationsPoliceDepartment 1.3Short TermOwnerCapitalProjectsCapitalBudget Pilotprojectswithtemporary stations 1.4On GoingOwnerPublicinputCapitalBudgetPublic 1.5On GoingOwnerPolicyDevelopmentGrants&Operations Community Groups, NorwalkLand Trust,NRWA,TreeAlliance, Gardeners,MayorsYouth Program 1.6Short TermOwnerCapitalProjectsCapitalBudget NorwalkPublicSchools,PTAs, Volunteers 1.7Short TermOwner Acquisitions&Capital Projects CapitalBudget&GrantsParentGroups,SportsLeagues 1.8Medium Term Owner& Partner PolicyDevelopment&Capital Projects,JointUse Agreements Operations&Capital Budget TMP,P&Z,Redevelopment Authority,ParkingAuthority G#GoalsObjectivesTimeframe RoleofR&P Dept ActionsTypesPotentialFundingSourcesPartnerships 2 2.1Short TermPartner PolicyDevelopment& CapitalProjects Operations Bike/WalkCommission,TMP, ADAadvocates,Traffic 2.2Short TermPartner PolicyDevelopment& CapitalProjects Operations&Planning TMP,Traffic,PW Engineering, Bike/WalkCommission,ADA advocates 2.3On GoingPartner PolicyDevelopment& CapitalProjects Operations&Planning NorwalkPublicSchools,PTAs, TaxingDistricts,NorwalkLand Trust

GoingPartner PolicyDevelopment& CapitalProjects OperationsTMP

TermOwner PolicyDevelopment& Planning CapitalBudget Consultant,Economic& CommunityDev,P&Z, RedevelopmentAgency,Youth Services,Legal,NorwalkLand Trust G#GoalsObjectivesTimeframe RoleofR&P Dept ActionsTypesPotentialFundingSourcesPartnerships 3 3.1On GoingOwnerPolicyDevelopmentOperationsFinance 3.2On GoingOwnerPolicyDevelopmentOperations CommonCouncil&Mayor's Office

2.4On

2.5Short

3.3Short

high quality parks and facilities by meeting changing recreation needs and addressing existing or new maintenance needs

Establishprioritylistofparkimprovementsbasedonsocio economicandconditiondatatoinformimplementation priorities access to parks and recreation opportunities within a 10 minute walk or 15 min bike ride for all residents

recommendations for capital and operational

Identify and secure alternative funding sources to ensure Department's ability to implement

needs

Exploreadditionalopportunitiestoprovideathleticfieldsand sportcourtlightingtoincreasecapacityofexistingfacilitiesand upgradelightingfixturestonew,moreefficientLEDoptions withanti lightpollutiontechnology.

G#GoalsObjectivesTimeframe Role of R&P Dept Actions TypesPotential Funding SourcesPartnerships 4

Provide year round indoor recreation opportunities to residents through development of new facilities and partnerships

Evaluate feasibility and potential site for an inter generational community and recreation center with potential indoor aquatics.

4.1Short TermOwner Planning & Feasibility Study Capital Budget Consultant, Recreation, Parks & Cultural Affairs, Grants

Identify potential partnerships with community organizations with shared goals to provide indoor space through lease agreement, acquisition, or private partnership.

4.2Short TermOwner Policy Development, Capital Projects, Joint Use Agreements Operations Recreation, Parks & Cultural Affairs, Grants

4.3Short Term Owner & Partner Policy Development, Capital Projects, Joint Use Agreement Operations Norwalk Public Schools, Board of Education, Grants

Develop new indoor programming options through implementation of the Norwalk Public Schools Joint Use Agreement.

Develop plan to meet community's needs for indoor aquatics through collaboration with similar providers, securing funding through alternative revenue sources, and/or public private partnership.

4.4Short Term Owner & Partner Planning Studies, Financial Pro Formas Capital Budget Consultant, Recreation, Parks & Cultural Affairs, Grants

Develop an inter generational community and recreation center with potential indoor aquatics.

4.5Long TermOwnerCapital Project Capital Budget, Foundation & Private Donations, Grants, Corporate Support & Sponsorships

Consultant, Recreation, Parks & Cultural Affairs, Grants

4.6Long TermOwner Planning & Feasibility Study Capital Budget Consultant, Recreation, Parks & Cultural Affairs

Evaluate feasibility and potential site for a small recreation center with indoor gymnasium, classrooms/community rooms in the northern area of city.

Provide residents and visitors with inclusive and equitable programming options based upon community needs and recreation trends

Identify opportunities and contract with private providers for specialized program offerings.

Develop additional seasonal and inclusive programming opportunities; specifically for nature enjoyment, fitness and wellness, special events, senior/active adults, performing arts, aquatics, history and museums.

Continue to diversify the Department's core program areas beyond the current five to achieve more balance in distribution across program area types; specifically for adults and those with special needs.

Collaborate with other providers with shared goals for the development and enhanced public access to nature and senior/active adult programming.

Develop a mobile friendly seasonal program guide to more comprehensive communicate participation opportunities and continue to enhance the program registration experience.

Incorporate technology in program and registration management to annually evaluate trends in participation and program status and better inform the decision making process for program development.

Enhance the resiliency of waterfront facilities and universal access while highlighting the cultural and historical significance of these special spaces to the City of Norwalk

Update and implement priority improvements of the Veteran's Memorial Park master plan to include resilient best practices.

Continue to partner with the Norwalk River Valley Trail to include completion of the WilWalk segment from Broad Street to Wilton and the Harbor Loop Trail.

Identify street rights of way with access to waterfront and develop public access points to the water.

Evaluate and implement additional kayak launch opportunities at Oyster Shell Park, North Water Street Park, Veteran's Memorial Park, Calf Pasture Beach, Shady Beach Park, Woodward Avenue Park and future opportunities at Keyser Point.

P&Z, TMP, Norwalk River Watershed Association, Long Island Sound Future Fund

Continue to provide residents with high quality customer service through meeting existing and future staffing needs for enhanced programming and maintenance

G#GoalsObjectivesTimeframe Role of R&P Dept Actions TypesPotential Funding SourcesPartnerships 5 5.1Short TermOwnerProgrammingOperations Nonprofits, Venders & Purchasing 5.2Short TermOwnerProgrammingOperations Equity Official, Arts Commission, Health Dept. Youth Services, Conservation Commission 5.3On GoingOwnerProgrammingOperations Equity Official, Arts Commission 5.4Short TermOwnerProgrammingOperationsSenior Center 5.5Short Term Owner & Partner Programming & Capital Projects OperationsSenior Center 5.6Short Term Owner & Partner Technology & Communications Operations & Technology Information Technology, Customer Service, Business Development & Tourism, Senior Center 5.7Short TermOwner Technology & Communications Operations & Technology Information Technology, Customer Service, Senior Center G#GoalsObjectivesTimeframe Role of R&P Dept Actions TypesPotential Funding SourcesPartnerships 6 6.1On Going Owner & Partner Planning & Capital Projects Capital Budget, Foundation & Private Donations, Grants, Corporate Support & Sponsorships P&Z, City Planning, Mayor's Office, Norwalk River Watershed Association, Long Island Sound Future Fund 6.2On GoingPartner Grants and Capital Projects Capital Budget, Foundation & Private Donations, Grants Grants, Bike/Walk Commission, TMP, Norwalk River Valley Trail, CT Recreation Trails 6.3Short Term Owner & Partner Grants and Capital Projects Capital Budget, Foundation & Private Donations, Grants P&Z, TMP, Norwalk River Watershed Association, Long Island Sound Future Fund 6.4Short Term Owner &

Partner Grants and Capital Projects Capital Budget, Foundation & Private Donations, Grants, User Fees 7

Develop and implement an annual program plan that identifies how the Department will serve age segments, recreation interests, and fulfill the communities leisure needs in a balanced manner.

Continue to provide residents with high quality customer service through meeting existing and future staffing needs for enhanced programming and maintenance

Exploreshort termoptionsforadditionalpart timepositionsto enhancemarketing,communications,andprogrammatic offerings.

Increasepart timeandfuturefull timestaffingin linewith increasedaccesstoindoorfacilityspace.

Shiftstaffpositionstofull timetosupportprogramareagrowth throughannualreviewandevaluationofneeds.

Promote collaborative partnerships with Norwalk Public Schools, nonprofits, and private entities to ensure efficient use of public facilities and development of innovative programming that meets residents needs

IdentifytheDepartment'sroleaspartner,provider,facilitator, and/orresourceforrecreationopportunitiesbydevelopinga programplanningmatrixandcommunicatingwithexistingand potentialfuturepartners.

NurturetheDepartment'srelationshipwithNPSthroughthe approvalandimplementationoftheJoint UseAgreementand establishconsistentcommunicationsandcollaborationto monitorparametersoftheagreementandmodifyasneeded.

Facilitateanannualworkshopandindustrydaywithexistingand potentialfuturepartnersforprogramming,maintenance,and volunteerorganizationstopresentneedsandalignresources.

Identifyopportunitiesforgreenwayandbluewayconnectionsto existingparksandpotentialdevelopmentofadditionalpavedan unpavedparktrails.

PartnerwithTransportation,MobilityandParkingDept.to developandimplementbluewayroutesignage,additional launchlocations,kayaklockers,andfacilities.

Identifyandpromotebluewayroutestoislandparksthrough developmentofdigitalcontentandsignageatlaunchsites.

&PrivateDonations,Grants, UserFees

HarborCommission,Norwalk LandTrust,NorwalkRiver WatershedAssociation,Long IslandSoundFutureFund, InformationTechnology

9.4Short

Facilitateanannualworkshopforgreenwayandblueway partnersandadvocatetopromotebenefitsofnetworkand betteralignresourcesandeffortsforimplementation.

Development standards for urban solutions in growth areas

Identifyuniquelifestyleneedsforurbanresidentsand implementthroughplanninganddesignofneworreinvestment inexistingurbanparkspaces.

Identifyandpartnerwithorganizationswithinterestin economicdevelopmentandurbanredevelopmenttoalign resourcesandidentifyuniqueneeds.

Transferresponsibilitiesandresourcesforthemanagementand maintenanceoftreecanopywithinparkstoR&PDepartmentto helpensureimplementationofCity'streecanopygoalsandtree program.Identifyadditionalfundingtoproactivelymanageand maintaingenerallandscapes,shrubs,andotherplantingswithin parks.Developalandscaperenewalprogramandidentify fundingforlifecyclereplacementcapitalcostsforlandscapes withinexistingparks.

Developstandardsforurbanspacestoincludesustainable, resilient,anddurablematerials,multi usefacilities,andhigher levelofmaintenanceandlifecyclereplacementtomatchhigher levelsofusewhere appropriate.

Promoteuseofuniversalsymbolsforparkandgreenwaytrail signageinurbanandhigh visitationparks.

Standardizebrandingforwayfindingsignagelighting,fencing, landscaping,pavingmaterials

Owner& Partner

Bike/WalkCommission,TMP, NorwalkRiverValleyTrail,CT RecreationTrails,Harbor Commission,NorwalkLandTrust

&PrivateDonations,Grants PW Engineering,TMP,Arts Commission

111 G#GoalsObjectivesTimeframe RoleofR&P Dept ActionsTypesPotentialFundingSourcesPartnerships 7 7.1On GoingOwnerPolicyDevelopmentOperations Mayor'sOffice,Recreation, Parks&CulturalAffairs,Grants 7.2On GoingOwnerPolicyDevelopmentOperations Recreation,Parks&Cultural Affairs,Grants 7.3Short TermOwnerPolicyDevelopmentOperations Mayor'sOffice,Recreation, Parks&CulturalAffairs,Grants G#GoalsObjectivesTimeframe RoleofR&P Dept ActionsTypesPotentialFundingSourcesPartnerships 8 8.1On GoingOwnerPolicyDevelopmentOperations TaxingDistricts,NorwalkPublic Schools,Sports BoosterClubs,Community BusinessSponsors 8.2On Going Owner& Partner PolicyDevelopmentOperationsNorwalkPublicSchool 8.3Short Term Owner& Partner PolicyDevelopmentOperations TaxingDistricts,NorwalkPublic Schools,Sports BoosterClubs,Community BusinessSponsors G#GoalsObjectivesTimeframe RoleofR&P Dept ActionsTypesPotentialFundingSourcesPartnerships 9 9.1On Going Owner& Partner Planning&Capital Projects CapitalBudget,Foundation &PrivateDonations,Grants TMP,Traffic,PW Engineering, Bike/WalkCommission,ADA advocates 9.2Short Term Owner& Partner Planning&Capital Projects CapitalBudget,Foundation &PrivateDonations,Grants, UserFees TMP,HarborCommission, NorwalkLandTrust,NorwalkRiver WatershedAssociation,Long

CapitalBudget,Foundation

IslandSoundFutureFund 9.3Medium Term Owner& Partner Planning,Capital Projects,Technology

PolicyDevelopmentOperations

Term

Continue to partner for the planning and development of a comprehensive greenway and blueway trail network

G#GoalsObjectivesTimeframe RoleofR&P Dept ActionsTypesPotentialFundingSourcesPartnerships 10 10.1Short Term Owner& Partner PolicyDevelopment& PlanningStudies CapitalBudget,Foundation &PrivateDonations,Grants Recreation,Parks&Cultural Affairs,CommunityHousing, RedevelopmentAuthority,City Planning 10.2Short Term Owner& Partner PolicyDevelopment CapitalBudget,Foundation &PrivateDonations,Grants CommunityHousing, RedevelopmentAuthority,City Planning,BusinessDevelopment &Tourism

TermOwner PolicyDevelopment, Guidelines,Capital Projects CapitalBudget,Foundation &PrivateDonations,Grants PW Engineering

TermOwner PolicyDevelopment, Guidelines,Capital Projects CapitalBudget,Foundation &PrivateDonations,Grants PW Engineering,TMP, RedevelopmentAuthority 10.5Medium TermOwner PolicyDevelopment& CapitalProjects CapitalBudget,Foundation &PrivateDonations,Grants Bike/WalkCommission,TPM,PW, ArtsCommission

TermOwner PolicyDevelopment, Guidelines,Capital Projects CapitalBudget,Foundation

10.3Short

10.4Medium

10.6Medium

112

• • • • • • • • • • • •

Implementation Recommendations

Appendix

PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT NOTES & SUMMARY

City of Norwalk Recreation and Parks Master Plan Vision Workshops

Workshop Dates: October 13th – October 15th 2022

See Sign-In Sheet

Attendees:

Consultant Staff: KH: Nick Kuhn, Bonnie Von Ohlsen, Alexa Sikoryak, Halley Bartlett

BerryDunn: Elsa Fischer

Three Vision Workshops were held in the City of Norwalk on October 13th and October 15th 2022. The workshops included a presentation and two interactive exercises to collect input. The presentation included an outline of guiding documents, demographic trends, park evaluations, level of service, and inventory of available programs, and the initial statistical survey results. Following the presentation, attendees were divided into groups of 5-8 people to participate in two exercises.

Exercise 1: SWOT The first activity was to identify Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) of the existing City of Norwalk Recreation and Parks System over the course of 40 minutes.

Exercise 2: Goals and Objectives For each identified Sub-System (Programs, Waterfront, Natural and Regional Parks, Community/Neighborhood Parks, School Parks, and Athletic Fields), Participants were prompted to define 1-2 long term goals and for each goal define 1-2 objectives or measurements such as projects, potential partners and/or changes.

The following notes document the written input of participants participating in exercises. Written words that were emphasized (underlined, circled, or with and explanation point) have also been emphasized within the format of these notes. Vision Workshop Session 1 and Session 2 included a virtual participation option; the comments of virtual participants are included in the corresponding Vision Workshop Session Notes.

kimley-horn.com 1 North Lexington Ave, Suite 505, White Plains, NY 10601 914.368.9200

City Staff Vision Workshop

Thursday, October 13th, 2022 | 11:00am-3:00pm

GROUP 1

Exercise 1: SWOT

Strengths

Wide Variety of spaces

Beach/Waterfront Access

Variety of Programs/Activities

Dedicated Staff

Even distribution throughout theCity

Kids camps/programs

Most residents in close proximity to parks

Vision (Trails, Parks, Paths)

Concerts at the beach

People Value parks/Services (public support)

Historic facilities on park sites

Mathews Park, Oyster Shell Park, Ryan Park

Sports facilities (tennis, pickleball, etc.

Islands

Weaknesses

No Pool Waterfront Access

No secure dog parks

Not a lot of indoor facilities

No dedicated facility (YMCA)

Not enough bathrooms

Lack of staff in regard to maintenance

Lack of funding

Lack of teen/millennial programming

No mass transit access

Disconnected trails/paths – Norwalk River Valley Trail

Island Access

Harbor Access

Larger events/programming

Opportunities

Providing more dog friendly facilities

Acquire more land

More connectivity (bike, pedestrian, etc.)

More indoor recreation

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Coordination w/ BOE, and Rec & Parks

Potential access to BOE Facilities

More tourism focused programming

Partnership w/private sector for programming Business Improvement District

Bathrooms at EVERY park

Connected and Complete off-street trails

Water dependent activity access

Expand hours of operation

Funding opportunities (ARPA)

Green infrastructure

Combat Climate change

City coordination

Threats

Climate Change

Flooding

Erosions

Drought

Funding access

Seasonal/weather extremes

Storms

Overdevelopment

Economic fluctuation (pricing)

Siloed work processes/non-coordination

Limited facilities

Pandemics

Procurement process (length)

ARPA CLIFF

Permitting w/state agencies

Privatization

Wildlife

Loss of natural landscapes

Loss of tree canopy

Sound health

Marine life

Exercise 2: Goals and Objectives

Programs

Goal: Offer a set of year-round programs that are diverse and inclusive

Marketing/awareness

Number of programs

Number of Persons Assisted

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Goal: Public indoor and outdoor pool access/programs

Community Rec. Center

School Use

Waterfront, Natural, and Regional Parks

Goal: Increase access and usage of waterfront

Capital and operating funding

Public private partnership

Plans/zoning changes

Goal: Water dependent city events - Tourism

Operating funding and staff

Public private partnership (sponsors)

Goal: Resiliency measure for coastal assets

Any improvements need green infrastructure

Funding/Grants

Community/Neighborhood Parks

Goal: Increase maintenance at all park facilities

Staff additions

Staff education

Volunteer activities

Collaboration w/Parks and BOE

Trash Pickup/Receptacles

Goal: Increase amenity access and availability

Add bathrooms

ADA access

Funding

Art Shade

Storage (bike, boat, etc.)

School Parks

Goal: Knowledge of availability and use

Scheduling

Posted hours

Decreased use by private companies

BOE coordination

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Goal: Access to indoor School Facilities after hours

Custodial staff

Increased costs/need funding

Athletic Fields

Goal: Increase maintenance and staff

Routine maintenance

Funding needed (sponsorship)

Coordination BOE and Parks

More frequent trash clean ups

Goal: Equitable access and equitable programs

Increase connectivity or have more

Lighting

Many age programming

Inventory and assessment for lighting, bathrooms, etc.

GROUP 2

Exercise 1: SWOT

Strengths

Beaches and Water/Splash Pads

Variety of fields

Park dispersant/NRVT

Dog Parks (Taylor Farm, Cranbury, Rowayton)

Public School Parks (Unique)

Trails within parks (Cranbury, NRVT, Oyster Shell)

Weaknesses

Not enough staff per acre

Parks and Rec independence (communication/representation)

Lack of sidewalks and bike lanes

Lack of info about park offerings

Access to waterfront

Lack of public pool

Availability of public land

Safe access to existing facility

Opportunities

Preserve natural open space

More coordination between city and taxing districts; sharing resources

Opportunities for partnerships

Placemaking (bridge, trees, signage)

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Walkability/connectivity

Public Realm space programming

Ability to be responsive to community needs

Threats

Expensive land and lack of it

Lack of adequate staffing level

Lack of budget availability

Climate change

Multiple Park authorities (taxing district)

Lack of authority/requirements of future development

Exercise 2: Goals and Objectives

Programs

Goal: Partnering with Schools and Taxing Districts

Quality of School Parks

Establish roles, responsibilities, and partnershipS

Waterfront, Natural, and Regional Parks

Goal: Access to existing facilities

Safe and convenient access for kayak launch

Shady Beach launch area is high conflict

Improving pike and walkability to parks - Cranbury Park

Community/Neighborhood Parks

Goal: Meeting the future need of future park land and needs

Within code, have clear requirements of open space

Having the appropriate staff to support need

School Parks

Goal: Age-appropriate facilities

Maintain quality amenities consistent through all locations

Athletic Fields

Goal: Meeting demands/interests of residents

Having clear avenue for public input

Having budget that is available to meet needs

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GROUP 3

Exercise 1: SWOT

Strengths

Waterfront

Variety-types

NRVT

Playgrounds

Splashpads

Schools – Rec Space indoor and outdoor

History

Maritime Center Fields

Concerts

Seasonal Events

Adult Leagues

Fodor Farm/Mansion/Facilities

Community Gardens

Summer Camps

Public Golf Course

Fishing Piers

Cobbs Oysters

Norwalk Islands

Weaknesses

Staff Deficit

Arborist – F.T. [full time]

Marketing

Outdoor pool – none – public

No Parks Foundation

No Park Responsibility – divided – T.D. – Recreation and Parks

No Teen Programming No field allocation

No City Community Center Capital Budget Limitations

No Bike Trail Network

Opportunities

Expand communication/advertise

Expand senior activities

Involving schools

Private/public partnerships

Community center

Fee based revenue

Additional playgrounds

Public Pickleball court

More splashpads/aquatic recreation

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Park ranger – security cameras – P.D. Restrooms

Add Lighting/security cameras

Upgrade existing

Add shade trees

Threats

Capital Budget Funds

Operating budget funds

Lack levels of adequate staff

Climate Change

Lack of security

Lack of equipment

Competing priorities

Lack of walkable parks

Electric [leaf] blowers

Exercise 2: Goals and Objectives

Programs

Getting a marketing person

Better coordination between departments (website and seasonal meetings)

More research and data analysis

Allocating funding in a better way

Hold fundraisers to increase funds

Public outreach programs (at schools, parks, and community centers)

Waterfront, Natural, and Regional Parks

Adopt master plan to organize initiatives and implement them

Purchase land around Ryan Park and South Norwalk

Redo the Kayak launches at Shady

Identify a spot for a community center

Reclaim vacant properties for community use

Reclaim YMCA property (eminent domain)

Community/Neighborhood Parks

Goal: Make parks safe, accessible, and provide amenities that lead to community use

Obtain funding

Park rangers

Cameras and signage

Maintenance

Drainage

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School Parks

Goal: Improve existing facilities

Provide public bathrooms

Upgrade equipment

Increase/improve lighting outdoors

Improve maintenance (trash)

More garbage cans

Goal: Provide age – appropriate facilities

Design playgrounds for use by all ages

Athletic Fields

Goal: improve existing indoor facilities (Broad River Sports Complex)

Obtain property

Modernize

Add amenities (Concessions, bathrooms)

Goal: Develop Community Center

Obtain property

GROUP 4

Exercise 1: SWOT

Strengths

Waterfront/Beach

Accessible Transit/Highway

Shellfish industry/History

Oak Hills Golf and sledding

Many parks/variety

Splashpads

Natural open space

Variety of programs (5k, music programs, concerts at beach, social activities, camps)

Harbor front

Public Marina

Norwalk River Valley Trail

Weaknesses

Not enough trails (NRVT is short)

Sidewalks (lack of)

Traffic and the bridge

Ferry to islands-timing

Lack of trees/shade along city streets (maintenance issue)

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No Pools

Water access for public (kayak, beach)

Understaffed Recreation and Park Department (Park Maintenance)

Opportunities

Use lights to extend use of facilities and security

Increase amenities across all neighborhoods

Basketball courts – Siting

Opportunity to provide more low fee/creative access to programs/reach more people

Community-wide Recreation Center/Field house

Recreation and park public programs to all youth

Pickleball courts (at beach?)

Mark trails in the nature preserves/more nature preserves

Threats

Resource Funding

Climate Change – sea level rise, flooding, more storm events

Competition with other towns – (Facilities)

Outsourcing/privatization of resources

Maintaining and improving existing Quality of facilities/programs

Change of administration/ political will

Public safety/security of facilities

Parking issues

Maintenance equipment/upkeep - cost

Exercise 2: Goals and Objectives

Programs

Goal: Provide equitable and affordable programs

Develop a sliding scale for program fees

Improve communication to reach all residents (All languages, ages, neighbors)

Waterfront, Natural, and Regional Parks

Goal: Develop better access to waterfront and aquatic recreation (ponds, rivers, harbor)

Develop a soft launch into harbor and other waterways

Build another public pool

Community/Neighborhood Parks

Goal: Improve safety and security in public parks

Better lighting

Security cameras

Safe walking access Maintain sightlines

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School Parks

Goal: Upgrade and improve maintenance of school parks

Improve and upgrade equipment for playgrounds

Level fields and improve grass

Athletic Fields

Goal: More multipurpose fields

Evaluate possible location for new fields

Repurpose existing fields

GROUP 5

Exercise 1: SWOT

Strengths

Programs: Aquatics, Camp Events

Waterfront: Beach/Water access, Splash Pads, Shady Beach

Community: Taxing District Parks (clean), Big Dog Parks, Historical

School Parks: Diversity

Parks and Recs team = Good Communication

Athletic Facilities: Nathan Hale, West Rocks, BM, NHS (Outdoors), Pickleball Courts

Weaknesses

No community center

Parking

Capacity for programs

Accessibility

Space

Bathrooms can’t host sport tournaments (Vets)

Need better transportation to large parks/beach

Public Pool

Lack of funding/investment vs. other communities

Need more staff

Geographic diversity

Lack of senior and early childhood programs

Need more equipment

Cleanliness

Lack of ownership

Relationship w/schools

Lack of special needs programs/equipment

Sliding scale/scholarship

Not enough benches

Not enough garbage cans

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Opportunities

New facilities in underserved areas

Funding

Private/public partnerships

Private fundraising

Green facility

New sponsors

Community and recreation center – the old YMCA

Strengthen communication with neighbors

Improve relationship with schools

Waterfront activities/programs – utilize waterfront

Use other parks for programs

Threats

Isolation

Competition

Funding

Staffing

High needs and high numbers

Privatize

No park standards

Everyone calls/tags Ken

Lack of training

Lack of communication between departments

Vandalizing/graffiti

Lack of strategy

Not enough walkability

Lack of enforcement

Lack of responsibility (by users)

Exercise 2: Goals and Objectives

Programs

Goal: place to put programs Community Center

Partnership fundraising/foundation

Goal: better communication about programs

Revamp website

Goal: more staffing

Lobby the CC and BET

Waterfront, Natural, and Regional Parks

Goal: More access

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Repurpose waterfront properties (Vets park)

Goal: more activities

Communication, partnerships, funding, park maintenance

Community/Neighborhood Parks

Goal: have more

Identify areas and fund them

Goal: accessibility (ADA, walkability, parking, bike-ability)

Identify where there are gaps bring in Jim Travers

School Parks

Goal: Responsibility/accountability/standardization

Identify who has ownership and make them standardized collaboration

Goal: be proactive

Strategize and prioritize, make a plan

Athletic Fields

Goal: Need more for all people/leagues, need more staff/training

How short are we?

How do we fund this?

Goal: Maintenance

More staff/funding

Goal: indoor facility/pool

Plan for a community center

GROUP 6

Exercise 1: SWOT

Strengths

Great waterfront/beaches

Plenty of sport activity programs including (tennis, pickleball, softball, volleyball, swimming)

Ryan Park, Cranbury Park, Calf Pasture, Shady beach, Taylor farm are great popular parks, NRVT and Oak Hills

Naramake, Fox Run, Cranbury School, Brian McMahon have great school parks

Community Gardens

Athletic facilities (West Rock, McMahon, Nathan Hale, Norwalk High)

Weaknesses

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Staffing

Proper equipment

No public pool – indoor/outdoor

Access to fields

Trail at Cranbury Park needs cleanup – need more natural trails

More bathroom access

Training and development of staff

Need more community/rec centers

Need more waterfront access

Lack of available land

Opportunities

Focus on Urban Core

Advancement of waterfront access

Timing and funding of master plan

Opportunity of signage

Walkability/bike-ability

Tree planting

Threats

Lack of funding

Climate change

Security at parks/schools

City [and] School friction

Lack of land for new parks

Lack of pride in some parks

Lack of staff

Programming, not keeping up with changing demographics

Challenge to make improvements from low to high priority

Exercise 2: Goals and Objectives

Programs

Goal: Increased participation

Income-based pricing

More programming

Outreach – teens, early childhood, underprivileged, etc.

Goal: Increased breadth of programs

Needs assessment

Skilled staff (additional hires)

Waterfront, Natural, and Regional Parks

Goal: Increased access

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Optimize use of City land at water

Signage

Sidewalks/trails leading to water

Goal: Better utilization of River/Waterfront

Harbor-Loop Trail and NRVT improvements

Goal: Increased Flood Resilience

Natural Shorelines

Goal: Increase improved trails

Increase maintenance

Increase connectivity

Community/Neighborhood Parks

Goal: Increase User Amenities

Provide public bathrooms

Seating/shaded areas

Picnic areas

Kayak racks/access

Goal: Increase Community Events

Organized events – Music, entertainment, block parties, festivals

Goal: Find your park

Wayfinding

Trails/sidewalks/connections

All need Staff

School Parks

Goal: Equitable access to fields

Stakeholder coordination

Technology to schedule

Goal: support youth activities

Advertisements/outreach

Goal: Coordination with school leadership

Shared resources

Better communication

Athletic Fields

Goal: User Amenities

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Bathroom access

Concessions

Goal: Equitable access

Eliminating historic preferences

Camps, clinics, to add participation

Goal: Increase staff/resources to maintain existing fields

More funding

GROUP 7

Exercise 1: SWOT

Strengths

Programs: Aquatics, Holiday programs, summer camps, youth sports

Waterfront/Natural/Regional Parks: Great beach, walking trails (Cranbury Park), Boating opportunities

Neighborhood/Community Parks: Overall cleanliness, recent capital improvements, multi-use, rental revenue (walks/weddings/ER)

School parks: Playgrounds, turf fields

Athletic facility: New pickleball courts, new turf complexes/lights

Weaknesses

Programs: Senior programs, special need programming, limited indoor facility, toddler programming

Waterfront/Natural/Regional Parks: Crowded, inadequate parking, not enough public access, canoe/kayak access

Neighborhood/Community Parks: parking (Ryan/Ludlow), Cleanliness/AKE, Litter, Bathroom

graffiti, lighting

School parks: Need more amenities for kids, litter, cooperation w/BOE

Athletic facility: Lack of bathrooms, Community center, condition (drainage), pay for parking, indoor basketball

Budget and Staff

Opportunities

Programs: more staff = more programs [and] variety

Waterfront/Natural/Regional Parks: kayak launch, additional access, more signage - beach

Neighborhood/Community Parks: uniform signage, more staff=increased maintenance

School parks: Equity in amenities across all school sites, outdoor bathrooms

Athletic facility: pool, community center, skating rink, classroom space, update existing facilities

Threats

Programs: Staff levels/budget/facilities, competitors

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Waterfront/Natural/Regional Parks: Changing weather/erosion, out of town vs. resident access, lack of parking

Neighborhood/Community Parks: Additional park space needs staffing levels for maintenance, lack of proper maintenance equipment

School parks: security, increased use by schools

Athletic facility: budget, space for additional fields

Exercise 2: Goals and Objectives

Programs

Goal: Best [and] most diverse programming reaching the most amount of people

Funding for new staff and facilities

Need capital funds for community center

Goal: increase outreach to underserved communities

Offering programs within the community

Waterfront, Natural, and Regional Parks

Goal: Increased public access

Land purchases

Capital funds for launch ramps

Pedestrian access

Community/Neighborhood Parks

Goal: upgrade facilities including bathrooms

Capital funding for new improvements

Goal: more complete maintenance

Budget staffing requests

School Parks

Goal: Cooperation with Board of Education

Joint Use agreement

Goal: Litter control

Additional staffing request

Athletic Fields

Goal: Community Center with Pool

Capital funding request or other appropriation

Bake sale

Goal: Condition of fields – provide preventative maintenance

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Drainage study for highly used sites

Goal: Bathroom Buildings

Capital request Staff to clean/stock/open/close

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Public Vision Workshop #1

Thursday, October 13th, 2022 | 5:00pm-8:30pm

GROUP 1

Exercise 1: SWOT

Strengths

Diversity of types of parks

Amount of coastline we have Variety of options for children

Plus easy to drive from one to the other Older parks and newer parks that are both good Norwalk has unique parks (Sheffield Island)

Weaknesses

Access to waterfront – specifically SoNo

Lack of indoor tennis and pickleball options

Lack of fenced in dog parks and dog parks in general

Lack of YMCA or Rec Center w/pool

Lack of Community Center

Access to parks for kids in public housing

Connected bike path system

Prioritizing it when re-doing a road

Opportunities

Planning for pedestrian (specifically children) traffic for new SoNo School

Bubble being built over tennis courts at Springwood Park (Grassroots)

Expand access to public housing areas from parks

Increased number of dogs w/covid and amount of dogs allowed and in apartments creates opportunity to create more dog friendly space

More thought into parking needs for events or shuttle bus options

Opening all parks to leased dogs

Threats

Increased number of residents with more developments/condos

Increased amount of dogs due to covid and above mentioned apartments

Climate change on coastline

Underfunding for maintenance planning for future

Red tape to get a tennis bubble (that is fully funded) approved

Short term rentals

Development by large corporations’ trees being cut down (Eversource)

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kimley-horn.com 1 North Lexington Ave, Suite 505, White Plains, NY 10601 914.368.9200

Exercise 2: Goals and Objectives

Programs

Goal: Access to affordable/free swimming lessons (life skill)

See if we can get grants/capital for a new pool

Or corporate donations

Goal: Build a community/athletic center (w/pool?)

Identify space for this center

Identify funding

Goal: Grow Grassroots tennis

Reach more families in Norwalk

Develop more ways to teach kids both on and off the occurs

Continue to support concussion education

Waterfront, Natural, and Regional Parks

Goal: Access and Parking

Better planning prior to events w/learning from previous years

Parks and Rec representative at town transport meetings/decisions

Adding connecting bike paths and pedestrian access

Goal: Increase access to more waterfront

Allow for more parking further away with good walking paths

Goal: More programming for watersport activities

Sailing, Kayaking, Paddleboard

Community/Neighborhood Parks

Goal: Increase Maintenance and upkeep

Engage volunteers or incentivize workers more often

Look at historical investment and compare to population growth – adjust accordingly

Goal: Increase diversity of activities for all ages and abilities

Study each park and note its features and age and add missing options where possible

Look at age of people living near respective parks and plan accordingly

School Parks

Goal: Fix bureaucracy and political issues between Schools and Parks and Rec. Joint use agreement of public vs. programs.

Set up a committee with members from both to discuss Gather data and monitor changes in school outdoor related incidents

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Athletic Fields

Goal: Rec Center and Aquatic Center

Field Locations

Find funding

Allow local programs and ideas (community design?)

Affordable and free swim lessons (Stew’s)

GROUP 2

Exercise 1: SWOT

Strengths

Programs: Summer Camps, Skate camp, adult sports programs

Water/Nature Parks: Views of the Sound/access to Sound, Golf Course

School Parks: School gyms (indoors), Highschool walking track and City Hall

Neighborhood parks: Event Space (Vets/Oster Shell), pocket parks

Athletics: Tennis programs (shared use), Youth Sports (Baseball/basketball), Disc Golf (Cranbury)

Weaknesses

Lack of indoor facilities/pools – pickleball, sports generally (e.g. Chelsea Piers)

Volleyball court drainage

Accessibility – pedestrian access (Vets) and lack of sidewalks, unsafe bike lanes (Calf Pasture)

Restrooms (hours/signage)

Rec center (e.g. Warney)

QR code surrounding towns have

Opportunities

Connectivity – completing NRVT

Vets Park – Promenade, trees, flood control

Special events (Concerts/shows) Roosevelt Island type events

Transit access and more frequent buses

Pairing new development with new park space (P & Z a requirement)

Indoor courts conversion during the winter (bubble)

Bike racks (w/cameras)

Central hub for department communications (website)

Threats

Climate change – sea level rise, water quality (beach closures)

Safety/security – especially at bathrooms and bike racks

Better facilities in other towns – especially senior programming

Poor communication/advertising – better communication [could lead to] more support and funding

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Exercise 2: Goals and Objectives

Programs

Goal: Senior programs Coordinated with Community Services Department

Waterfront, Natural, and Regional Parks & Community/Neighborhood Parks

Goal: Activities at Vets Park and at Calf Pasture

Goal: Environmental Programs

Nature

Bird watching

Goal: Oak Hills multi-use

Trails

Pool

Pickleball

Goal: River Valley Trail Promotion and Connection

Goal: Safe Pedestrian/Bike Access

Security Cameras

Bathroom Hours and Access

Parking Lots

Goal: Underutilized Vets Park

Goal: Harbor Loop Trail – disjointed

Goal: Water refill stations

Goal: Purchase more space for parks “Imminent Domain”

Lakota Oaks

School Parks

Security

Public access posting hours of accessibility

ADE- Devices, secured by cameras

Water refill stations

Athletic Fields

Goal: Recreation/Community center like a YMCA

Goal: City Public/Private Partnership

Norden Facility – indoor: track, volleyball/basketball, community rooms, programs, activities, sports

Goal: More pickleball courts spread out in different parts of the city

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VIRTUAL PARTICIPATION

The following is a record of the chat messaging shared through the virtual participation throughout the presentation and Exercise 1 and Exercise 2:

Margaret Fleming: Norwalk needs a pool

Margaret Fleming: Norwalk needs a teen center

Diane Lauricella: ++++Pool One on each side of the River. I tried to get the Mall to include a pool on the ground floor...

Margaret Fleming: Splash pad is great

Margaret Fleming: concession at beach is great

Margaret Fleming: norwalk needs a Y

Halley Bartlett KHA: Prompt for online chat: "What activities do you or members of your household currently participate in or have a need?"

Margaret Fleming: a real Y

Elsa Obuchowski: What activity do I do? Walking. Dog-friendly walking.

Margaret Fleming: we use the beach

Diane Lauricella: Thank you for setting up the hybrid participation.

Peggy Holton: Does analysis data include impact of climate change on available open space? On potential for new open space?

Elsa Obuchowski: I think it's important to keep and maintain the beach. Calf Pasture Beach is a real treasure Norwalk can be proud of.

Luz Mendez: We go to the beach, dog park, Cranbury Park, Veterans Park

Peggy Holton: Does potential new open space needed for new facilities exist in Norwalk?

Elsa Obuchowski: Interesting to see the population trends, considering the great many Facebook comments people have recently posted in reaction to the drought emergency declaration, saying Norwalk needs to stop building apartments (and, by implication, limit population growth).

Luz Mendez: It would be nice if it could be another dog park and a public pool

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Peggy Holton: If you include offerings by Norwalk non-profits and service organizations in the analysis of what Norwalkers want, how does the total offering profile look compared to other communities and to needs?

Elsa Obuchowski: Taylor Farm Park is a treasure, very important for dog owners.

Alan Kibbe: More and better access points to Norwalk Harbor for kayaking and aquatics would be great

Elsa Obuchowski: Is there still kayak rental at Calf Pasture Beach? I remember trying it once quite a few years ago, but it didn't work out well because they didn't provide guidance as to where you could and could not go in your kayak.

Alan Kibbe: Our harbor is an underused asset

Diane Lauricella: +++ Alan Kibbe harbor comments. Harbor Management plan and POCD wants more harbor Road End parks...let's focus to enhance this great asset!

Alan Kibbe: Calf Pasture isn't the best access point for inexperienced paddlers

Diane Lauricella: Please consider adding more soccer fields and community gardens on public property.

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Public Vision Workshop #2

Saturday, October 15th, 2022 | 10:00am-1:00pm

GROUP 1

Exercise 1: SWOT

Strengths

Programs: good to be held at schools, keep within community, ease of access, frequency of concerts

Waterfront / Natural /Regional : Public transportation access to beach, facilities (kayak launch, boat launch), Kayak/paddleboard storage, camping on the island

Community / Neighborhood: Maintenance at Calf Pasture, ADA access at Calf Pasture, Community garden and nonprofit space at Fodor Farm, availability of rental space, park buildings, dog parks

School Parks: every school has a park, have trees and plants to reduce carbon footprint Athletic facilities: Have a lot of good fields – quantity

Weaknesses

Programs: need swimming safety and classes, need more sailing opportunities, trade education that work with schools (boat mechanics and maintenance), better public private partnerships, fix permit process for facility/space access

Waterfront/ Natural/ Regional: Trails at Cranberry are not well maintained (erosion from use), taken advantage of by out-of-towners

Community/Neighborhood: Permitting – limited access for young kids, programs are limited to certain areas so local kids have issues getting there.

School Parks: Permitting, safety (footpaths, fencing), noise off site

Athletic facilities: need public swimming pools, fix permitting process, lack of winter sport space and programing, limited public skating opportunities

Opportunities

Programs: Cranbury- more programs, environmental, trees Robinson family event, education hub (vernal pools), wetland preservation

Waterfront/ Natural / Regional: Norwalk islands are underutilized, Vet[eran]s Park is underutilized (gazebos, picnic areas, events), Master plan for waterfront – more development?

Community/ Neighborhood: Large part of Cranberry is not used (cut in for trails, riding paths, etc.), opportunities for concessions, pocket/urban park opportunities for city owned properties, parking lot – Cross street and wooded area – North Street

Threats

Programs – entitlement and non-inclusivity, lack of diversity, politics, funding, maintenance

Waterfront-Climate change, sea level rise

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Natural/Regional Parks- water quality, Broad River Sports Facility and well field interaction, contamination from turf fields runoff (liability), funding/maintenance

Community/Neighborhood Parks- resistance to change, funding/maintenance, safety (blue light system)

School Parks – collaboration between schools and parks department for use, funding/maintenance

Athletic facilities – Community center, funding/maintenance, lack of an indoor facility

Resistance to change

Exercise 2: Goals and Objectives

Programs

Goal: Provide aquatic programs for all ages

Find/create facilities

Find location for potential indoor and outdoor facilities

Establish public-private partnerships for fundings

Goal: provide more outdoor winter programming

Identify places to provide winter amenity space outdoors

Goal: Provide environmental programming

Cranbury opportunities

The old dumps

Increase partnerships (already have with the aquarium

Apply for grants to obtain funding

Waterfront, Natural, and Regional Parks

Goal: Prepare facilities for sea level rise

Identify at risk facilities

Incorporate sustainability practices (wind, solar, green infrastructure)

Modify zoning laws to accomplish goals on city-owned properties

Plan for 100–500-year storms

Evaluate distance between waterfront and development to provide increase vegetated buffer area

Upgrade natural infrastructure that controls flooding

Goal: Improve Cranbury Park

Expand park to include unused area

Investigate possibility of incorporating trails for walking and horseback riding

Community/Neighborhood Parks

Goal: Provide parks in new areas

Identify spaces that could be used for parks

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Goal: Provide more amenities in each park (especially Broad River)

Identify areas that could use improvements

Provide seating in parks with shade

Provide walking paths

Goal: Increase funding for parks

Apply for grants

Goal: Utilize space at the end of dead end roads on the harbor

Create kayak launches when possible

Improve space to be usable

Create pocket parks

School Parks

Goal: Increase public access to school parks

Improve permitting process

Increase staffing to police and areas when being used by the public

Goal: improve ADA access to parks

Provide ramps where they do not already exist

Increase ADA-friendly playgrounds

Goal: Provide environmentally friendly park spaces

Review the use of artificial turf

Use sustainable materials when developing amenities (surfaces)

Athletic Fields

Goal: Provide independent review of use of artificial turf vs. natural turf

Identify a neutral party to investigate Collect info for and against each

Goal: maximize use while balancing cost to maintain

Evaluate where funding is spent

Make sure facilities are charging a fair amount to utilize facilities

Goal: Provide an indoor athletic facility with an indoor pool

Identify public-private partnership

Identify specific need for indoor programming

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GROUP 2

Exercise 1: SWOT

Strengths

Recent (10 yrs.) improvements great – especially Calf Pasture

Diversity in activities for all age groups

Long Island Sound waterfront – multiple activities

Shell fishing opportunity

Marine center at Brian McMahon – Very Good

Taylor Farm – Dog walking

Running track at City Hall

Maintenance/mowing-much better last 2 years

Dept. p.w. [Public Works Department]

At white barn site – stream water quality is being done; land trust easement has potential for access

Land trust open to partnerships with city – open space, 100% volunteer

Weaknesses

Turf fields = PFAS – EPA limit 0 – near water supply

Beach – DOH closing lab – testing process – delays (6 hrs.)

PFAS – Facilities are already over limits (zero room to increase)

All ages in Parks = may need to separate ADA access needs improvement

Lack of kayak launch locations

Walking at beach in winter – no place to get warm

People feed the geese – health issues

Not enough benches along walking routes

Brownfields/contaminated lands /remediation (Fly Ash…)

Opportunities

Do not part in turf fields

Private well testing – enforce for overall benefit

White barn site land trust easement +5ac of open space

Turf testing – independent

Provide better ADA access

Don’t close the city lab [YMCA] – Should keep and expand Kayak launch – re-open at Vet[eran]s Park, increase number of launch areas (Calf Pasture)

Re-establish public access to water (Harbor connection)

Shell fishing – educate current fishing industry/community – keep Marine biology education at Calf Pasture Beach

Educate public re: Geese health issue

Add seating areas – add education/views/shade

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Freshwater Fishing – access to public – NRVT

Power Plant Cleanup/Kayak access/ City gets rights to property

Threats

Climate Change/Flooding (PFAS overflow)

Sea level rise/Road to beach may be cut off (access)

Private well testing now is only voluntary (may not be done), no link between public and private

Geese health issues – Fecal matter /ECOLI/ water quality

Tides – water quality

Exercise 2: Goals and Objectives

Programs

Goal: Increase/expand learn to swim (all High school students learn)

Provide pools to provide lessons

Goal: increase bike safety opportunities

More bike trails

Bike safety/education

Goal: increase nature/ environmental education to all Buildings at Calf Pasture – use for educational programs

Waterfront, Natural, and Regional Parks

Goal: More secure waterfront

Increase police presence at waterfront parks

Goal: Better access/ EV/ other vehicular energy access

Provide EV charging at beach and parks

Review new development and parks for solar power use

Goal: Encourage more environmental/marine education

Provide educational materials at city parks and signage

Plant I.D. education/signage

Goal: Maintain safe, clean water

Restore and improve city LAV – measure water quality

Expand testing beyond coliform, ETC.

Goal: Increase Kayak access

Change policy to permit access

Come up with new launch sites

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Community/Neighborhood Parks

Goal: increase public safety at parks

Separate activity areas (age groups, activity level)

Enforcement of rules (hours, no dogs, etc.)

Provide video surveillance in parks

Goal: increase pocket parks/smaller neighborhood [parks]

Identify sites

Partner to maintain parks (neighbors who use it)

Goal: Balance population and parks into future (not lose park land)

Rooftop open spaces?

Address multifamily growth relative to park land (developer provide $$$ [payment in lieu of] or space as a requirement)

School Parks & Athletic Fields

Goal: maintain surface and ground water quality in area of fields

For turf fields, test for safety prior to and after installation

Goal: Encourage organizations and synergy with City (public/private/communicate)

Surveys, events, projects with public/private organizations

Set up formal communication between school staff and City Parks and Recreations

City Recreation and Parks provide sharing of information (website?)

VIRTUAL PARTICIPATION

The following is a record of the chat messaging shared through the virtual participation throughout the presentation and Exercise 1 and Exercise 2:

Diane Cece: I'm not seeing a live shot on zoom. Only a screen with the Norwalk Recs Parks Master Plan graphic

Midge Kennedy: Best because of access to coastline

Midge Kennedy: Add large spaces for hiking trails

Midge Kennedy: add something for young teens on bikes, reg or motorized

Diane Cece: Parks, and the recreation programs, should first and foremost be for the primary use and enjoyment by Norwalk residents, including preferred access and parking.

Diane Cece: Norwalk youth and families would benefit greatly from a public ice skating rink that is non-for-profit and managed either by Recreation and Parks or by the local PAL or other non-profit.

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Diane Cece: A recent request by dog owners to open the beach for dog access in the winter was denied. Though I'm not a dog owner I would like to see that

Diane Cece: TOTALLY agree with Midge on the need for youth bikes and motorbikes

Diane Cece: Ken Huges from Recs and Parks is there, and is telling Nick about the audio/visual issues.

Diane Cece: They are apparently doing breakout sessions, so once we can hear again then perhaps the 3 of us can be our own little breakout group!

Diane Cece: Nick, where you are speaking now is very clear on my end. and we can now see the screen.

Diane Cece: PROGRAMMING STRENGTHS: programs for younger children and sports activities, and outdoor concerts PROGRAMMING WEAKNESS: programs for teens and seniors and mobility challenged PROGRAMMING

OPPORTUNITIES: Collaboration with Oak Hills Park for increased public programming, especially in winter but also summer evenings for concerts and other performing arts. PROGRAMMING THREATS: lack of private funding sponsor, Redevelopment Agency taking "control" of public park space (Ryan, Freese as examples)

Midge Kennedy: Well, I think we have strengths with the facilities we do have. I like that we have a municipal golf course (but wish they would stop poisoning their area with Roundup and other awful substances). Calf Pasture Beach is great with Taylor Farms nearby. Could we add biking/skateboard challenges around those areas, Fodor Farm provides a wonderful teaching opportunity-can we get more lower income kids and parents involved there?

Midge Kennedy: Weaknesses: I still see too many kids in the summer just hanging out in South Norwalk. Can we as a town create more programs for this youth?

Diane Cece: WATERFRONT NATURAL AND REGIONAL: of course our waterfront public access is important, however I'm concerned about how you may be defining "regional" in terms of parks. If regionalization and tourism are a primary goal of parks management, I think this contributes to the parking and amenity woes we face today at a number of parks, but especially the beaches.

OPPORTUNITES: While I would oppose carnival type or for-profit waterdependent programs (such as the prior ideas for a massive mini golf or duck boat operations at Veterans Memorial Park, I would support an amenity such as water taxis that ferry folks up and down the Norwalk River between West Ave area and Sono and Beach. Also would support commuter ferry service depending on where it would be located, traffic and parking. A possible threat to Beach or Veterans Memorial is a consideration underway to erect a waterfront emergency services station? - depending on the rationale & size being considered this could impact public access, amenities & programs

Diane Cece: NEIGHBORHOOD AND POCKET PARKS - Programming has improved greatly at the taxing district parks, and I'd like to see that continued, and

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expanded. Weaknesses are lack of programming at the smaller, neighborhood parks such as Freese Park, Mathews Park, etc. Concerts and other performing arts could be increased, and Mathews Park would also be a good candidate for a skating rink or other seasonal family activities.

WEAKNESS: Norwalk should implement a neighborhood parks account that developers of large apartment complexes fund for maintenance and programming! If there are developments of 50 or more units within a 1 mile radius of a neighborhood park then the developer should pay an annual fee AND sponsor community events there. THREATS - in regards to apartment complexes, the P&Z Commission does not require nearly enough on-site open space for active and passive recreation or green space. This also contributes to the nearest neighborhood parks & private properties becoming littered with dog feces.

Diane Cece: SCHOOL PARKS/ATHLETIC FIELDS: some parks and fields appear to be much better maintained than others. Weakness and threat is that there doesn't appear to be any usage monitoring in evenings, weekends, holidays and it seems that many out of towners overtake some parks for organized and unorganized team sports such as soccer. Are public parks available for sports teams on a fist come first serve basis or must they register? Also, whenever field lighting or amplified audio is installed at school fields the highest priority should be given to abutting neighbors to mitigate light and noise pollution, especially after 9pm.

Diane Cece: CALF PASTURE BEACH - Every resident I know would prefer to get rid of the parking authority and system at the beach and return to the entry shack system with plate readers lane for residents and a single lane for nonresidents to pay with cash or credit card at gate. If cash is a security issue than modern technology with multiple high def cameras should be a deterrent!

Diane Cece: VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK MASTER PLAN - The consultants should find out exactly WHY the bulk of the approved master plan for Veterans Memorial Park has never been funded (or requested for funding by staff) after having been approved 10 years ago! Residents spent hours providing feedback and feel ignored. We don't want this Planning session to be another "check the box" exercise where our feedback is requested only to be ignored.

Diane Cece: The benchmarking slide on staffing clearly illustrates just how underfunded and understaffed the Norwalk Recs and Parks is! It's one thing to brag on operating on shoestring budget and staff, but clearly the desired improvements in parks and activities warrants funding and staffing at a higher level. But if City management doesn't ask, then Council can

Diane Cece: (cont) correction: then Council can't fund. Please advise city staff to budget and staff accordingly...

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Summary

The summaries below consolidate themes recorded during each of the three (3) public Visioning workshops facilitated in October 2022.

Exercise 1 summarizes the top five (5) topics documented through participant notes gather in-person and virtually during all three (3) workshops. Exercise 2 summary includes a list of the top twenty (20) goals identified by participants. Each list is in descending order by frequency of mention in participant developed notes or contributed virtually during all three workshops.

EXERCISE 1: SWOT SUMMARY

Strengths

Waterfront access (seaport town)

Athletic facilities (outdoor fields)

Unique offerings (island parks, historic public spaces)

Youth programming and access to playgrounds

Biking and walking trails

Weaknesses

Safe pedestrian access to parks (lack of sidewalks, crosswalks, etc.)

Lack of community center (option for year-round recreation)

Lack of public aquatic facility (indoor or outdoor)

Staffing level for Recreation and Parks

Incomplete/short greenway trail network (lack of connectivity to destinations)

Opportunities

Programming and improvement of existing parks

Collaboration and partnerships with private entities, schools, and nonprofits (joint-use agreements)

Development of a community center

Increase access to existing parks

Collaboratively identifying alternate funding opportunities (parks foundation, partnerships, etc.)

Threats

Funding (lack of options/sources)

Climate change (sea-level rise, storms, etc.)

Population growth and development types (downtown, changing lifestyle needs)

Maintenance of parks (inequity, lifecycle replacements, etc.)

Lack of collaboration and information sharing (city dept. – NPS, across depts.)

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EXERCISE 2: GOALS SUMMARY

1. Improve maintenance of existing facilities

2. Improve access to existing facilities

3. Identify alternative funding sources

4. Develop a Community Center/Recreation Center

5. Develop inclusive and equitable programming options

6. Improve waterfront facilities and access

7. Increase recreation and parks staffing

8. Develop an aquatics facility

9. Acquire additional land for parks

10. Develop a collaborative partnership with private entities, Norwalk Public Schools, and nonprofits

11. Develop and expand greenway and blueway trail network

12. Develop urban solutions for growth areas

13. Incorporate city-wide goals for resiliency

14. Improve safety and security in parks

15. Increase public use and access of Norwalk Public Schools school parks and indoor facilities

16. Develop programming that address seasonal needs and opportunities

17. Incorporate data collection and analysis more into decision making process

18. Increase youth program offerings

19. Develop additional options for bathroom access and upgrade existing bathrooms in park

20. Identify and sign blueway routes

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Summary Notes

PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT NOTES & SUMMARY

City of Norwalk

Recreation and Parks Master Plan Implementation Workshops

Workshop Dates: January 31st, 2023 9am-12pm EST

See Sign-In Sheet

Attendees:

Consultant Staff: KH: Nick Kuhn, Halley Bartlett BerryDunn: Elsa Fischer

The Implementation Workshop for the City of Norwalk Recreation and Parks Master Plan began with a presentation of the needs and priorities assessment summary, and a review of draft vision goals built from the Survey and Vision Workshop results. Following the presentation, participants collaborated in small groups of 3-5 to complete a three-step exercise.

Step 1: Review projected funding sources The first step was a review of the historical trends of capital and operational funding of the Recreation and Parks Department, the expected funds needed to incorporate all parts of the proposed Recreation and Parks Master Plan goals over the next ten (10) years, and additional alternative funding sources not currently incorporated into the Recreation and Parks fiscal planning. Alternative Funding sources presented included partnerships, additional revenue from user fees invested back into parks, special taxing districts, and revenue bonds.

Step 2: Prioritization Criteria The second step prompted groups to define prioritization criteria and a ranking system that could be used to compare proposed improvement projects to decide which is the highest priority to be completed. Criteria ranking examples included a 0-5 point scale and a triple bottom line ranking system.

Step 3: Review of Objectives The third step provided groups with the Vision Goals and specific Objectives for their review and input Input and notes were prompted with the following headings: Desired Timeframe, Role of Recreation and Parks Department and City, Identification of Actions, and Potential Partnerships. Desired Timeframe utilized categories including: Ongoing (OG), Short-Term (ST, 1-3 years), Mid-Term (MT, 4-7 years), Long-Term (LT, 7-10), or Vision (V, 10+ years). This acronym system can be found

The following notes document the written input of groups written input within Step 2 and Step 3 of the implementation workshop exercise.

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Step 2: Prioritization Criteria

Group 1

1. Revenue Funding

2. Public Demand

3. Funding Opportunity: Grants

4. Staffing: More Full-Time Staff, and More Maintenance Staff

5. Safety: Surveillance, Lighting, Water Safety Education, and Access

6. Economic Opportunities: Community Center, Vets Park

Group 2

1. Aquatics Literacy - 5

2. Equity - 5

3. Addressing the (need) gap - 5

4. Public Demand - 5

5. Accessibility (ADA compliance and more) - 5

6. Environmental Design (intentional design and impact) - 5

7. Connectivity to public spaces (i.e. public transit) - 4

8. Walkability - 4

9. Stabilization (manageability and sustainability) - 3

10. Revenue generation - 3

Group 3 Equity

10 minute safe walk to parks for everyone

Urban Core – expanded green space in high density – low income neighborhoods

Access, connectivity, and safety

Improved quality of life

Staffing

Projects that fit available grant criteria

Green infrastructure

Bioswails, impervious land, built to flood

Andrews Field – ecological wetlands park – partnership opportunity wit Norwalk Land Trust, Tree alliance, NRWA Bike/Walk

Balance of low maintenance projects (ecological and natural parks), and high maintenance activity parks

Waterfront access

Develop short-term goals – projects that can be completed with existing resources

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Taking already owned city land that is underutilized and making it green Waterfront Access Lighting

Group 4

1. Need – 5

2. Multi-Generational – 5

3. Multi-Purpose – 5

4. Accessible – 4

5. Equitable – 4

6. Revenue Generator – 4

7. Sustainable – 3

8. POCD (City Goals) – 5

9. Maintenance – 3

10. Funding – 5

Summary

1. Improves access to and connectivity of parks: 0-5

2. Generates revenue: 0-5

3. Pursues Equity: 0-5

4. Utilizes available staff, funding, and City owned land: 0-5

5. Ability to be maintained with available staff resources: 0-4

6. Sustainable design incorporating green infrastructure and/or restoration: 0-4

7. Accommodates public demands and interests: 0-4

8. Increasing Connectivity to public spaces, parks, and waterfront: 0-3

9. Aligns with POCD (City Goals) and needs: 0-3

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Step 3: Review of Objectives

Goals and Objectives were provided to participant groups. Implementation Workshop input is recorded for each group in the specified color. Reference legends for participant group color coding and abbreviation definition related to Subsystems and Timeframes.

Establish priority list of park improvements based on socio-economic and condition data and implement.

Partner with Norwalk Police Dept. to review and enhance security and surveillance best practices for parks.

MTCityPoliciesGrant STOwnerUtilizeMasterPlanFindings

OG STOwnerPolicyDevelopmentOperational STCityAcquisitionGrantPolice,PR OGPartnershipw/PDPolicyDevelopmentPoliceDepartment OG STOwnerPoliceDepartment MTCityDepartmentsCapitalProjectsBudget

STOwnerPublicinputmechanism

Provide high-quality parks and facilities by meeting changing recreation needs and addressing existing or new maintenance needs 1.3

Continue to engage the public in the planning and design of new parks or improvements to existing parks and recreation facilities.

Develop template for standard restroom options and implement based upon priority park improvements. Identify and partner with volunteer groups to encourage maintenance of existing parks and facilities.

Improve athletic field and sport court maintenance by developing standards and identification of additional funding for implementation of best practices.

Explore additional opportunities to provide athletic fields and sport court lighting to increase capacity of existing facilities and upgrade lighting fixtures to new, more efficient LED options with anti-light pollution technology.

Reevalutaionof1.1(basedonassessmentofPriorityCriteriaLists)

STPilotProjectswithtemporary toiletstations

STOwnerPolicy/CapitalCapital

VR&PPoliciesDonationPubic

OGPartnershipPublicinputmechanism

OGOwner

OGCommunityOutreachPoliciesGrantCommunityGroups

OGOwnerPartnerDevelopment

OG/STNorwalkLandTrust,NRWA, TreeAlliance,Gardeners

OG/STOwnerOperationalMayorsYouthProgram

STR&PCapitalProjectsBudget

STOwnerPolicyDevelopment

OGSchools,parentgroups,lacrosse, GirlScouts,BoyScouts

OG/STOwnerCapitalCapital

STR&PAcquisitionBudget

MTOwner SurveyNeedsassessmentof RegulationStrategicPlan

OG/ST DPWEversource,CTGreenbank, LightPollutionGroups ParentGroups,SportsLeagues, TaxingDistricts STOwnerCapitalCapital MTOwnership

CreatingOG/STTMP,R&P,P&Z,NRDA sharedparkingtoreduceimpervioussurface,

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CNP

CNP, SP, AF

1.1 CNP, SP, AF

1.2 CNP

1.4

1.7 CNP 1.5 CNP

1.6 AF, SP Abb. TimeframesGroups PGSPrograms OG - Ongoing Group1 WTNRWaterfront,

& Regional Parks ST - Short-Term (1-3 Years) Group2 CNPCommunity/Neighborhood Parks MT - Mid-Term (4-7 Years) Group3 SPSchools Parks LT - Long-Term (7-10 Years) Group4 AFAthletic Facilities V - Vision (10+ Years Subsystem

Trails, Natural

WTNR, CNP2.1

Provide access to parks and recreation opportunities within a 10-minute walk or 15-min bike ride for all residents

Identify priorities for enhanced access to existing parks; i.e. crosswalks, entry points, bike racks, etc.

CNP, SP2.2 Develop access standards for parks, i.e. pedestrian, bicycle, and where appropriate, vehicle parking standards.

SP2.3 Continue to partner with Norwalk Public Schools, taxing districts and other park and recreation providers to meet community needs in areas that may lack a city park.

WTNR, CNP, SP, AF 2.4

Continue to partner with Transportation, Mobility and Parking Dept. for the implementation of the Transportation Master Plan's pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure to priority park destinations.

CNP2.5

Evaluate existing city owned, vacant, or underutilized properties, and where needed, identify potential acquisition opportunities for additional parkland in areas without existing walk or bike access to parkland.

IdentifyStafftaskedwithObjective2.5

Identify and secure alternative funding sources to ensure Department's ability to implement recommendations for capital and operational needs

3.1 PGS

CNP, WTNR, AF, SP 3.2

CNP, PGS3.3

CNP, PGS3.4

Evaluate and implement cost recovery recommendations for programs, services, and rentals

Prioritize the implementation of capital improvements for parks and recreation facilities within City's Capital Improvement Program (CIP)

Explore establishment of a Parks Foundation with a mission to supplement improvements to existing parks and programming

Seek and secure competitive grants and other funding sources such as special taxing districts or revenue bonds for priority park capital and recreation programming opportunities

Identify opportunities to leverage existing funding and grants awards through grant stacking during the acquisition, planning, and/or design phase of projects.

CNP, AF3.5 Identifystaffresponsibleforsecurigfunding

Provide year-round indoor recreation opportunities to residents through development of new facilities and partnerships

AF4.1 Evaluate feasibility and potential site for an inter-generational community and recreation center with potential indoor aquatics.

AF4.2 Identify potential partnerships with community organizations with shared goals to provide indoor space through lease agreement, acquisition, or private partnership.

PGS4.3 Develop new indoor programming options through implementation of the Norwalk Public Schools Joint-Use Agreement.

CNP, PGS4.4 Develop plan to meet community's needs for indoor aquatics through collaboration with similar providers, securing funding through alternative revenue sources, and/or public-private partnership.

STPR,CityBudgetBudgetBoardofEducation STPartner Grants,Coorporate Support,Private Donations NorwalkPublicSchool

STR&P,NorwalkPublicSchoolOBR&P,NorwalkPublicSchool MTR&PBudget,GrantsBudgetCityOrganization STOwner Grants,Coorporate Support,Private Donations MTR&POBR&P

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Abb. TimeframesGroups PGSPrograms OG - Ongoing Group1 WTNRWaterfront, Trails, Natural & Regional Parks ST - Short-Term (1-3 Years) Group2 CNPCommunity/Neighborhood Parks MT - Mid-Term (4-7 Years) Group3 SPSchools Parks LT - Long-Term (7-10 Years) Group4 AFAthletic Facilities V - Vision (10+ Years Subsystem

Provide residents and visitors with inclusive and equitable programming options based upon community needs and recreation trends

Identify opportunities and contract with private providers for specialized program offerings

5.2 PGS

5.1 PGS Develop additional seasonal and inclusive programming opportunities; specifically for nature enjoyment, fitness and wellness, special events, senior/active adults, performing arts, aquatics, history and museums.

PGS5.3 Continue to diversify the Department's core program areas beyond the current five to achieve more balance in distribution across program area types; specifically for adults and those with special needs.

PGS5.4 Develop and implement an annual program plan that identifies how the Department will serve age segments, recreation interests, and fulfill the communities leisure needs in a balanced manner.

PGS5.5 Collaborate with other providers with shared goals for the development and enhanced public access to nature and senior/active adult programming.

PGS5.6 Develop a mobile-friendly seasonal program guide to more comprehensive communicate participation opportunities and continue to enhance the program registration experience.

PGS5.7 Incorporate technology in program and registration management to annually evaluate trends in participation and program status and better inform the decision making process for program development.

Enhance the resiliency of waterfront facilities and universal access while highlighting the cultural and historical significance of these special spaces to the City of Norwalk

WTNR

6.1 Update and implement priority improvements of the Veteran's Memorial Park master plan to include resilient best practices.

WTNR6.2 Continue to partner with the Norwalk River Valley Trail to include completion of the WilWalk segment from Broad Street to Wilton and the Harbor Loop Trail.

WTNR6.3 Identify street rights-of-way with access to waterfront and develop public access points to the water.

WTNR, CNP6.4 Evaluate and implement additional kayak launch opportunities at Oyster Shell Park, North Water Street Park, Veteran's Memorial Park, Calf Pasture Beach, Shady Beach Park, Woodward Avenue Park and future opportunities at Keyser Point.

Continue to provide residents with high-quality customer service through meeting existing and future staffing needs for enhanced programming and maintenance

7.1 PGS

Explore short-term options for additional part-time positions to enhance marketing, communications, and programmatic offerings.

PGS7.2 Increase part-time and future full-time staffing in-line with increased access to indoor facility space.

PGS7.3 Shift staff positions to full-time to support program area growth through annual review and evaluation of needs.

PGS8.1 Identify the Department's role as partner, provider, facilitator, and/or resource for recreation opportunities by developing a program planning matrix and communicating with existing and potential future partners.

SP, PGS8.2 Nurture the Department's relationship with NPS through the approval and implementation of the Joint-Use Agreement and establish consistent communications and collaboration to monitor parameters of the

PGS8.3 Facilitate an annual workshop and industry day with existing and potential future partners for programming, maintenance, and volunteer organizations to present needs and align resources.

155 kimley-horn.com 1 North Lexington Ave, Suite 505, White Plains, NY 10601 914.368.9200 Page 6 SubsystemsG#GoalsObjectivesTimeframe Role of R&P Dept and City Actions: Capital Projects, Acquisitions, Policies, etc. Potential Funding Sources Partnerships 5 STR&PBudget,GrantsGrantsOutsideOrganization OGOwnership MTR&P OGR&PBudgetBudget STOwnership MTR&P OG STOwnership OGR&P,EquityOfficial VR&P,City STOwnership MTR&P OGR&P,City OGOwnership MTSeniorCenter,R&P OGR&P,City STOwnership LTIT,R&PCapital VR&P,CityBudget STOwnership LTIT,R&PCapital 6 OGR&P,CityBudget,CapitalBudgetBudget MTOwner OGtoVP&ZMaritime/NRWA,NormBloom LTPlanning,R&PCapital,OperationCapital OGCityGrantsGrants OGPartnerNRVT OG/STRedevelopmentAgency,TMP OGNRVT,R&POperation STCityBudgetBudget,CapitalProject MTPartnerZoning,Planning,Transportation OG/STConservationFundsforImplementation MTTMP,R&POperation OGR&PBudgetCommunity OGOwner OG LTR&PCapital,UserFeeCapitalFund 7 OGR&PBudget STOwner STR&POB OGR&PBudget OGOwner STR&P,NorwalkPublicSchoolOBNSP,R&P OGR&PBudget STOwner STR&P,CommunityOBCommunity,Industry 8 OG STOwnership OG TaxingDistricts,Schools,Sports BoosterClubs,Community BusinessSponsors STR&POB OG OGPartnerNorwalkPublicSchool STR&P,NorwalkPublicSchoolOB ST OGOwnerNorwalkPublicSchool ST CTRecreationalTrails Grant,CTCommunity LISFF-Grandsecurefor Visioning UntappedResourcesNeighborhoodGroups

TimeframesGroups PGSPrograms OG - Ongoing Group1 WTNRWaterfront, Trails, Natural & Regional Parks ST - Short-Term (1-3 Years) Group2 CNPCommunity/Neighborhood Parks MT - Mid-Term (4-7 Years) Group3 SPSchools Parks LT - Long-Term (7-10 Years) Group4 AFAthletic Facilities V - Vision (10+ Years Subsystem

Abb.

Continue to partner for the planning and development of a comprehensive greenway and blueway trail network

Identify opportunities for greenway and blueway connections to existing parks and potential development of additional paved an unpaved park trails. 9.1

WTNR9.2 Partner with Transportation, Mobility and Parking Dept. to develop and implement blueway route signage and additional launch locations and facilities.

WTNR9.3 Identify and promote blueway routes to island parks through development of digital content and signage at launch sites.

WTNR9.4 Facilitate an annual workshop for greenway and blueway partners and advocate to promote benefits of network and better align resources and efforts for implementation.

CNP10.1 Identify unique lifetstyle needs for urban residents and implement through planning and design of new or reinvestment in existing urban park spaces.

CNP10.2 Identify and partner with organizaitions with interest in economic development and urban redevelopment to align resources and identify uni que needs.

CNP10.3 Include standards for urban spaces to include durable ('sustainable' insteadof'durable' ) materials, multi-use facilities, and higher level of maintenance and lifecycle replacement to match higher levels of use where appropriate.

CNP, WTNR, AF10.4 Promote use of univeral symbols for park signage in urban and highvisitation parks. Standardization,uniformity,simplicity

Goalshouldbestustainableandresilentandnotjustdurrable.i.e.turffieldsaredurrableandlastlongerbutnotgoodfortheenviornment

kimley-horn.com 1 North Lexington Ave, Suite 505, White Plains, NY 10601 914.368.9200 Page 7 SubsystemsG#GoalsObjectivesTimeframe Role of R&P Dept and City Actions: Capital Projects, Acquisitions, Policies, etc. Potential Funding Sources Partnerships 9 LT STCommunityPartner,LandTrust OGR&POBR&P MT LTCommunityPartner,LandTrust STR&P,TMPOBR&P,TMP LT LTCommunityPartner,LandTrust LTHarborCommission,R&POBHarborCommission,R&P LT MTCommunityPartner,LandTrust STHarborCommission,R&POBHarborCommission,R&P 10 V STOwnershipRec.Commision,Community HousingEngagement OG/MTTMP Businesses,Residents, NeighborhoodGroups MTR&POB V OGPartnerTourism OG MTR&POB LT STOwner MTR&POB OG OGPartnerTourism,Marketing STNRVT,Bike/Walk STR&POB StandardizationTMP/NRDANRVT

andbrandingforwayfindingbeyondsignage;lighting, WTNR

Development standards for urban solutions in growth areas

157 kimley-horn.com 1 North Lexington Ave, Suite 505, White Plains, NY 10601 914.368.9200

Q1[1]. Usage of the Following Parks and Recreation Amenity Types Provided by Norwalk

by percentage of respondents (multiple selections could be made)

Q1[2]. Satisfaction With Overall Quality of the Following Amenities

158 88% 69% 63% 59% 45% 40% 34% 29% 26% 26% 22% 18% Beaches (public) Walking paths and trails Larger community parks Restrooms (public) Smaller neighborhood parks Open space or lawn Playgrounds Dog parks Athletic fields Outdoor sport courts (basketball, tennis, etc.) Splash pads Kayak/canoe launch 0%20%40%60%80%100%

24.1 24.7 27% 30% 35% 34% 25% 28% 28% 20% 22% 17% 20% 15% 69% 65% 54% 54% 62% 60% 57% 64% 59% 50% 46% 50% 5% 5% 10% 11% 10% 11% 13% 13% 15% 30% 31% 28% 1% 2% 1% 3% 2% 2% 2% 4% 3% 4% 8% Playgrounds Larger community parks Beaches (public) Splash pads Smaller neighborhood parks Open space or lawn Dog parks Athletic fields Walking paths and trails Kayak/canoe launch Outdoor sport courts (basketball, tennis, etc.) Restrooms (public) 0%20%40%60%80%100% Very Satisfied (4)Satisfied (3)Dissatisfied (2)Very Dissatisfied (1)

the amenity

“not provided”)

by percentage of households that used

(excluding

Q2. Parks and Recreation Amenities/Facilities That Should Receive the Most Attention Over the Next 2 to 4 Years

Q3. Do you feel there are sufficient parks and green space areas within walking distance of your residence?

159 54% 44% 30% 29% 25% 25% 17% 12% 11% 10% 9% 4% Beaches (public) Walking paths and trails Larger community parks Restrooms (public) Playgrounds Smaller neighborhood parks Athletic fields Dog parks Outdoor sport courts (basketball, tennis, etc.) Open space or lawn Kayak/canoe launch Splash pads 0%10%20%30%40%50%60% 1st Choice2nd Choice3rd Choice

percentage of respondents who selected the item as one of their top three choices

50% 50% YesNo by percentage of respondents (excluding “not provided”)

Q4. Have you or other members of your household participated in any programs offered by the City of Norwalk during the past 12 months?

Q4a. Approximately how many different recreation programs offered by the City of Norwalk have you or members of your household participated in over the past 12 months? by

20% 80% YesNo by percentage of respondents

percentage of households that participated in programs 39% 48% 10% 2% 2% 1 program2 to 3 programs4 to 6 programs7 to 10 programs11+ programs

Q4b. How would you rate the quality of the programs offered by the City of Norwalk that you and members of your household participated in?

by percentage of households that have participated in programs (excluding “not provided”)

Q5[1]. Households That Have a Need for the Following Facilities

by percentage of respondents (multiple selections could be made)

parks and preserves

Trails/Multi use paths

Smaller neighborhood parks

Larger community parks

Picnic areas/shelters

Walking/running track(s)

Outdoor social gathering spaces

Outdoor pools

Community gardens

Dog parks (off leash)

Community centers/Recreation centers

Playgrounds

Outdoor exercise equipment or stations

Canoe/Kayak launches

Multipurpose fields (soccer, lacrosse and football

Tennis courts

Splash pad(s)

Golf course(s)

Marina/Boat launches

Pickleball courts

Indoor courts (basketball, volleyball)

Basketball courts

Youth baseball and softball fields

Skate parks

Adult baseball and softball fields

Disc

20% 61% 18% 2% ExcellentGoodFairPoor 73% 61% 53% 51% 50% 47% 43% 42% 38% 34% 31% 31% 29% 27% 26% 22% 22% 19% 18% 18% 17% 15% 15% 14% 13% 12% 8% 7% 5%

Walking paths/sidewalks Natural

Restrooms

Other 0%20%40%60%80%100%

golf course(s)

Q5[1]. Estimated Number of Households That Have a Need for Facilities

Q5[2]. How Well Facilities in Norwalk Meet the Needs of Households

25,028 20,932 18,074 17,661 17,076 16,146 14,700 14,494 13,082 11,636 10,741 10,638 10,122 9,295 9,089 7,677 7,471 6,438 6,335 6,335 5,818 5,198 4,992 4,889 4,407 4,097 2,651 2,444 1,549 Walking paths/sidewalks Natural parks and preserves Restrooms Trails/Multi use paths Smaller neighborhood parks Larger community parks Picnic areas/shelters Walking/running track(s) Outdoor social gathering spaces Outdoor pools Community gardens Dog parks (off leash) Community centers/Recreation centers Playgrounds Outdoor exercise equipment or stations Canoe/Kayak launches Multipurpose fields (soccer, lacrosse and football Tennis courts Splash pad(s) Golf course(s) Marina/Boat launches Pickleball courts Indoor courts (basketball, volleyball) Basketball courts Youth baseball and softball fields Skate parks Adult baseball and softball fields Disc golf course(s) Other 05,00010,00015,00020,00025,00030,00035,000

by number of households based on 34,427 households in the City of Norwalk 24.1 24.7 17% 22% 26% 25% 20% 17% 11% 15% 26% 19% 14% 15% 16% 12% 10% 23% 16% 13% 11% 8% 9% 8% 16% 11% 8% 11% 7% 6% 14% 57% 50% 43% 44% 42% 44% 48% 42% 31% 38% 42% 39% 32% 36% 38% 23% 28% 30% 30% 33% 32% 28% 19% 17% 20% 11% 11% 7% 14% 22% 24% 27% 19% 34% 33% 34% 33% 38% 34% 28% 32% 35% 35% 39% 18% 42% 41% 43% 44% 42% 42% 23% 23% 37% 27% 19% 9% 21% 4% 4% 5% 12% 5% 6% 7% 10% 5% 9% 16% 15% 16% 18% 13% 36% 13% 16% 16% 15% 18% 22% 42% 49% 35% 51% 63% 79% 50% Adult baseball and softball fields Larger community parks Playgrounds Golf course(s) Youth baseball and softball fields Multipurpose fields (soccer, lacrosse and football Basketball courts Marina/Boat launches Splash pad(s) Dog parks (off leash) Tennis courts Smaller neighborhood parks Skate parks Natural parks and preserves Picnic areas/shelters Disc golf course(s) Canoe/Kayak launches Walking/running track(s) Trails/Multi use paths Outdoor social gathering spaces Walking paths/sidewalks Restrooms Community gardens Indoor courts (basketball, volleyball) Community centers/Recreation centers Pickleball courts Outdoor exercise equipment or stations Outdoor pools Other 0%20%40%60%80%100% Fully Met Mostly MetPartly MetNot Met

by percentage of households that have a need for facilities

Q5[3]. Estimated Number of Households in Norwalk Whose Needs for Facilties Are

Being Partly Met or Not Met

Q6. Facilities That Are Most Important to Households

14,867 11,531 10,968 10,438 10,181 8,261 7,923 7,732 7,731 7,453 7,348 7,014 4,659 4,553 4,238 4,044 3,609 2,921 2,919 2,826 2,730 2,462 2,102 2,002 1,999 1,719 1,335 689 1,107 Walking paths/sidewalks Restrooms Natural parks and preserves Trails/Multi use paths Outdoor pools Walking/running track(s) Smaller neighborhood parks Picnic areas/shelters Outdoor social gathering spaces Outdoor exercise equipment or stations Community centers/Recreation centers Community gardens Dog parks (off leash) Larger community parks Canoe/Kayak launches Pickleball courts Indoor courts (basketball, volleyball) Multipurpose fields (soccer, lacrosse and football Playgrounds Tennis courts Splash pad(s) Marina/Boat launches Skate parks Golf course(s) Basketball courts Youth baseball and softball fields Disc golf course(s) Adult baseball and softball fields Other 04,0008,00012,00016,00020,000 Partly MetNot Met by number of households based on 34,427 households in the City of Norwalk 2% 4% 1% 1% 39% 31% 19% 17% 17% 17% 17% 13% 9% 9% 8% 8% 7% 7% 6% 6% 5% 5% 5% 5% 4% 3% 3% 2% 2% Walking paths/sidewalks Natural parks & preserves Smaller neighborhood parks Dog parks (off leash) Outdoor pools Larger community parks Trails/multi use paths Restrooms Playgrounds Walking/running track(s) Multipurpose fields (soccer, lacrosse

football) Outdoor exercise equipment or stations Community gardens Outdoor social gathering spaces Picnic areas/shelters Canoe/kayak launches Pickleball courts Community centers/recreation centers Tennis courts Golf course(s) Youth baseball & softball fields Marina/boat launches Splash pad(s) Basketball courts Indoor courts (basketball, volleyball) Adult baseball & softball fields Skate parks Disc golf course(s) Other 0%10%20%30%40%50% 1st Choice2nd Choice3rd Choice

percentage of respondents who selected the item as one of their top three choices

Q7. Reasons Preventing Households From Using Parks, Trails, Recreation and Aquatic Facilities or Programs More Often

by percentage of respondents (multiple selections could be made)

I do not know what is being offered

Lack of restrooms

I do not know locations of parks/facilities

Lack of sidewalk or bike lane access

Parks/facilities too far from residence

Security is insufficient/loitering

Program or facility not offered

Parks/facilities are too crowded

Parks or facilities are not well maintained

Lack of accessibility or parking

Lack of interesting amenities or programs

Fees are too high

Use private or other community facilities

I have physical health limitations

Q8[1]. Households That Have a Need for the Following Activities

by percentage of respondents (multiple selections could be made)

39% 32% 31% 26% 23% 21% 21% 17% 17% 16% 14% 8% 8% 8% 4% 3% 3% 5%

Lack of public transportation Other 0%10%20%30%40%50%

Poor customer service by staff Park operating hours not convenient

64% 48% 48% 48% 42% 39% 38% 37% 37% 35% 33% 31% 29% 29% 29% 23% 22% 21% 16% 16% 16% 15% 14% 13% 6% 5% 3% Nature enjoyment History and museums Special events/festivals Fitness and wellness Performing arts Water

fishing)

Visual

Volunteer

Adult

(tennis,

Youth sports (soccer, tee ball, etc.) Youth (K 5th grade) activities Youth camps Aerobics/spinning Computer education Teen (6th 12th grade) activities eSports (video games) Special populations Other 0%20%40%60%80%

related activities (swimming,

Senior adult activities Outdoor/adventure recreation Socializing Family events (movie nights, etc.) Aquatics

arts

opportunities Yoga/Pilates/Zumba Using Wi Fi Boating/sailing

sports Racquet sports

pickleball, etc.)

Q8[1]. Estimated Number of Households That Have a Need for Activities

Q8[2]. How Well Activities in Norwalk Meet the Needs of Households

Youth sports (soccer, tee ball, etc.) Special events/festivals Boating/sailing History and museums

Nature enjoyment

Socializing

Youth (K 5th grade) activities

Volunteer opportunities

Water related activities (swimming, fishing)

Racquet sports (tennis, pickleball, etc.)

Youth camps

Adult sports

Fitness and wellness

Special populations Visual arts

Outdoor/adventure recreation

Family events (movie nights, etc.)

Performing arts

Using Wi Fi Computer education

Yoga/Pilates/Zumba

Senior adult activities

Teen (6th 12th grade) activities Aquatics Aerobics/spinning eSports (video games) Other

22,068 16,663 16,663 16,559 14,494 13,289 12,979 12,876 12,772 11,946 11,326 10,535 9,812 9,812 9,812 7,953 7,574 7,161 5,612 5,612 5,508 5,198 4,889 4,407 2,134 1,549 930 Nature enjoyment History and museums Special events/festivals Fitness and wellness Performing arts Water related activities (swimming, fishing) Senior adult activities Outdoor/adventure recreation Socializing Family events (movie nights, etc.) Aquatics Visual arts Volunteer opportunities Yoga/Pilates/Zumba Using Wi Fi Boating/sailing Adult sports Racquet sports (tennis, pickleball, etc.) Youth sports (soccer, tee ball, etc.) Youth (K 5th grade) activities Youth camps Aerobics/spinning Computer education Teen (6th 12th grade) activities eSports (video games) Special populations Other 05,00010,00015,00020,00025,00030,000

by number of households based on 34,427 households in the City of Norwalk 24.1 24.7 20% 7% 10% 11% 12% 9% 6% 15% 10% 6% 16% 8% 5% 1% 7% 6% 2% 6% 7% 7% 4% 2% 6% 7% 17% 35% 41% 38% 34% 33% 34% 33% 21% 25% 28% 18% 26% 29% 31% 30% 23% 25% 26% 20% 17% 17% 19% 20% 9% 7% 11% 17% 33% 39% 41% 38% 45% 41% 41% 40% 42% 39% 50% 43% 42% 39% 50% 49% 44% 48% 43% 34% 34% 53% 54% 33% 34% 33% 17% 12% 13% 12% 17% 10% 16% 20% 24% 24% 27% 16% 23% 24% 31% 19% 21% 26% 23% 32% 42% 42% 25% 24% 52% 52% 56% 50%

0%20%40%60%80%100% Fully Met Mostly MetPartly MetNot Met

activities

by percentage of households that have a need for

Q8[3]. Estimated Number of Households in Norwalk Whose Needs for Activities Are Being Partly Met or Not Met

Q9. Activities That Are Most Important to Households

12,116 11,045 10,320 10,085 9,628 9,131 8,987 8,718 8,665 8,338 7,448 7,329 7,300 7,242 6,270 5,014 4,705 4,492 4,152 3,696 3,635 3,441 3,412 2,531 1,898 1,073 620 Nature enjoyment Fitness and wellness Performing arts Senior adult activities Aquatics History and museums Outdoor/adventure recreation Water related activities (swimming, fishing) Special events/festivals Family events (movie nights, etc.) Yoga/Pilates/Zumba Using Wi Fi Visual arts Socializing Volunteer opportunities Adult sports Racquet sports (tennis, pickleball, etc.) Aerobics/spinning Boating/sailing Computer education Youth camps Teen (6th 12th grade) activities Youth (K 5th grade) activities Youth sports (soccer, tee ball, etc.) eSports (video games) Special populations Other 03,0006,0009,00012,00015,000 Partly MetNot Met by number of households based on 34,427 households in the City of Norwalk 1% 0% 36% 22% 17% 17% 15% 15% 15% 14% 14% 12% 8% 8% 8% 8% 7% 7% 7% 6% 6% 5% 4% 4% 4% 1% 0% Nature enjoyment Special events/festivals Senior adult activities Fitness & wellness Performing arts History & museums Family events (movie nights, etc.) Aquatics Water related activities (swimming, fishing) Outdoor/adventure recreation Youth (K 5th grade) activities Visual arts Youth sports (soccer, tee ball, etc.) Using Wi Fi Yoga/Pilates/Zumba Youth camps Socializing Teen (6th 12th grade) activities Boating/sailing Racquet sports (tennis, pickleball, etc.) Volunteer opportunities Adult sports Computer education eSports (video games) Special populations Aerobics/spinning Other 0%10%20%30%40%50% 1st Choice2nd Choice3rd Choice

by percentage of respondents who selected the item as one of their top three choices

Q10. Activities in Which Households Participate Most Often

by percentage of respondents who selected the item as one of their top four choices

Performing arts

Senior

Youth sports (soccer, tee ball, etc.)

Youth (K 5th grade) activities

Volunteer opportunities

Yoga/Pilates/Zumba

Racquet sports (tennis, pickleball, etc.)

Teen (6th 12th grade) activities

Adult sports

Youth camps Aerobics/spinning

1st Choice2nd Choice3rd Choice4th Choice

Q11. Ways Respondents Learn About City of Norwalk Recreational Programs and Activities

1% 0% 1% 1% 46% 28% 22% 20% 18% 17% 16% 15% 11% 10% 10% 9% 9% 9% 8% 8% 7% 7% 6% 5% 5% 4% Nature enjoyment Special events/festivals Fitness and wellness

Outdoor/adventure recreation History and museums

Water related activities (swimming, fishing) Socializing

Family events (movie nights, etc.)

adult activities Visual arts

Using Wi Fi Boating/sailing Aquatics

Special populations

eSports (video games) Other 0%10%20%30%40%50%

0.3% 61% 53% 50% 46% 35% 29% 22% 17% 9% 2% City/department website Email blasts Social media (Twitter, Facebook, etc.) Recreation brochures From friends & neighbors Newspaper ads/articles Radio or cable access television School flyers/newsletter Conversations with City/department staff Other 0%20%40%60% by percentage of respondents (multiple selections could be made)

Q12. Level of Support for the Following Actions the City Could Take to Improve the Recreation and Parks System

by percentage of respondents

Maintain existing beach parks & water access Maintain existing parks

Redevelop/Improve existing beach & waterfront parks

Develop new trails & connect existing trails/sidewalks

Maintain existing sports fields & sport courts

Maintain existing school parks

Redevelop/Improve existing neighborhood parks

Purchase land for open space or natural areas

Redevelop/Improve existing school parks

Purchase land & develop more neighborhood parks

Redevelop/Improve existing athletic fields & sport courts

Purchase land/develop more larger community parks

Develop indoor/outdoor aquatics facility(ies)

Develop indoor spaces & courts

Develop more dog parks

Develop more athletic fields & sport courts

Q13. Actions That Respondents Would Be Most Willing to Fund With Their Tax Dollars

Develop new trails & connect existing trails/sidewalks

Redevelop/Improve existing beach & waterfront parks

Maintain existing beach parks & water access Maintain existing parks Purchase land for open space or natural areas

Purchase land & develop more neighborhood parks

Maintain existing school parks

Develop indoor/outdoor aquatics facility(ies)

Redevelop/Improve existing neighborhood parks

Maintain existing sports fields & sport courts

Purchase land/develop more larger community parks

Redevelop/Improve existing school parks

Develop more dog parks

Redevelop/Improve existing athletic fields & sport courts

Develop indoor spaces & courts

Develop more athletic fields & sport courts

89% 86% 83% 77% 73% 72% 69% 65% 62% 61% 60% 53% 49% 40% 40% 38% 100% 9% 13% 14% 19% 23% 26% 26% 27% 32% 29% 32% 34% 38% 43% 35% 43% 2% 2% 3% 5% 4% 2% 5% 8% 6% 10% 7% 14% 13% 17% 25% 19%

Other 0%20%40%60%80%100% SupportiveNot SureNot Supportive

41% 33% 33% 33% 30% 24% 22% 17% 15% 15% 14% 11% 11% 8% 8% 5% 4%

Other 0%10%20%30%40%50% 1st Choice2nd

Choice3rd Choice4th Choice

by percentage of respondents who selected the item as one of their top four choices

Q14. Additional Amount Respondents Are Willing to Pay in Property Taxes to Fund Actions That Are Most Important to

Q15. Sources of Funding Most Preferred for Parks, Recreation Facilities/Programs, School Parks and Trails

Household 16% 20% 10% 10% 7% 5% 33% $100+ per year$76 $100 per year $51 $75 per year$26 $50 per year $11 $25 per year$1 $10 per year Not willing to pay additional property taxes by percentage of respondents (excluding “not provided”) 60% 59% 54% 37% 34% 14% Parks foundation (non profit) Sponsorships User fees/charges (rentals, sports leagues, etc.) Revenue bonds (parking fees, etc.) Property tax Special tax district 0%20%40%60% 1st Choice2nd Choice3rd Choice

Their

by percentage of respondents who selected the item as one of their top three choices

Respondents Are Willing to Pay

or Charges

Recreation

Activity or Program 11% 14% 12% 2% 28% 32% by percentage of respondents (excluding “not provided”) $1.00 $2.00 $3.00 $4.00 $5.00 Not willing to pay additional user fees or charges 83% 48% 43% 42% 40% 37% 20% 16% 15% 5% City of Norwalk's Calf Pasture Beach City of Norwalk's Cranbury Park A restaurant Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk Your local City of Norwalk park A state or national park Another City park A shopping mall Stepping Stones Museum for Children Other 0%20%40%60%80%100% 1st Choice2nd Choice3rd Choice4th Choice

Leisure and Recreation Providers

Respondents

Most Prefer to Visit by percentage of respondents who selected the item as one of their top four choices

Q16. Additional Amount

in User Fees

for Their Favorite

and Parks

Q17.

That

Would

Q18. Demographics: Ages of Household Members

Q19. Demographics: Age of Respondent

171

5% 6% 5% 5% 5% 11% 13% 14% 18% 10% 8% Under age 5Ages 5 9Ages 10 14Ages 15 19 Ages 20 24Ages 25 34Ages 35 44Ages 45 54 Ages 55 64Ages 65 74Ages 75+ by percentage of persons in the household

by percentage of respondents (excluding “not provided”) 19% 21% 20% 20% 20% Under 35 years35 44 years45 54 years55 64 years65+ years

Q20. Demographics: Gender

Q21. Demographics: Are you or any members of your family of Hispanic, Spanish, or Latino/a/x ancestry?

172

49% 50% 1% MaleFemaleNon binary by percentage of respondents (excluding “not provided”)

20% 80% YesNo by percentage of respondents

Q22. Demographics: Race/Ethnicity

70% 13% 5% 0% 4% White Black or African American Asian or Asian Indian American Indian or Alaska Native Other 0%20%40%60%80%100% by percentage of respondents (multiple selections could be made)

Q3WhichONEofthefollowingbestdescribes

174

bestdescribes you? Answered:398Skipped:0 CityofNorwalk Ci ty of Norw alk resident resi d en t 93.2%(371) 93 2% (371) CityofNorwalkresident NOTaresidentof N NOOT a resi d en t of f the th e CityofNorwalk Ci ty of Norw alk 6.8% 6. 8 % (27) NOTaresidentofthe CityofNorwalk6.8%

yourgender? Answered:398Skipped:0 Female 70.6%(281) 70. 6% (28 1) Female70.6%(281) Male M Male 29.4%(117) 29 4 % (117) Male29.4%(117)

Q1Whichoneofthefollowingoptions

Q2Whatis

yourethnicity? Answered:398Skipped:0 HispanicorLatino Hi sp an i c or Lati n o 15.6%(62) 15 6% (62) HispanicorLatino15.6%(62) NotHispanicor N Not Hi sp an i c or Latino Lati n o 84.4%(336) 8 4 4 % (336) NotHispanicorLatino

Q4Whichofthefollowingbestdescribes you?(check allthatapply)

Q5Countingyourself,howmany peopleinyourhouseholdare...

Ages 25-34

Under age 5

Ages 19-24

Ages 15-18

Ages 55-64

Age 65+

Ages 5-9

Ages 10-14

Ages 35-44

Ages 45-54

175

Answered:398Skipped:0 81.7% 8 1.7% 9.8% 9 8 % 7.3% 7 3% 3.0% 3. . 0 0% 0.3% 0 3% 0.3% 0. . 3% 0.3% 0. . 3% 0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100% White Other Black or African... Asian American Indian or... Native Hawaiian of... Haitian

Answered:398Skipped:0 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 00.20.40.60.811.21.41.61.82

Q6Areany members ofyourhouseholddisabledas aconsequenceof animpairmentthatmay bephysical,cognitive,mental,sensory, emotional,developmental,orsomecombinationofthese?

Q7WhichCity CouncilDistrictdoyoulivein?

Q9Doyouvisitparks orparticipateinrecreationprograms offeredby providers otherthantheCity ofNorwalk?

Answered:398Skipped:0 Yes 7.0%(28) 7 0% (28 ) Yes7.0%(28) No N 93.0%(370) 93 0% (370) No93.0%(370)

Answered:398Skipped:0 CouncilDistrictA Coun c i l Di stri c t A 6.5%(26) 6. 5% (26) CouncilDistrictA6.5%(26) CouncilDistrictB Coun c i l Di sttri c t B 3.0%(12) 3. 0% (12) CouncilDistrictB3.0%(12) CouncilDistrictC Coun c i l Di stri c t C 10.6%(42) 10 6% (4 2) CouncilDistrictC10.6%(42) CouncilDistrictD Coun c i l Di sttri c t D 10.8%(43) 10 8 % (4 3) CouncilDistrictD10.8%(43) CouncilDistrictE Coun c i l Di sttri c t E 8.8%(35) 8 8 % (35) CouncilDistrictE8.8%(35) Notsure N Not t sure 53.0%(211) 53. 0% (211) Notsure53.0%(211) Iamnota I am n ot t a residentof resi d en t of the th e CityofNorwalk Ci ty of Norw alk 7.3% 7. 3% (29) Iamnotaresidentof theCityofNorwalk7.3%

Answered:296Skipped:102 No 11.8%(35) 11. 8 % (35) No11.8%(35) Notsure N Not sure 1.7%(5) 1.7% (5) Notsure1.7%(5)

Q10Whichotherproviders doyouvisitparks orparticipateinrecreation programmingorspecialevents?(Selectallthatapply)

177

Answered:296Skipped:102 60.1% 52.0% 52. . 0 0% 41.6% 4 1 6% 41.6% 34.8% 34 . 8 % 31.4% 31 4 % 31.4% 31 4 % 31.1% 31 1% 28.4% 28 8 4 % 28.0% 28 8 . 0 0% 17.6% 17 7 6% 12.2% 12. . 2% 9.5% 9. . 5% 0.7% 0 7 7% 0.3% 0 0. . 3% 0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100% State of Connecticut... The Maritime Aquarium at... Town of Westport Private Gym or Recreation... City of Stamford Other municipal pa... National Park or other... Town of New Canaan Stepping Stones Museu... Other public schools I only visit City of Norw... Other (please specify) I do not visit parks or... Not sure ANSWERCHOICES StateofConnecticutStateParks TheMaritimeAquariumatNorwalk TownofWestport PrivateGymorRecreationProvider CityofStamford Othermunicipalparksorprograms NationalParkorotherFederallands TownofNewCanaan SteppingStonesMuseumforChildren Otherpublicschools IonlyvisitCityofNorwalkparksorprograms Other(pleasespecify) Idonotvisitparksorrecreate Notsure 60.1% 52.0% 41.6% 34.8% 31.4% 31.4% 31.1% 28.4% 28.0% 17.6% 12.2% 9.5% 0.7% 0.3% RESPONSES

OTHER(PLEASESPECIFY)

Darien

OakHills

IleadvolunteersatOysterShellParktorestorethenativegardensandremoveinvasive plants

NorwalkLittleLeague

CherryLawnDarien

TowofDarien,TownofFairfield

TowofDarien

Wilton

CompoBeach

Wilton

Cranburypark,beaches,steppingstones

Fairfieldbeaches,Jennings,Penfield

Hikingtrails

NYStateParks,NYCWatershedProperties

Redding,CT

Manyalongteheastcoastandsometimesacrossthecountry

NYBotanicalGarden

Darien/Greenwichparks

St.Mary’s,Bridgeport

TownofRedding

Bridgeportpark

FairfieldBeaches

SheffieldIslandLighthouse

WestportY

FodorFarms

Nocomment

CherryLawninDarien,NYCparks,BronxBotanical,NatureConservancydevilsden,Mianus MazeStamford,AdventureParkDiscovermuseum

Whereverconcertsareprovided

178

Q10Whichotherproviders doyouvisitparks orparticipateinrecreation programmingorspecialevents?(Selectallthatapply)

Q11WhichFOURofthefollowingleisureandrecreationproviders would youmostprefertovisit?

179

Answered:263Skipped:135 Providers 7.2% 7 2% 15.9% 15. . 9 9% 19.0% 19 9 0% 21.9% 21. . 9 9% 32.5% 32 5% % 35.4% 35 4 % 40.6% 4 0. . 6 6% 35.7% 35 7% 52.5% 52. . 5% 10.4% 10 4 % 22.2% 22. . 2% 27.0% 27 0% 35.1% 35..1% % 26.3% 26 6 3% 31.9% 31 9 9% % 32.3% 32. . 3% % 32.1% 32 1% % 42.5% 4 2. . 5% 28.7% 28 7% 32.5% 32. . 5% % 34.1% 34 1% 24.6% 24 . 6 6% 25.4% 25 4 % 18.6% 18 6 6% 20.8% 20. . 8 % 17.9% 17 9 9% 2.5% 2. . 5% 53.8% 53 8 % 29.4% 299. . 4 % 19.8% 19 9 8 % 18.4% 18 . 4 % 15.8% 15 8 % 14.2% 14 2% 6.3% 6 6. . 3% 14.3% 14 3% 0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100% City of Norwalk's Ca... Your local City of Norw... City of Norwalk... A state or national park Another City's park A restaurant The Maritime Aquarium at... Stepping Stones Museu... A shopping mall Providers 53.8% 135 28.7% 72 10.4% 26 7.2% 18251 29.4% 37 32.5% 41 22.2% 28 15.9% 20126 19.8% 25 34.1% 43 27.0% 34 19.0% 24126 18.4% 21 24.6% 28 35.1% 40 21.9% 25114 15.8% 18 25.4% 29 26.3% 30 32.5% 37114 14.2% 16 18.6% 21 31.9% 36 35.4% 40113 6.3% 6 20.8% 20 32.3% 31 40.6% 3996 14.3% 4 17.9% 5 32.1% 9 35.7% 1028 2.5% 1 2.5% 1 42.5% 17 52.5% 2140 MOST PREFERRED: 2NDMOST PREFERRED: 3RDMOST PREFERRED: 4THMOST PREFERRED: TOTAL CityofNorwalk'sCalfPasture Beach YourlocalCityofNorwalk park CityofNorwalkCranbury Park Astateornationalpark AnotherCity'spark Arestaurant TheMaritimeAquariumat Norwalk SteppingStonesMuseumfor Children Ashoppingmall

OTHER(PLEASESPECIFY)

Greenwich

Astateornationalpark

OtherNorwalkparks(VeteransMemorial,Freese,TaylorFarmetc

OysterShellPark

HikingTrail

RowaytonDogPark

MeadowsinWilton

Wedoalotofneighborhoodwalksandwalksalongtheriver.

OurlocalparkisBaileyBeach

NorwalkRiverValleyTrail

TALYORFARMDOGPARK

NRVTtrailandotheronroadbikingareas

Picklebsll

6tdbeach,pinkneypark,etc

FodorFarm

Schoolplayground

WiltonandNewCanaanParks

CompoBeachWestport

OakHillsGolf.Needsinvestment

OysterShellPark

Nonparkrecreational/touristicareas(Newport,CapeCod,etc.)

Tenniscourts

Swimmingpool

FodorFarms

CompoBeach

NorwalkIslands

Whereverconcertsareprovided

LocalYmcaneeded

Q12Haveyouorothermembers ofyourhouseholdparticipatedinany programs (sports,recreation,etc.)orevents offeredby theCity ofNorwalk duringthelast12months? Answered:299Skipped:99 Yes 56.9%(170) 56 9% (170) Yes56.9%(170) No N 43.1%(129) 4 3.1% (129) No43.1%(129)

would youmostprefertovisit?

Q11WhichFOURofthefollowingleisureandrecreationproviders

Q13Approximately howmany differentrecreationprograms orevents offeredby theCity ofNorwalk haveyouormembers ofyourhousehold participatedinoverthepast12months?

Q14Whatdays andtimes doyoumostfrequently participateinprograms orvisitparks?

Q15Overall,howwouldyouratethequality oftheprogram(s)orevent(s) thatyouand/ormembers ofyourhouseholdparticipatedinoverthelast12 months?

181

1program 1 p rogram 26.2%(76) 26 2% (76) 1program26.2%(76) 2-3programs 2-3 p rograms 32.1%(93) 32.1% (93) 2-3programs32.1%(93) 4-6programs 4 -6 p rogramms 9.3%(27) 9 3% (27) 4-6programs9.3%(27) 7-10programs 7 7-10 0 p rograms 1.0%(3) 1 0% (3) 7-10programs1.0%(3) 11ormoreprograms 11 or more p rograms 0.3%(1) 0. 3% (1) 11ormoreprograms0.3%(1) Idonot I d o n ot t participatein p arti c i p ate i n City Ci ty ofNorwalk of Norw alk recreation rec reati on progr... p rogr 31.0%(90) 31 0% (90) Idonotparticipatein CityofNorwalkrecreation progr...31.0%(90)

Answered:290Skipped:108

Answered:284Skipped:114 Weekdaymorning Weekd ay morn i n g 6.3%(18) 6. 3% (18 ) Weekdaymorning6.3%(18) Weekdaydaytime W Weekd ay y d ayytti i me 13.4%(38) 13. 4 % (38 ) Weekdaydaytime13.4%(38) Weekdayevening W Weekd ay y even i n g 25.4%(72) 25. 4 % (72) Weekdayevening25.4%(72) Weekendmorning W Weeken d morn i n g 8.8%(25) 8 8 % (25) Weekendmorning8.8%(25) Weekenddaytime W Weeken d d ayytti me 41.9%(119) 4 1 9% (119) Weekenddaytime41.9%(119) Weekendevening W Weeken d even i n g 4.2%(12) 4 2% (12) Weekendevening4.2%(12)

Excellent E xc ellen t 12.1%(34) 12 1% (34 ) Excellent12.1%(34) Good G 42.9%(121) 4 2 9% (121) Good42.9%(121) Fair Fai r 20.2%(57) 20 2% (57) Fair20.2%(57) Poor P 5.7%(16) 5.7% (16) Poor5.7%(16) Notsure N Not t sure 19.1%(54) 19.1% (54 ) Notsure19.1%(54)

Answered:282Skipped:116

Q16Rateyourlevelofsatisfactionwiththefollowingprogramservices providedby theCit y ofNorwalk RecreationandParks Department.

0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%

182 3.4% 3. 4 % 4.7% 4 7% 3.6% 3 6 6% % 2.1% 2 1% 4.2% 4 2% 5.8% 5. . 8 % 13.2% 13. . 2% 15.8% 15 8 % 10.0% 10 0% 11.2% 11 2% 13.1% 13 1% 18.7% 18 7% 22.8% 22 8 % 22.8% 27.4% 27. . 4 % 63.2% 6 63. . 2% 59.4% 59 9 4 % 72.0% 72 0% 71.4% 71 4 % 66.2% 6 66 6 2% 64.3% 6 64 3% 60.3% 6 60 3% 56.0% 566. . 0% 20.1% 20..1% 20.1% 20 1% 17.2% 17 2% 16.6% 16 6% 17.1% 17 1% 14.9% 14 9 9% 12.7% 12 7% 10.8% 10. . 8 %

Fees charged for value... Quality of customer... Location of programs Times programs are o ered Quality of instructors Ease of registration Quality of the facility whe... Availability of informati...

20.1% 47 63.2% 148 13.2% 31 3.4% 8 20.1% 47 59.4% 139 15.8% 37 4.7% 11 17.2% 41 72.0% 172 10.0% 24 0.8% 2 16.6% 40 71.4% 172 11.2% 27 0.8% 2 17.1% 38 66.2% 147 13.1% 29 3.6% 8 14.9% 35 64.3% 151 18.7% 44 2.1% 5 12.7% 30 60.3% 143 22.8% 54 4.2% 10 10.8% 26 56.0% 135 27.4% 66 5.8% 14 VERY SATISFIED SATISFIEDDISSATISFIEDVERY

Feeschargedforvaluereceived Qualityofcustomerservice Locationofprograms Timesprogramsareoffered Qualityofinstructors Easeofregistration Qualityofthefacilitywhereprogram/eventis offered AvailabilityofinformationonCity's/Department's website

DISSATISFIED

Q17SelectALLoftheways youormembers ofyourhouseholdtravelto thepark ortoparticipateinarecreationprogramorevent.

Q18Howwouldyoudefine'walkingdistance?'

Greaterthan1-1/2 G Greatter t th an 1-1/2 miles mi les or30+ or 30+ minuteswalking mi n utes w alki n g

1/8mileor2-3 1/8 mi le or 2-3 minutes mi n utes walking w alki n g 6.5%(18) 6. 5% (18 )

1/8mileor2-3minutes walking6.5%(18)

1/4mileor5 1/4 mi le or 5 minutes mi n utes walking w alki n g 15.2%(42) 15 2% (4 2) 1/4mileor5minutes walking15.2%(42)

1/2mileor10 1/2 mi le or 10 0 minutes mi n utes walking w alki n g 19.6%(54) 19 6% (54 ) 1/2mileor10minutes walking19.6%(54)

3/4mileor15 3/4 mi i le or 15 minutes mi n utes walking w alki n g 16.7%(46) 16.7% (4 6) 3/4mileor15minutes walking16.7%(46)

Q19Doyoufeeltherearesufficientparks andgreenspaceareas within walkingdistanceofyourresidence?

Yes 50.0%(139) 50. 0% (139) Yes50.0%(139)

97.2% 97 2% 47.2% 4 7 7. . 2% 30.3% 300. . 3% 3.5% 3 5% % 2.8% 2 8 % % 0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100% Drive (vehicle or carpool) Walk Bike Personal electric mot... Public Transportation None

1mileor20 1 mi le

walking w alki n g 22.1%(61) 22 1% (61) 1mileor20minutes walking22.1%(61) 1-1/2milesor30 1-1/2 m mi les or 30 0 minutes

walking w alki n g 8.3%(23) 8 3% (23) 1-1/2milesor30minutes walking8.3%(23)

0 minutes mi n utes

mi n utes

11.6%(32) 11 6% (32)

Greaterthan1-1/2miles or30+minuteswalking

No N 43.5%(121) 4 3.

Notsure

6.5%(18)

5% (121) No43.5%(121)

N Not t sure

(18 ) Notsure6.5%(18)

Q20SelectALLthereasons

events

Lackofrestrooms

Idonotknowwhatisoffered

Lackofsidewalksorbikelaneaccess

Parks/facilitiesarenotwellmaintained

Parks/facilitiesaretoocrowded

Securityisinsufficient/loitering

Parks/facilitiestoofarfromresidence

Lackoftrailaccess

Programorfacilitynotoffered

Useprivateorothercommunity'sparks/facilities

Lackofaccessibilityorparking

Feesaretoohigh

Spacesnotcomfortable outdoors

Parkoperatinghoursnotconvenient

Poorcustomerservicebystaff

Idonotknowlocationsofparks/facilities

Lackoftransportation/publictransit

Physicalhealthlimitations

184

35.0% 35 0% 31.8% 31 8 % 28.1% 28 8 1% 25.3% 25. . 3% 20.3% 20 0 3% 17.5% 17 7 5% 15.2% 15. . 2% 14.7% 14 7 7% 14.3% 14 3% 13.8% 13. . 8 % 11.5% 11 5% 8.8% 8 . 8 % 8.3% 8 . 3% 6.5% 6 5% 5.1% 5 1% 4.6% 4 6% 3.7% 3 7 7% 1.4% 1. . 4 %

Lack of restrooms I do not know what is o ered Lack of sidewalks or... Parks/facilitie s are not we... Parks/facilitie s are too... Security is insu cient... Parks/facilitie s too far fr... Lack of trail access Program or facility not... Use private or other... Lack of accessibilit... Fees are too high Spaces not comfortable... Park operating hours not... Poor customer service by... I do not know locations of...

of transportati... Physical health...

thatpreventyouorothermembers ofyour householdfromvisitingparks orparticipatinginrecreationprograms and

intheCity ofNorwalk moreoften.

0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%

Lack

35.0% 31.8% 28.1% 25.3% 20.3% 17.5% 15.2% 14.7% 14.3% 13.8% 11.5% 8.8% 8.3% 6.5% 5.1% 4.6% 3.7% 1.4%

OTHER (PLEASE SPECIFY)

Many parks have no amenities for younger children. Playgrounds in other nearby towns and cities offer more for children, so we go there as a family.

Parks for walking are horrible in East Norwalk no maintenance at all beautiful scenery but horrible footpaths in Veterans Park would use more parks if dogs were allowed. Wish those that don't pick up after their dogs would get ticketed and then allow those of us that do respect others to use more areas. I especially miss Oyster Shell Park and would love to see the outer ring of Veterans Park available to dogs.

Parking should be free at Freese Park for Norwalk residents.

My perspective is as a frequent visitor of parks/playgrounds. If there are events happening, I am not aware of them - so marketing is an issue. I am never seen a flyer along the riverwalk, at the Aquarium or Children's Museum, nor have I received anything in the mail.

There is no water in the Playground, something that was brought to Mayor Rilling’s attention 2 years ago

no access barriers to parks for us; haven't seen any programs of interest during COVID (1 teen at home) and also limited time for programs

no dogs at calf pasture off season; cranbury too far and crowded and not well kept

Poor Kayak Access to water in Norwalk. Not Kayak Boater Friendly

Very Poor Kayak access in Norwalk including all existing access points. Poor launch or non existance access

Covid - miss concerts in the parks

None

Parking issues

Cranberry Park visitors do not adhere to the dog park rules. They allow them to run free off leash through the main field and at the playground

Working

The restrooms are often dirty (shame on people) and they are old and outdated

Too many parks do not permit dogs. More parks, not just Taylor Farm, need to allow dogs

We need Pickle Ball courts

Child plays sports and we do a lot of traveling because of it.

I love the parks. I wish there was more programming

Full time job 7am-5pm

None

Dogs not permitted at some parks

Woods Pond is near where I live and could be a wonderful park. It is not well maintained at all. In the winter, my family and others use the pond to skate on but it's rather dangerous to get onto the ice because of blocks of concrete and broken metal. It would be a wonderful place to skate with just a bit more care.

Í don’t work in Norwalk so by the time I get home….there’s no going back out

Too much parking and roadways, not enough green space.

Ver few basketball or tennis courts, or parks

The amount of people and lack of patrol makes going to events undesirable.

Lack of restrooms in late fall,winter

None apply

None

Lazy!

stupid, restrictive Covid rules

185

Q20 Select ALL the reasons that prevent you or other members of your household from visiting parks or participating in recreation programs and events in the City of Norwalk more often.

OTHER (PLEASE SPECIFY)

I really don't feel prevented from visiting any parks or programs

N/a

the past 12 months have been an anamoly. Beforte that we particpated much more freqeuntly. Baseball fields are not maintained on a regular basis. Insufficient amount of USABLE fields

N/a

I am a property owner in Norwalk and so pay taxes in your town and used to get a beach pass until changed to vehicle registration

My household does not live in Norwalk poor email communication even after it was pointed out by many families. horrible female umpire for youth fall softball.

nothing prevents us now that Covid is less problematic

Allowing Cranbury Park's forest to be damaged/destroyed by visitors and frisbee golfers who cut down trees and trample off-trail areas. Sad to see what used to be a healthy forest get abused.

I'm not aware of the activities. Need more for Sr. Citizens. Also Covid keeps me away. Need tighter Covid Rules, masks, social distancing, safety requirements, etc.

Public swimming pool unavailable

The quality of playgrounds is much higher in surrounding towns. There is more varied equipment and the parks are kept free of litter. With young children, litter is a real concern because they will pick it up and don’t know to avoid things like broken glass.

Disrespectful dog owners let their pets off leash on leash-required areas

Dogs not permitted, even on leash, which makes no sense.

The playground at oyster shell park does not have any benches which is frustrating Member of private club. Need public pool or Ymca in Norwalk.

Q20 Select ALL the reasons that prevent you or other members of your household from visiting parks or participating in recreation programs and events in the City of Norwalk more often.

ANSWERCHOICES

Website(CityofNorwalk)

Socialmedia(Facebook,Twitter,Nextdoor,etc.)

FamilyorFriend

Emailblasts

Flyersorpostersatparks/facilities

Newspaperads/articles

ConversationswithCity/Departmentstaff

Mailer(s)

Printedbrochure(s)

Cableaccesstelevisions

Radio

OTHER(PLEASESPECIFY)

None

Thereisnotenoughmarketing/advertisinghappening.Itneedstocomeofflineandbe marketedinamoregrassrootsfashion.LotsoffoottrafficalongtheriverfrontbytheAquarium. IlookoutmywindowtotheparkandamnotawareofeventshappeningoutsideoftheOyster Festival.

ThePollinatorPathwayatOSPaintheSandyHookMemorial PeachjarSTINKSandisineffective.

AnnouncementsthroughNorwalkSchools

Schoolprovidesinfo

emailblastsaboutbaseballwerenotworkinglastfall.whenitwaspointedoutseveraltimes, noonefixeditandallfamilieskepthearingwas'Isentthemout".Wellclearlyitwasn'tdone rightifnoonewasreceivingthem.

Library

weneedbettercommunications.Idon'tknowaboutthem.BychanceIseetheconcertinthe parksometimes.Coviddeathsisaproblem.

Norwalkpublicschoolsnotices

187 59.8% 59 8 % 59.8% 59 8 % 53.5% 53 5% 36.2% 36 2% 22.9% 22 9% 14.8% 14 . 8 % 8.5% 8 5% 7.7% 7..77% 7.4% 7 4 % 6.3% 6. . 3% 4.8% 4 8 % 0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100% Website (City of Norwalk) Social media (Facebook,... Family or Friend Email blasts Flyers or posters at... Newspaper ads/articles Conversations with... Mailer(s) Printed brochure(s) Cable access televisions Radio

Q21SelectALLways inwhichyoulearnaboutrecreationprograms, events orclasses providedby theCity ofNorwalk.

Signsonlawns 59.8% 59.8% 53.5% 36.2% 22.9% 14.8% 8.5% 7.7% 7.4% 6.3% 4.8% RESPONSES

Peachjarflyersfromschool

I have a need and it’s fully met

I have a need and it’s mostly met

I have a need and it’s partly met

I have a need and it’s not met

I do not have a need for this activity

188

28.3% 28 3% 34.2% 34 2 2% 46.6% 4 6 6. . 6 6% 7.9% 7. . 9 9% 18.6% 18 6 6% 24.9% 24 4 9 9% 9.6% 9 6 6% 51.5% 51 5% 51.5% 50.0% 50 0% 66.2% 6 666. . 2 2% 15.5% 15. . 5% 16.0% 16 0% 17.6% 17 6 6% 13.2% 13. . 2 2% 50.4% 50. . 4 % 47.3% 4 7 3% 57.7% 57 7% 63.7% 6 63 7% 36.3% 36 6 3% 35.3% 35. . 3% 26.7% 266..7% 26.6% 26 6 6 6% 23.3% 23 3% 23.8% 2 23 8 % 23.4% 23 4 % 20.8% 20 8 % 20.1% 20..1% 18.9% 18 . 9 9% 16.5% 16 6 5% 15.6% 15 6 6% 15.8% 15. . 8 % 12.6% 12. . 6 6% 12.2% 12 2 2% 12.1% 12 1% 4.2% 4 2% 17.9% 17 9 9% 10.5% 10. . 5% 36.3% 366. . 3% 24.5% 2 24 5% 27.3% 27 3% 35.1% 35 1% 15.1% 15 1% 14.6% 14 6 6% 9.4% 9. . 4 % 34.5% 34 4 . 5% 32.1% 32 1% 32.8% 32 8 % 30.8% 30. . 8 % 16.4% 166. . 4 % 20.3% 20 3% 17.6% 17 6 6% 7.1% 7 1% 18.8% 18 . 8 % 16.5% 16 6 5% 15.1% 15 1% 24.7% 24 7% 7.1% 7 1% 3.0% 3. . 0% 19.7% 199..7% 23.6% 23 6 6% 24.6% 24 6 6% 26.9% 266. . 9 9% 14.3% 14 . 3% 11.8% 11 8 % 8.4% 8 4 % 4.2% 4 . 2% 10.4% 10. . 4 % 13.9% 13 9 9% 9.4% 9 4 % 6.7% 6 7% 5.0% 5 0% 7.5% 7 5% 11.3% 11. . 3% 11.8% 11 8 % 9.4% 9 4 % 13.2% 13. 2 2% 6.3% 6. . 3% 8.4% 8 4 % Outdoor pools Community centers/Recr... Outdoor exercise... Walking paths/sidewalks Smaller neighborhood... Walking/running track(s) Restrooms Indoor courts (basketball,... Community gardens Pickleball courts Trails/Multi-us e paths Outdoor social gathering... Picnic areas/shelters Natural parks and preserves Tennis courts Multipurpose elds (socc... Canoe/Kayak launches 53.3% 53 3% 47.2% 4 7. . 2% 76.1% 76 6 1% 66.8% 6 66 6 8 % 70.0% 70 0% 35.4% 35 4 % 64.6% 6 64 6 6% 7.0% 7 0% 7.3% 7. . 3% 7.3% 7 3% 6.0% 6 0% 5.4% 5 4 % 5.0% 5 0% 5.0% 5 0% 17.8% 17 8 % 18.0% 18 . 0% 13.2% 13 2% 8.3% 8 3% 19.6% 19 9 6 6% 13.8% 13 8 % 10.7% 10 7% 16.7% 166..7% 5.1% 5 1% 7.7% 7 7% 9.2% 9 2 2% 25.0% 25 0% 9.6% 9 6 6% 11.2% 11 2% 10.7% 10..7% 8.5% 8 5% 6.4% 6 4 % 7.1% 7 1% 15.0% 15 0% 7.1% 7 1% 0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100% Dog parks (o -leash) Splash pad(s)/spray... Disc golf course(s) Skate parks Marina/Boat launches Playgrounds Golf course(s)

Q22Indicateifyouormembers ofyourhouseholdhaveaneedforthe followingrecreationFACILITYandhowmuchofyourneedis currently beingmeteitherby theCity ofNorwalk orotherrecreationandpark providers.

OTHER(PLEASESPECIFY)

Wheredowerespondifwedon'tpersonallyhaveaneed,butfeelthecommunityshouldhave anamenity,suchaspool,communitygardens,skatingrinketc

Shadedareas,awnings,benches,picnicspotsareoveralllacking.CalfPastureplaygroundis beautifullymaintained.Theotherplaygroundsdon'tgetasmuchTLC. Whydoeseveryonethinkyouneedtenniscourtsandtheyarerarelyusedandbasketball courtsarefull?

needchesstablesatparks,benchesclosetogetherforgroups,identifiedfriendshipbenches. mostparkshavelimitedseatingandit'sfarapartfromothers

MoreKayakaccesstowater

BathroomsneedtobeupdatedatthebeachPLEASE.Iamembarrassedtobringmyfriends fromWestporttothebeach

Pickleball/tenniscourtatseniorcenterneedresurfacing,andyoucanpaintpicklelinesto maketwocourts

Weekendgolfisnowfortherichresidentsandrichoutoftownresidents.Youmustbuya membershippassforafewthousandtobeabletogetanearlyweekendtime.Otherwiseyour leftplayingintheafternoon.ThisneedstobechangedweplayelsewherenowbecauseI cannotevenaffordtoplayinmyowntown.Awful

Pickleballcourtsarenotavailableandusneeded

NeedmoreaccesstotheNorwalkRiverwithparksandtrails. Assistancefromschoolforrowers..brienmcmahon

Biketrails-notmet

baseballfieldsarenotbeingmaintainedproperlyforbyparksandrecandgivetheprivatethe privategroupsthatarewillingtodotheworkahardtime.TherewasnoreasonFoxRunhad weedsgrowingintheinfieldduringtheentirebaseballseasonandfallballseason. Covidkeepsmeawayatthepresenttime.StricterCovidrulesareneeded wouldbeamazingtohaveanoutdoorpoolandpickleballcourtinNorwalk IwouldliketoseeacommunityoutdoorpoolforNorwalk.Wecurrentlydon'thaveoneandand it'sneeded.Wecanchargeresidentsasmallfeetouseit.

SafeBikepathwithGreenway,notjustbikelanes

Placestowalkdogonleash.Whydoesn’tNorwalkallowleasheddogsinparks??

189

Q22Indicateifyouormembers ofyourhouseholdhaveaneedforthe followingrecreationFACILITYandhowmuchofyourneedis currently beingmeteitherby theCity ofNorwalk orotherrecreationandpark providers.

Q23WhichTHREErecreationfacilities listedaremostimportanttoyouor members ofyourhousehold?

37.8% 37. 8 % 19.3% 19 9 3% 6.1% 6 1% 29.2% 29 9 2% 32.4% 32. . 4 % 19.0% 19 9 0% 22.9% 2 22 9 9% 40.0% 4 0. . 0% 25.0% 25. . 0% 23.5% 23 5% 37.0% 37 0% 24.0% 24 . 0% 30.3% 30 3% 23.1% 23 1% 20.0% 20 0% 28.6% 28 6 6% 29.3% 29. 3% 35.1% 35 1% 21.2% 21 2% 21.2% 33.8% 33 8 % 35.3% 35. . 3% 38.1% 38 1% 34.3% 34 3% 28.9% 28 . 9 9% 39.3% 399. . 3% 39.3% 23.5% 23 5% 29.6% 29 9 6 6% 44.0% 4 4 . 0% 45.5% 4 5 5% 12.5% 12 5% 38.5% 38 5% 30.0% 30 0% 14.3% 14 3% 32.9% 32. 9% 45.6% 4 5 6 6% 72.7% 72 7% 36.9% 36 6 9 9% 32.4% 32. . 4 % 42.9% 4 2 9 9% 42.9% 4 2 9 9% 31.1% 31..1% 35.7% 35..7% 52.9% 52 9 9% 33.3% 33 3% 32.0% 32. . 0% 24.2% 24 2% 87.5% 8 7 5% 38.5% 38 5% 50.0% 50 0% 57.1% 57 1% Outdoor pools Smaller neighborhood... Youth baseball and softball... Walking paths/sidewalks Natural parks and preserves Playgrounds Dog parks (o -leash) Larger community parks Multipurpose elds (socc... Pickleball courts Walking/running track(s) Basketball courts Trails/Multi-us e paths Adult baseball and softball... Indoor courts (basketball,... Marina/Boat launches Skate parks Canoe/Kayak 61.5% 61 5% 47.4% 4 7 4 % 42.9% 4 2. . 9 9% 7.7% 7 7% 42.1% 4 2 1% 42.9% 4 2. . 9 9% 30.8% 30 8 % 10.5% 10 5% 14.3% 14 . 3% Canoe/Kayak launches Community gardens Golf course(s)

191 50.0% 50 0% 55.6% 55 6 6% 52.9% 52. . 9 9% 57.1% 57 1% 61.5% 6 61 5% 65.0% 6 65 0% 66.7% 6 66 6 7% 33.3% 33 3% 40.0% 4 0 0% 33.3% 33 3% 41.2% 4 1. . 2% 35.7% 35 7% 30.8% 30 8 % 30.0% 30 0% 16.7% 16 6 7% 50.0% 50 0% 10.0% 10 0% 11.1% 11 1% 5.9% 5. . 9 9% 7.1% 7 1% 7.7% 7 7% 5.0% 5 0% 16.7% 16 6 7% 16.7% 16 7% 0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100% Community centers/Recr... Tennis courts Picnic areas/shelters Splash pads/Spray... Outdoor social gathering... Restrooms Disc golf course(s) Outdoor equipment or...

192

36.7% 36 7% 35.9% 35 9 9% 27.4% 27. . 4 % 51.1% 51..1% 36.5% 36 6 5% 56.4% 56 6 4 % 64.5% 6 64 . 5% 39.5% 39 5% 29.4% 29 9 4 % 51.5% 51. . 5% 46.1% 4 6 6..1% 39.0% 39 9 0% 45.0% 4 5 0% 22.6% 2 222. . 6 6% 10.2% 10 2% 26.0% 26 6 0% 16.2% 16 6 2% 3 42.8% 4 2 8 % 34.6% 34 6 6% 25.2% 25. . 2% 25.3% 2 25. . 3% 23.6% 23 6 6% 23.3% 23 3% 22.1% 22..1% 21.0% 21 0% 19.1% 19 9 1% 15.2% 15. . 2 2% 14.3% 14 4 . 3% 13.9% 13 9 9% 13.4% 13 4 % 13.2% 13. . 2% 13.1% 13 1% 13.4% 13 4 % 12.8% 12 8 % 2 14.0% 14 4 0% 20.8% 20 8 % 29.9% 299. . 9 9% 16.2% 166. . 2% 23.2% 23 2% 11.5% 11 5% 9.1% 9 9..1% 19.3% 19 9 3% 31.1% 31 1% 21.2% 21. . 2 2% 23.0% 23. . 0% 27.3% 2 27 3% 22.5% 22 5% 33.3% 33. . 3% 36.0% 36 6 0% 30.3% 30 3% 38.0% 38 0% 228 3.5% 3 5% 11.5% 11. . 5% 11.6% 11 6 6% 5.3% 5 3% 9.4% 9 4 % 14.0% 14 4 0% 6.1% 6..1% 12.2% 12. . 2% 13.4% 13 4 % 10.8% 10 8 % 23.1% 23..1% 27.5% 27 5% 19.5% 19 9 5% 21.4% 21 4 % 9 5.2% 5 2% 6.0% 6. 0% 3.9% 3. . 9 9% 5.2% 5 2% 10.7% 10 7% 6.4% 6 4 % 6.1% 6..1% 4.3% 4 . 3% 6.5% 6 5% 8.2% 8 2% 7.7% 7..7% 13.1% 13 1% 10.8% 10 8 % 11.5% 11 5% Outdoor/adventu re recreatio... Aquatics Fitness and wellness Yoga/Pilates/Zu mba Performing arts Teen (6th12th grade)... Aerobics/spinni ng Using Wi-Fi Family events (movie night... Adult sports Visual arts Youth sports Youth camps History and museums Nature enjoyment Socializing Special events and festivals Youth(K-5th 51 3% 45.3% 4 5. . 3% 11.7% 11 7% 73.0% 73 0% 56.0% 56 6 0% 12 5% 2 11.2% 11. . 2% 10.5% 10 5% 10.4% 10 4 % 10.3% 10 3% 22 8% 8 % 25.9% 25. . 9 9% 32.6% 32 2 6 6% 11.7% 11 7% 17.7% 17 7% 9 5% 11.2% 11. . 2% 25.5% 2 25 5% 2.6% 2 6 6% 8.2% 8 2% 6.5% 6 6. . 5% 19.7% 19 9 7% 7.8% 7 8 % Youth (K5th grade)... Volunteer opportunities Water-related activities... Senior adult activities Boating/sailing

Q24Indicateifyouormembers ofyourhouseholdhaveaneedforthe followingACTIVITIESandhowmuchofyourneedis currently beingmet eitherby theCity ofNorwalk orotherrecreationandparks providers.

I have a need and it’s fully met

I have a need and it’s mostly met I have a need and it’s partly met I have a need and it’s not met

I do not have a need for this activity

OTHER(PLEASESPECIFY)

Ifeellikeourdowntown&parksareunderutilized.Summerconcertseries,wearethebest situatedtowninFairfieldCountytopullsomethinglikethisoff-we'vegotthespaceandthe parking.Let'shaveastandingweekendFarmer'sMarkettosupportlocalbusinesses,Family MovienightunderthestarsatVeteran'sPark,EncourageMusicianstoplayinourparks, Encouragemorefoodtrucksonbusyda ys,hostkidthemedcommunityevents(musiccircle, storytimeinthepark-whyisn'ttheNorwalklibrarydoinganyofthis?DarienLibraryisin conjunctionwithparks&rec.&theNatureCenter),adultevents-Ihaveneverseenan outdoorbootcampfitnessclassoryoga,thecitycouldhireaninstructorandofferafree monthlyclassinapark.Guidedtoursofthedowntownsono/riverwalk.Iwould lovetosee lights/decoraroundourriverwalk&downtownareaduringtheholidayseason.Weshouldbe encouragingartisticexpression&energyinourcommunityanddedicatingresourcestoit. Signageoverallislacking.Ilovethepictorialsignagealongtheriverwalk,butitsstartingto degradeandtherecouldbemoreofitallovertheplace.Lookoutmagnifyingscopesalongthe riverwouldbefun, child&adultsized.Weneedtohiremorestafftomaintainourparksalong theriver,trashaccumulatesveryfast&thelandscapingisabitlackluster.Devon'splace playgroundisnotbeingregularlymaintainedwiththesameTLCasCalfPasture.Itneeds somemoneyputintoitforLandscapingandupkeep.Theplaygroundnearthemall-sideneeds tobepartiallyfencedandthesidewalksreconfigured. Benches/seatingareasarehardtocome byandIknowthesecanbetrickyastheycanattractunwantedvisitors,buttheresimplyare notalotofplacestorestandsocialize.

NoPlatformTennisCourts MOREDOGPARKS

moreyouth,adult,andsr.citizensactivitiesonceCovidisoverorcontained TangSooDowithDougPeoplesissomethingthathasbeenandcontinuestobeastandout, consistent,legacyinNorwalk.Apriorityformyfamilyistoensurethattherearenoplansto impedethisprograminthefuture.Asitstands,wearedisappointedinthelackoftransparency byParks&RectohaveMr.Peoplesremovehisbelongingsfromtheofficehehasoccupied fordecades.

Placetowalkdogs!

56.0% 56 6 0% 58.4% 58 4 % 68.5% 6 68 5% 82.0% 8 2 0% 76.2% 76 6 2% 10.3% 10 3% 10.0% 10 0% 9.9% 9 9 9% 10.1% 10 1% 6.6% 6 6 6% 17.7% 17 7% 16.9% 16 6 9 9% 13.8% 13 8 % 3.5% 3 5% 10.6% 10 6 6% 8.2% 8 2% 9.1% 9 1% 3.9% 3 9 9% 7.8% 7 8 % 5.6% 5 6 6% 4.4% 4 4 % 0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100% Boating/sailing Tennis Computer education eSports (video games) Special populations...

Q25WhichTHREEactivities listedaremostimportanttoyouormembers of yourhousehold?

194

9.5% 9 5% 33.3% 33 3% 15.9% 15. . 9 9% 27.5% 27. . 5% 25.0% 25 0% 24.4% 24 4 % 24.1% 24 . .1% 40.4% 4 0 4 % 28.2% 28 2% 44.7% 4 4 . .7% 30.4% 30. . 4 % 40.5% 4 0 5% 47.4% 4 7 4 % 40.7% 4 0..7% 38.9% 38 9 9% 21.4% 21 4 % 47.1% 4 7 1% 19.0% 19 0% 30.9% 30 9 9% 31.8% 31. . 8 % 37.3% 37. . 3% 36.4% 36 6 4 % 37.8% 37 8 % 27.6% 27. . 6 6% 34.6% 34 6 6% 41.0% 4 1 0% 23.7% 23..7% 21.7% 21..7% 35.1% 35 1% 31.6% 31 6 6% 37.0% 37. . 0% 33.3% 33 3% 42.9% 4 2 9 9% 35.3% 35 3% 71.4% 71 4 % 35.8% 35 8 % 52.3% 52. . 3% 35.3% 35. . 3% 38.6% 38 6 6% 37.8% 37 8 % 48.3% 4 8 . 3% 25.0% 25 0% 30.8% 30 8 % 31.6% 31. . 6 6% 47.8% 4 7. . 8 % 24.3% 24 3% 21.1% 2 21 1% 22.2% 22. . 2% 27.8% 2 27 8 % 35.7% 35 7% 17.6% 17 6 6% Youth sports (soccer, tee... Nature enjoyment Aquatics Youth (K-5th grade)... Youth Camps Teen (6th12th grade)... Boating/sailing Family events (movie night... Performing arts Special events/festi... Racquet sports (tennis,... Fitness and wellness Water-related activities... Outdoor/adventu re recreatio... History and museums Adult sports Senior adult activities 27.3% 27. 3% 40.0% 4 0 0% 42.9% 4 2 9 9% 50.0% 50. . 0% 54.5% 54 . 5% 50.0% 50 0% 28.6% 28 6 6% 50.0% 50. . 0% 18.2% 18 . 2% 10.0% 10 0% 28.6% 28 6 6% Visual arts Socializing Using Wi-Fi Special populations...

195 70.0% 70 0% 100.0% 100 0% 45.5% 4 5. . 5% 100.0% 100 0% 100.0% 100 0% 30.0% 30 0% 54.5% 54 . 5% 0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100% Volunteer opportunities Aerobics/spinni ng Yoga/Pilates/Zu mba Computer education eSports (video games)

Developmoreathleticfieldsandsportcourts

Developindoorspacesandcourts

Purchaselandanddevelopmorelarger communityparks

Developmoredogparks

Very Supportive Somewhat Supportive Not SureNot Supportive

5.6% 5. 6% 5.3% 5 3% 11.0% 11 0% 9.9% 9 9 9% 9.4% 9. 4 % 10.2% 10 2% 11.0% 11. . 0% 14.3% 14 . 3% 31.7% 31 7% 4.4% 4 . 4 % 5.2% 5. 2% 4.4% 4 4 % 6.5% 6 6. . 5% 4.0% 4 0% 7.1% 7 1% 7.6% 7 6 6% 12.8% 12 8 % 11.7% 11 7% 12.5% 12. 5% 12.9% 12 9 9% 15.4% 15. . 4 % 12.6% 12. . 6 6% 17.0% 17 0% 9.7% 9 7% 10.0% 10 0% 15.4% 15. . 4 % 16.5% 166. . 5% 21.0% 21 0% 19.0% 199. . 0% 26.1% 26 6 1% 23.9% 23 9 9% 27.2% 27 2 2% 16.3% 16 6 3% 23.3% 2 23 3% 24.6% 24 . 6 6% 30.2% 30 2% 27.8% 27. . 8 % 28.7% 2 28 . .7% 24.6% 24 4 6 6% 88.6% 8 8 6 6% 87.9% 8 7 9 9% 78.9% 78 . 9 9% 77.0% 77. . 0% 72.1% 72 2 1% 68.8% 6 68 . 8 % 67.7% 6 67 7% 63.7% 6 63 7% 63.4% 6 63 4 % 59.9% 59 9 9 9% 55.2% 55 2% 53.6% 53. . 6 6% 46.7% 4 6 7% 45.8% 4 5. . 8 % 44.4% 4 4 . 4 % 26.8% 26 6 8 % 0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100% Maintain existing bea... Maintain existing parks Maintain existing sch... Redevelop/Impro ve existing... Maintain existing spo... Develop new trails and... Redevelop/Impro ve existing... Redevelop/Impro ve existing... Redevelop/Impro ve existing... Develop indoor aquatics... Purchase land for open spa... Purchase land and develop... Develop more athletic e... Develop indoor spaces and... Purchase land and develop... Develop more dog parks Maintainexistingbeachparksandwater access Maintainexistingparks Maintainexistingschoolparks Redevelop/Improveexistingbeachand waterfrontparks Maintainexistingsportsfieldsandcourts Developnewtrailsandconnectexisting

Redevelop/Improveexistingneighborhood

Q26Thefollowingareactions thattheCity ofNorwalk couldtaketo improvetheRecreationandParks system.Indicateyourlevelofsupport foreachaction.

trails/sidewalks

parks Redevelop/Improveexistingathleticfieldsand sportscourts Redevelop/Improveexistingschoolparks Developindooraquaticsfacility Purchaselandforopenspaceornaturalareas

Purchaselandanddevelopmoreneighborhood parks

OTHER (PLEASE SPECIFY)

Add outdoor volleyball sand courts at schools and parks.

Improve Kayak Launch facilities at all town owned water access points with parking for kayakers

Outdoor community pools are needed

Finish the development of the path along the river - there is a section between condos that has no finished path-just a foot trail.

I wish I could put 3 checkmarks on "Redevelop/Improve existing beach and waterfront parks"

PLEASE UPDATE the Bathrooms

MORE DOG PARKS

Build a Recreation Center like in Ridgefield, with an indoor/ outdoor pool, playground, indoor spaces and courts

provide indoor and outdoor courts for Pickle Ball (outdoor next to tennis courts on Gregory Blvd

Build and Indoor Track and Field Facility like Hillhouse New Havan, New Balance Armory or Ocean Breeze NY, etc

Just don’t remove the trees!

Include winter activities in your plan. Norwalk has several great ponds that could be used for ice skating. This happens already, but the pond my family goes to isn't well maintained at all. I don't think much is needed and it could have a wonderful impact.

Building a neighborhood park for children around the route 7 neighborhood, close to the Merritt 7 train station

Curious why maintenance of existing facilities is even a question…

Create nature park with various boating opportunities at Manresa Island

Having indoor and outdoor swimming pool for the summer and winter would be great for swim lessons too as well as for recreation

Maintain the existing fields better, create a baseball complex at Ponus. With bathrooms why buy more land for parks when you already have plenty of town land that sits empty with no trespass signs (red cottage on Fillow)

We need to focus on the potential positive impact Norwalk can have on climate change. Grow and maintain trees, and parks where people can find peace and solitude in the woods. Contain activities that could damage our natural assets. keep what we have and improve them. Make them more safe during Covid exixtance

Purcahse land to build a city outdoor pool.

Change rules in parks to allow dog walking. We don’t need off leash dog parks as much as places to walk dogs.

197

Q26 The following are actions that the City of Norwalk could take to improve the Recreation and Parks system. Indicate your level of support for each action.

Q27WhichTHREEactions wouldyoubemostwillingtofundwithyourtax dollars?

198

34.3% 34 3% 41.6% 4 1 6 6% 32.2% 322. . 2% 18.2% 18 . 2% 39.7% 39 9 7% 34.1% 34 1% 17.1% 17..1% 44.0% 4 4 0% 17.5% 17 5% 41.4% 4 1 4 % 20.6% 20 6 6% 25.0% 25. . 0% 20.0% 20 0% 44.4% 4 4 4 % 29.2% 299. . 2% 37.5% 37 5% 100.0% 100 0% 28.4% 28 4 % 28.6% 2 28 6 6% 28.8% 28 . 8 % 31.8% 31. . 8 % 27.9% 2 27 9 9% 39.0% 39 9 0% 22.9% 22. . 9 9% 24.0% 24 4 0% 47.5% 4 7 5% 17.2% 17 2% 50.0% 50 0% 43.8% 4 3. . 8 % 40.0% 4 0 0% 33.3% 33 3% 54.2% 54 . 2% 37.5% 37 5% 37.3% 37 3% 29.9% 2 29 9 9 9% 39.0% 399. . 0% 50.0% 50. . 0% 32.4% 32 4 % 26.8% 2 26 6 8 % 60.0% 6 60. . 0% 32.0% 32 0% 35.0% 35 0% 41.4% 4 1 4 % 29.4% 29 9 4 % 31.3% 31. . 3% 40.0% 4 0 0% 22.2% 2 22 2 2% 16.7% 166..7% 25.0% 25 0% 0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100% Redevelop/Impro ve existing... Develop new trails and... Develop indoor aquatic... Purchase land and develop... Maintain existing parks Maintain existing bea... Redevelop/Impro ve existing... Maintain existing... Maintain existing sch... Purchase land for open spa... Redevelop/Impro ve existing... Redevelop/Impro ve existing... Develop more athletic e... Purchase land and develop... Develop indoor spaces and... Develop more dog parks I do not support an y...

Q28Fundingforparks,recreationfacilities/programs,schoolparks,and trails may besecuredfromavariety ofsources.Whichthreeofthe followingchoices offundingsources doyoumostprefer?

Q29Fundingcollectedthroughuserfees andcharges helps theCity to providehigh-quality programs andservices throughlowerproperty taxes. Suchprograms arelikely tobefacility orrecreationprograms,youthor adultsports,paidpark events,andspecialevents andfestivals.Please check theadditionalamountinuserfees orcharges youwouldbewillingto pay foryourfavoriteRecreationandParks activity orprogramwhichyouor members ofyourhouseholdparticipate.(additionalamounts areperevent orprogramforeachperson)

199

$1.00 $1 00 9.3%(22) 9 3% (22) $1.009.3%(22) $2.00 $2 0 00 0 7.2%(17) 7 2% (17) $2.007.2%(17) $3.00 $3. . 0 00 0 8.0%(19) 8 . 0% (19) $3.008.0%(19) $4.00 $4 0 00 0 1.7%(4) 1 7% (4 ) $4.001.7%(4) $5.00 $5. . 0 00 0 34.6%(82) 34 . 6% (8 2) $5.0034.6%(82) Morethan$5.00 M More th an $5 0 00 0 22.4%(53) 22 4 % (53) Morethan$5.0022.4%(53) Notwillingtopay N Not t w i lli n g t to p ay y additional ad d i ti on al user feesorcharges f ees or c h arges 16.9% 16. 9% (40) (4 0) Notwillingtopayadditional userfeesorcharges16.9% 25.4% 25 4 % 30.4% 30 4 % 25.0% 2 25 0% 36.2% 36 2 2% 21.9% 2 21 9 9% 15.3% 15 3% 15.9% 15 9 9% 15.2% 15 2 2% 24.5% 2 24 5% 5.8% 5 8 % 5.6% 5 6 6% 9.1% 9 1% 17.4% 17 4 % 16.7% 16 6 7% 11.2% 11 2% 9.4% 9 4 % 13.0% 13 0% 0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100% Most Preferred 2nd Most Preferred 3rd Most Preferred

Q30ApercentageoftheCity's budgetis usedfortheoperations, maintenance,andimprovementofparks,recreationfacilities/programs, schoolparks,andtrails.This percentagevaries andhas increasedby an averageof1.3%annually overthelastten-years whereas theCity's overall budgethas increasedonaverage3.1%.Thequality ofmaintaining, operating,improving,andsecuringparks,recreationfacilities/programs, schoolparks,andtrails is largely impactedby theamountofproperty taxes allocatedforthese.Fromthefollowinglist,pleasecheck theadditional amountyouwouldbewillingtopay inproperty taxes tofundtheactions youindicatedas mostimportanttoyourhouseholdinQuestion#28.

Morethan$100per More th an $100 p er year 19.4%(46) 19 4 % (4 6) Morethan$100peryear $76-$100peryear $7766-$1000 0 p er y year 17.3%(41) 17 3% (4 1) $76-$100peryear17.3%(41) $51-$75peryear $ $51-$775 p er y year 6.8%(16) 6. 8 % (16) $51-$75peryear6.8%(16) $26-50peryear $266-50 0 p er y year 9.7%(23) 9.7% (23) $26-50peryear9.7%(23) $11-$25peryear $11-$25 p er y year 8.9%(21) 8 . 9% (21) $11-$25peryear8.9%(21) $1-$10peryear $1-$10 0 p er y year 6.8%(16) 6 8 % (16) $1-$10peryear6.8%(16) Notwillingtopay N Not w i lli n g t to p ay y additional ad d i ti on al property p rop erty taxes 31.2% 31 2% (74) (74 ) Notwillingtopayadditional propertytaxes31.2%

City

of Norwalk, CT

Recreation Programs Assessment

Version 2

Submitted by: BerryDunn 2211 Congress Street Portland, ME 04102-1955 207.541.2200

Chad Snow, Principal csnow@berrydunn.com

Barbara Heller, Project Manager bheller@berrydunn.com

Submitted On: May 2023

Recreation Programs Assessment | January 13, 2023 Table of Contents | i Table of Contents Section Page Table of Contents ........................................................................................................................... i 1.0 Introduction ............................................................................................................................. 1 2.0 Program Menu ........................................................................................................................ 2 Core Program Areas ................................................................................................................. 2 Adult Leagues ........................................................................................................................ 2 Aquatics ................................................................................................................................. 2 Camps ..... 2 Youth Sports .......................................................................................................................... 2 Cultural .... 2 Program Inventory ..................................................................................................................... 3 Program Distribution .................................................................................................................. 2 Age Segmentation ..................................................................................................................... 3 Additional Services .................................................................................................................... 3 3.0 Program Performance ............................................................................................................. 4 Enrollment ................................................................................................................................. 4 Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) .................................................. 6 Community Needs Survey Highlights ........................................................................................ 7 4.0 Best Practices ......................................................................................................................... 8 Quality Standards ...................................................................................................................... 8 Customer Requirements ........................................................................................................... 8 Key Performance Indicators ...................................................................................................... 8 Cost Recovery Goals ................................................................................................................ 9 Marketing ................................................................................................................................... 9 Customer Satisfaction ............................................................................................................. 10 Services Assessment Matrix ................................................................................................... 11 Staffing Levels ......................................................................................................................... 12

Recreation Programs Assessment | January 13, 2023 Table of Contents | ii Equity ...................................................................................................................................... 12 5.0 Similar Providers ................................................................................................................... 13 Similar Provider Summary ....................................................................................................... 17 6.0 Trends Analysis .................................................................................................................... 18 Nature Enjoyment .................................................................................................................... 18 Fitness & Wellness .................................................................................................................. 19 Special Events/Festivals ......................................................................................................... 21 Senior Activities ....................................................................................................................... 21 Performing Arts and Cultural Programming............................................................................. 22 Aquatic Trends ........................................................................................................................ 23 Water-Related Activities .......................................................................................................... 23 NRPA Top Trends ................................................................................................................... 24 7.0 Recommendations ................................................................................................................ 26

1.0 Introduction

BerryDunn completed a recreation programming assessment in support of the City of Norwalk (City), Connecticut’s Parks and Recreation Department’s (Department’s) master planning efforts. The Department’s recreation programs and services were evaluated through a series of data analysis, conversations with staff, focus group feedback, and results from the community needs survey. This recreation assessment report offers detailed insight into the Department’s recreation program offerings, and helps to identify the strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for future program direction. This report also assists with identifying program categories, programming gaps, and future program considerations.

Recreation Programs Assessment | January 13, 2023 1.0 Introduction | 1

2.0 Program Menu

A program menu consists of the recreational activities offered for a specific time frame. The Department’s 2019 program menu contains the last full data set for one year of programs not impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and was therefore used as a base for the program menu analysis. The subsequent years’ offerings were also reviewed. This section will review the menu’s core program areas, program inventory, program distribution, and age segmentation.

Core Program Areas

The Department had three core program areas in 2019: Aquatics, Camps, and Youth Sports. In the subsequent years observed, staff continued to expand and diversify its program menu to include Adult Leagues, Aquatics, Camps, Youth Sports, and Cultural. This growth demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement, and a desire to continue to provide for the needs and desires of the community.

Adult Leagues

Adult leagues and tournaments are offered for sports such as bocce, men’s flag football, men’s basketball, volleyball, and softball. Participants can join as teams or as free agent individuals interested in joining a team.

Aquatics

Learn to swim, lifeguard instruction, and swim instructor classes are at the high school pool and at the beach. Learn to swim classes are offered for a variety of days, times, and ages.

Camps

Summer day camps, called Play and Learn Camps, are available from Pre-K through ninth grade participants for seven weeks in June, July, and August. In addition to the traditional summer day camp options, the Department offers a skateboard camp. Unique to oceanside communities, the camps offer beach time in addition to activities like crafts, games, and sports. Extended camp time is offered in the mornings and evenings, beyond the core day.

Youth Sports

Youth sports programs offer skill development opportunities for youth in areas such as baseball, basketball, skateboarding, girls’ volleyball, and more. Based in a community recreation approach, participation, exploration, and growth are encouraged over competition.

Cultural

Cultural programming includes garden plot reservations, green house table use, and one-time special programs such as Kids Kickball, Spooktacular, Holiday Breakfast with Frosty, and Bubble-Mania Holiday Show.

Recreation Programs Assessment | January 13, 2023

Program Menu | 2

2.0

Program Inventory

The following is a list of major program categories that park and recreation agencies throughout the country commonly provide. This list helps to identify if there are any common program areas not offered by an agency. Most agencies offer a majority of programs. In matching the Department’s inventory of programs against this list, 9.1% of the program areas are represented. (Purple text represents programs offered by the Department.)

Active Adult

Aquatics

Arts

Before/After school

Biking

Birthday Party Services

Childcare

Cooking

Dance

Day/School break camps

E-Sports

Early Childhood

Environmental/Nature

Extreme Sports Fitness

General Interest

Golf

Gymnastics/Tumbling

Historical programs

Homeschool

Horseback Riding

Ice Skating/Hockey

Language Arts

Lifelong Learning

Martial arts

Music

Open Gym

Outdoor Adventure

Pets

Preschool

Running/Walking

Seniors

Special/Community Events

Specialty Camps

Sports

STEM/STEAM

Summer Camp (day-long)

Sustainability/Green

Teen

Tennis

Theatre/Acting

Therapeutic Recreation

Trips

Wellness

For comparison purposes, the consulting team reviewed the program category percentages against its database of park and recreation agencies nationwide. The comparison agencies’ average percentage of program categories was 64.7%, which is higher than the Department’s 9.1%. The program categories depicted with black text represent opportunities for program menu expansion where aligned with community needs.

To add an additional nationwide benchmark perspective, a review of similarly sized communities that added their program menu information into the National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA) database resulted in the following percentages of communities that offered key program area categories:

Based on this analysis alone, the Department has a lot of room for growth in it its variety of recreation program opportunities.

Recreation Programs Assessment | January 13, 2023 2.0 Program Menu | 3

After School Programs Aquatics Fitness Classes Health & Wellness Classes Natural / Cultural History Programs for People with Disabilities Racquet Sports Summer Camp Team Sports Themed Special Events 69.4% 90.2% 88.2% 86.3% 70.6% 81.6% 80.4% 94.1% 96.1% 90.2%

Program Distribution

Understanding how the Department’s enrollment-based program menu is distributed across the core program areas helps to identify the extent of programming within each program area in relation to the whole. Figures 1 and 2 depicts the total of programs offered in 2019 and 2022 according to program area.

2019 Program Distribution

The program menu consisted of three core program areas in 2019: Aquatics, Camps, and Youth Sports. The large majority of classes were offered in Aquatics (90.6%). Department staff made significant changes to the program menu between 2019 and 2022 – expanding into five core program areas: Adult Leagues, Aquatics, Camps, Youth Sports, and Cultural. This shift diversified the program menu, as depicted in Figure 2.

2022 Program Distribution

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Figure 1: 2019 Program Distribution

90.6% 4.8% 4.6%

Figure 2: 2022 Program Distribution

Aquatics Camps Youth Sports 1.4% 52.8% 36.4% 5.6% 3.7%

Adult Leagues Aquatics Camps Youth Sports Cultural

More than half (52.8%) of programs were in Aquatics in 2022; while a significantly lower percentage than three years prior, Aquatics continues to dominate the program menu. Camps accounted for over one-third (36.4%) of programs in 2022, a significant shift from the 4.8% in 2019.

Age Segmentation

The age segment analysis reviews the distribution of the program offerings according to the age segments serviced. For the purposes of this assessment, BerryDunn youth and adult age categories.

In 2021, 97.8% of programs offered were for youth, and 2.2% of programs offered were for adults. While recreation providers typically offer more youth than adult programming, the dichotomy between the Department’s aged-based offerings is quite high.

While many programmatic growth opportunities exist for the Department, reaching the needs of adults should be a key age-based demographic target in the near future.

Additional Services

In addition to traditional programing, the Department provides other services that support the community’s recreation opportunities. The staff manages the permitting system for sports fields (both turf and grass), and gymnasium reservations. The Department also administers passes for the waste disposal and beach parking.

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Figure 3: Population vs. Program Menu

20.3% of population 97.8% of programs Youth 79.7% of population 2.2% of programs Adult

3.0 Program Performance

In addition to assessing the menu of programs as offered, it is helpful to assess how the programs actually perform. In this analysis, the extent of program performance was measured using participation metrics.

Enrollment

Total enrollment into the Department’s programs was 4,160 in 2019, a year that demonstrates pre-pandemic participation levels. Participation in 2020 was significantly reduced due to the pandemic and aligns with nationwide participation trends. The gradual increase between 2020 and 2021, and the great start to 2022’s registration figures indicate a solid recovery and continued trajectory to pre-pandemic participation levels.

*Partial year, through Q1

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Program Category Year 2019 2020 2021 2022* Adult Leagues 0 0 38 1 Aquatics 2,284 665 470 522 Camps 736 0 852 0 Cultural 0 0 377 179 Youth Sports 1,140 393 823 463 Total 4,160 1,058 2,560 1,165*

Table 1: Norwalk Enrollment Data Table Figure 4 provides a visualization of the enrollment trends by program area across time.

0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 Adult LeaguesAquaticsCampsCulturalYouth Sports Norwalk

2019 2020 2021 2022

Figure 4: Norwalk Enrollment Trends by Program Area Enrollment by Program Area

Participation in aquatics and youth sports program areas have consistently been stronger than the other program areas. While aquatics participation was highest in 2019 aquatics, camp participation outpaced the other areas in 2021.

Figure 5 depicts how the ages of Norwalk participants has shifted over time.

Norwalk Participant Ages

Participants

Age

2019 Participants 2022 Participants

A positive shift from 2019 to 2022 was the Department’s reach to more age groups. Unlike 2019, where participants ranged from age 5-15, 2022 participants spanned age 4-18+.

The large quantity of 2022 participants that did not provide their age (160) demonstrates an opportunity to track participants’ demographic data more closely. Without key data points like age, it is difficult for staff to make data-driven decisions.

The heat map visualization in Figure 6 depicts the household locations of 2022 participants. Each unique household is represented once in the image. The concentration spectrum uses blue shaded areas to represent a lower number of household locations, then shifts to purple, red, and yellow as the number of households increases.

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Figure 5: Norwalk Participant Ages

0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180

Based on the household’s geographic locations, the western edge of the community has experienced less participation than the more central portion of the community.

Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT)

A recreation programs SWOT analysis of the Department observed the following key findings:

Strengths

The Department is known for its swimming lessons. The prices are low, and the Department has a reputation for delivering a good product. Youth and adult sports opportunities are provided both in-house as well as facilitated for affiliate groups. The summer camp program an area of growing strength.

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Figure 6: Norwalk Unique Participant Household Location

Weaknesses

One of the biggest challenges the Department faces is a low number of programming staff. There was a time when the Department employed more than 20 full time staff; at the beginning of the recreation assessment, there were four. Additionally, the Department has access to limited indoor programming space to conduct recreation programs. They currently hold programs at two school-owned sites, a community room, and a barn.

Opportunities

An improved relationship with the school district could help increase community access in a more consistent manner. New Department staff offer a promise of potential program menu growth. As program offerings grow, there is an opportunity to communicate the programs and activities in a more comprehensive listing, such as a catalogue. Developing new partnerships can broaden the Department’s ability to reach residents’ needs.

Threats

Changes to the facilities where the Department currently holds programs can directly impact its ability to provide services. Natural forces are causing and continue to threaten beach erosion.

Community Needs Survey Highlights

The community needs assessment survey provided insight to residents’ recreation programs needs and desires. Nature enjoyment had the top importance rating as well as the highest unmet need rating, which resulted in nature enjoyment being the highest Priority Investment Rating activity. These are atypical results compared to other communities (35 percentage points higher than the national average) and therefore stand out as the largest programmatic gap and opportunity.

Compared to the national averages, the survey respondents indicated a low percent of program participation (12 percentage points lower than the national average) in the last year. This result aligns with the number of recorded participants, and number of opportunities currently available to the community.

Not knowing what is being offered was the largest reported barrier to participation. Department staff had observed that its user fees were low; the survey respondents’ willingness to pay results indicate that 67% would be willing to pay for activities important to their household.

Another stand-out result of the survey was that two-thirds of respondent households with a need for special recreation have unmet or partly met needs. This equated to approximately 1,073 households with a need for special population recreation program opportunities.

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4.0 Best Practices

This section addresses key areas of best practices for recreation programming including the following attributes: quality standards, customer requirements, key performance indicators, and cost recovery goals. Additionally, marketing, customer satisfaction, staffing levels, and equity are reviewed as an opportunity to align with benchmark agencies.

Quality Standards

A key to developing consistent services is the use of service and program standards. The use of standards provides a more consistent service experience. As program growth continues, and as staff time permits, standards can be deployed throughout the entire recreation program system, such as customer requirements, instructor standards, safety, staff training and development, and program quality.

Customer Requirements

In addition to standards, efforts should be made to develop a listing of key customer requirements for core program areas. Key customer requirements are defined as those areas of the program purchasing process that are most important to registrants. For example, an adult softball player’s key requirements may include cost of the league, quality of athletic field maintenance, cleanliness of restrooms, access to free parking, quality of the umpires, game times, and location of the field. Identifying key requirements is important for staff to deliver in the items most important to the customer. This also reinforces key elements of service that staff should become familiar.

Key requirements should be identified by customers and can be included as part of an importance/performance matrix. This determines how important a requirement is to the customer and how the Department is performing. Surveys and program evaluations should include questions that assess customer satisfaction in these areas.

Key Performance Indicators

Another area of strengthening includes the development of key performance indicators. Organizations that measure performance also have a documented process in place to ensure follow through on results. A robust measurement system generally includes a more comprehensive set of measures, including:

Number of programs per age segment

Customer satisfaction (Details are included in the next section)

Cost recovery rates by core program area

Number of new programs offered annually (to drive innovation)

Number of program cancellations

Household percentage of program participation

Percent of programs in introduction and growth stage

Customer retention, repurchase intent, and referral

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Cost Recovery Goals

Best practice agencies have identified cost recovery goals for core program areas. The goal can be calculated from actual performance in the three most recent years’ financial results by core program area. This should be accompanied by a cost-of-service study to determine indirect charges and identification of true costs of service. The development of a cost-of-service study will also be helpful in creating a standardized approach to pricing services. Currently, a consistent methodology is not in place.

Marketing

The Department could benefit from a marketing plan to create promotion strategies for core programs and events. A plan can start out simple and evolve over time as participation and staffing levels increase. As a starting point, a simple marketing plan could include answers to the following questions:

1. Who are you? Conduct brand development sessions with staff and public.

2. What do you want to achieve? Overall development of marketing goals with staff.

3. Who are they? Identification of target markets.

4. How will we connect with them? Develop channels to communicate to the appropriate market segments.

5. How do they want to be communicated with? Develop content guidelines for each channel.

6. How are we doing? Define evaluation methods with staff.

The publication of a seasonal program guide is part of a greater strategy for communicating program opportunities. Combined with posts to websites, email, social media, and community presentations, the program guide is one way to publicize programs, activities, policies, and events. It is also an opportunity to highlight staff and advertise for staff that are needed. Even as different communities may have different preferences for how they receive program information, program guides continue to be the most widely preferred method for recreation program participants, regardless of location or size of the agency. According to NRPA research, 76% of park and recreation agencies print a program catalogue or guide promoting their offerings.

It is important to follow best practices when creating a program guide including:

1. Maximize the return on investment (ROI) from the guide through offering various registration tools, times, etc. Recreation departments should make it as easy as possible for customers to enroll in programs and events.

2. Welcome notes and letters to customers should not be placed on the front or back covers or on the first few pages – these are prime spaces for attracting participants to new programs or services.

3. Program descriptions should follow the five “C”s to attract participants:

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a. Clear – be clear in the broad sense. Describe programs in a way that does not limit the instructor: “this class may include crafts and music projects”.

b. Concise – do not use phrases like “This class will…” or “You will learn…”. Assume that the reader knows the program will be fun – do not include. Do not include the age in the title or in the body of the description – it should be included in the activity category or with program details such date, date, time, location, and fee.

c. Creative – use different descriptive works and try not to repeat the same words often, if possible.

d. Consistent – confirmation information should be at the end of the description. For example: “Bring sunscreen and a hat”.

e. Catchy – each program description should be unique. A customer should not have to look at a page of activities that all start in the same manner.

4. An automated registration system that is easy to use is important. The Department has struggled with RecTrac and recently sought out a new system. An automated system should not only be easy for the customer to use but provide easy data reporting for staff.

5. Distribution of the program guide – best practices call for direct mail. Recreation departments need to be aware of the printing cost and potential perceptions around environmental issues when printing large quantities of program guides. Some organizations are now using QR codes within their guides to reduce that amount of text and include fewer pages.

6. Selling advertising space is a good option to offset the cost of the printing and mailing a guide.

Customer Satisfaction

It is important to have a process in place for program participants and staff to continually evaluate the programs and events provided to the community. Comment cards with survey questions to rate the quality of the programs can work well to gauge satisfaction. Performance measures, developed by staff, can be a very effective in driving a program that continually improves. As staff develop and manage programs, the following questions can be considered:

Is participation increasing or decreasing? If participation is increasing, that could mean that the program should continue. If participation is decreasing, are there steps to take to increase interest through marketing efforts, changes to time/day of the program, format, or instructor? If not, it may be time to discontinue the program.

Is there information contained in the participant/staff feedback that can be used to improve the program?

Are cost recovery goals being met? If not, can costs be reduced or can fees be increased?

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Is there another program provider that is more suitable to offer this program? If yes, the Department could provide referrals for its customers.

Is the program taking up valuable facility space that could be used for expansion of more popular programs or new programs in demand by the community?

Services Assessment Matrix

The BerryDunn consulting team crated the service matrix to assist recreation departments with programming decisions to best gauge whether programs should be offered, continued, or discontinued. This can be a useful tool as the Department continues to expand existing programs and add new.

Once a program is established, key performance indicators will be an important part of the continued evaluation of the program for effectiveness and efficiently. Performance indicators should be applied to all programs and events and report on a regular basis.

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Figure 7: BerryDunn Services Assessment Matrix

Staffing Levels

According to a national benchmarking data acquired through the National Recreation and Park Association, of the 51 peer agencies in the same population size bracket, the median number of full time equivalent (FTE’s) employees per 10,000 population was 9.3. At the time of this report’s compilation, Department’s FTE’s per 10,000 was 2.97.

Compared to BerryDunn’s database of client data, similarly sized communities produce, on average, 23.02 programs per 1,000 residents. Norwalk produces 6.6 programs per 1,000 residents. This comparison used Norwalk’s 2019 total number of programs, 565; the average of the peer benchmarks was 1,555 programs. This data demonstrates that similarly-sized communities are producing more recreation programs for their communities. That said, the benchmark data has also identified that the number of programs and services a recreation department can offer is directly related to the number of programming staff it employs. The peer benchmark agencies in BerryDunn’s database employ an average of 11.2 full time programming staff. The average output of programs per full time employee, within the context of the benchmark agencies, is 106.7 programs per full time employee. The Department’s current average output is 188.3. This comparison demonstrates that the Department’s current full time programming team is beyond the benchmark (and likely capacity) to produce more programs. If the Department desires to increase its programmatic reach (and subsequently participation) one of the first steps will be to employ additional programming staff.

Equity

Agencies across the nation are finding ways to help ensure their programs and services are being provided in an equitable manner. Whether via geographic location, target audience, or diverse interests, continuing to assess and analyze service offerings through a diversity, equity, and inclusion lens is a best practice the Department can strengthen in both analysis and implementation.

One key area identified for improvement is the best practice of offering inclusion and/or specialized services for participants with special needs. Municipal departments are often the sole providers of therapeutic recreation for a community.

Department staff also defined a need for an equitable field allocation system. With limited fields and resources, the current “historical use” system does not foster an equitable opportunity. Staff also felt there is an opportunity to have the Department’s materials translated into Spanish.

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5.0 Similar Providers

BerryDunn was tasked with reviewing similar providers of recreation programs the Norwalk area. The results of the ETC Needs Assessment were reviewed as a means to refine the similar provider review’s focus. ETC developed the Priority Investment Rating (PIR) to help organizations determine where to focus resources to make the greatest impact. The PIR equally weighs the importance that a respondent places on a program type and how many respondents have an unmet need for that program. The top eight Norwalk, CT program types with the highest PIR include:

Nature Enjoyment (PIR: 200)

Fitness & wellness (PIR: 138)

Special events/festivals (PIR: 133)

Senior activities (PIR:132)

Performing arts (PIR: 128)

Aquatics (PIR: 119)

History & museums (PIR: 118)

Water-related activities (PIR: 111)

The similar provider review was conducted using these eight priority investment areas.

Nature Enjoyment

Nature Enjoyment was the program type with the highest PIR in the ETC needs assessment survey results. Norwalk has a great deal to offer with its location adjacent to the Long Island Sound and the Norwalk River. The Town has several beach parks and fishing piers providing access to the water in several locations. In addition, other organizations provide access to different types of nature for the public’s enjoyment. The organizations in Table 2 may be appropriate to target as future partners.

Fitness and Wellness

There are many private facilities located in and near Norwalk providing fitness opportunities for adults with a few offering programs for youth. There is a great deal of variety, including many types of group exercise classes, personal training, strength and cardio conditioning, swimming, dance, tennis, pickleball, squash, self-defense, and martial arts. After 90 years in operation, the Norwalk YMCA closed in 2012. This facility had a history of providing health and wellness opportunities for area families and, at the time of closing, had 3,000 members. The building is now vacant, and the land is owned by the local hospital. Table 3 includes the fitness and wellness facilities located in the area.

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5.0 Similar Providers

Table 2: Organizations Providing Nature Programs and Services Farm Creek PreserveNorwalk16 acres with multiple habitats, trails, wildflower garden, nature educationAll agesNorwalk Land Trust EarthplaceWestportNature education, family programs, summer camp, scouts, birthday partiesAll agesNon profit New Canaan Nature Center New Canaan Environmental education, preschool, summer camps, community eventsAll agesNon profit

Table 3: Norwalk Fitness Opportunities

Name of the BusinessLocationPrograms and Services OfferedTarget Market

LA Fitness761 Main Ave, NorwalkCycling, Yoga, Zumba, Resistance Training, Swimming, Boot Camp, Basketball, Personal Training, Childcare Adults, Seniors

Crunch Fitness

770 Connecticut Ave, NorwalkHigh Intensity Interval TrainingAdults

Orangetheory Fitness205 Main St, NorwalkHeart rate based interval trainingAdults

F45 Training South Norwalk515 West Ave, NorwalkFunctional full body workout, team training Adults

Planet Fitness360 Connecticut Ave, NorwalkCardio, strength, 30 minute express circuit workout, and tanning Adults

Norwalk Fit Body Boot Camp250 Westport Ave, Norwalk12 week fitness transformation weight loss programAdults

The Edge Fitness Clubs542 Westport Ave, NorwalkGroup exercise classes, personal training, nutrition, massage, and Spin

D1 Training Norwalk100 N Water St, NorwalkWeight training and cardio for adults, families, and professional athletes

Youth, adults

Intensity490 Westport Ave, NorwalkFitness, tennis, pickleball, squash, dance, and rentalsYouth, adults

Achieve Fitness

Work It

27 Lois St, Norwalk

19 N Main St, Norwalk

Weight training, boxing, personal training, and agility training Adults

Pole dancing, burlesque, fitness classes, and private parties Adult women

Evolver 345 Main Ave D, NorwalkLifestyle assessment, personal trainingAdults

Calasanz Martial Arts & Fitness Center

CrossFit Westport

346 Main Avenue, Norwalk

19 Willard Rd, Norwalk

Self defense, boxing, martial arts, kickboxing, and kung fu Youth, adults

Weight training, cardio, boot camp, HIIT, and nutritition

Tower Fitness120 New Canaan Ave, NorwalkStrength and conditioning, mobility training, and mommy & me classes

Adults

Saraswati's Yoga Joint1 N Water St, NorwalkYogaAdults

Brian Buturla Studios

Pause + Purpose

8 Parkhill Ave, NorwalkPersonal training, and yogaAdults

21 Jesup Rd, Westport Strength, condition, yoga, and meditation

Youth, adults

Kaia Yoga and Meditation Darien10 Center St, Darien Yoga and BarreAdults

Sahai Well Being LLC

15 Lincoln Ave, Norwalk Yoga, Reiki, Chakra, sound healing, and chair massageAdults

Norwalk Adventure Boot Camp for Women 100 Richards Ave, Norwalk 4 week outdoor program: fitness instruction, motivation, and nutrition counseling

Dansue Dance Fitness Studio 509 Westport Ave, Norwalk High energy dance classes (lyrical and jazz), body ball, body sculpt

Adult women

Velo CT 8 Willard Road, Norwalk Fitness center, Pilates, lap poolsYouth, adults

Westport Weston Family YMCA 14 Allen Raymond, Westport Fitness center, group exercise classes, lap swimYouth, adults

Darian YMCA 2420 Post Rd, Darien Fitness center, group exercise classes, lap swimYouth, adults

Special Events and Festivals

The Town of Norwalk provides space for many organizations to host community events and festivals and provides many on their own as well. As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, people continue to seek outdoor activities that are perceived to be safe. Table 4 includes five large events held annually in Norwalk. There are also a number of family events held at the Stepping Stones Museum for Children throughout the year.

Table 4: Norwalk Events

Name of EventActivitiesTarget

MarketProvided by

Norwalk Seaport Oyster Festival Live music, Food vendors, Arts & Crafts ShowAll agesNorwalk Seaport Association

Norwalk Art FestivalJuried fine arts festival with 75 artists, food vendors, children's hands on art experienceAll agesGordon Fine Arts

SoNo Art FestivalShowcasing the work of 100 juried artists, music, food vendorsAll agesGordon Fine Arts

Norwalk Film FestivalOver 50 films screened througout the event.Norwalk Arts Society

Nice FestivalMusic, food, art, entertainment, and interactive gamesAll agesNice Inc.

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Similar Providers | 14

5.0

Senior Activities

There is a senior center in Norwalk that is run by a non-profit organization, holding programs at two locations (11 Allen Road and 92 Cedar Street). According to Department staff members, many residents have expressed their dissatisfaction with the current programming offered at these facilities. The Department is planning to host some events with the senior center in the future. The staff agrees with the results of the needs assessment survey and feel that there is a gap in senior programming in Norwalk. In searching for additional recreation providers for the senior population, nothing was found.

Performing Arts

Similar to the fitness offerings in Norwalk, there are a number of organizations providing music lessons, dance instruction, performing arts, and opportunities for live entertainment (including music, stand-up, plays, and musicals). Table 5 includes performing arts related offerings in Norwalk and the surround communities.

Table 5: Performing Arts Opportunities

BusinessAddressType of servicesTarget

Shakespeare On the Sound177 Rowayton Ave, NorwalkAfordable, professional open air productions of Shakespeare and related authors/summer camps, school workshops, and children's

School of Rock41 Grove St, New Canaanwriting

Youth, adultPrivate

Norwalk School Of Music2 William St, NorwalkMusic lessons (drums, bass, piano)/in person or onlineYouth, adultPrivate

Giuliano's Music406 Westport Ave, NorwalkMusic lessons, instrument sales and rental, and guitar repairYouth, adultPrivale

Mary Ann Hall's Music for Children32 Main St, NorwalkEarly Childhood Music lessons (voice, piano, ukulele, recorder), full staged performancesInfant/parent 12 yearsPrivate

Silvermine School of Music 36 Comstock Hill Ave, Norwalk Piano lessons, performances, competitions, master classesYouth, adultPrivate

Music Together of Fairfield County156 South Ave, New CanaanEarly Childhood Music lessonsInfant/parent 8 yearsPrivate

Hillwood Music14 Hillwood Pl, NorwalkGuitar lessonsyouth, adultPrivate

Daniela Gongora Music Academy 0 East Ave, Norwalk Violin (Suzuki method), chamber orchestraYouth Private

Bennett Mazzola Music2 Dewal Dr, NorwalkMusic lessons (clarinet, saxophone, flute, and piano)Youth, teens, adultsPrivate

John Cutrone 9 Frances Ave, NorwalkDrum lessonsYouth, adultPrivate

The Ewald Suzuki Guitar Method, LLC230 East Ave, NorwalkClassical guitar lessons

Music Theatre of Connecticut509 Westport Ave, NorwalkActing classes, School of Performing Arts, camps, and Equity productions

Youth, adultPrivate

Youth, adultNonprofit

Wall Street Theater71 Wall Street, NorwalkStandup comedy, live musicYouth, adultNonprofit

Norwalk Academy of Dance205 Westport Ave, NorwalkDance instruction (in creative, ballet, jazz, lyrical, and hip hop), tumbling, and acrobatics, and dance competitions

Age 3 19 yearsPrivate

Dance Dimensions15 Cross Street, NorwalkDance instruction in ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, and lyricalAge 3 high schoolPrivate

Fred Astair Dance Studios314 Westport Ave, NorwalkDance instruction in Salsa, Mambo, Hustle, Swing, Merengue, Rumba, Cha Cha, Samba, Bolero, Paso Doble, Jive, Bachata, Tango, Foxtrot, Tango, Waltz, Quickstep, and Two Step; events, and rentals

The Spot Just Dance Studios48 Westport Ave, Norwalk

Adults Private

Dance instruction in jazz, contemporary, hip hop, ballet, and tumblingAge 3 adultPrivate

Westport's Academy of Dance1200 Post Road East, Westport Dance instruction and recitals in creative movement, ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, modern, hip hop, partner dancing, and musical theater. Also providing summer camps, professional guests, adult classes,

Age 3 adultPrivate

Norwalk Metropolitan Youth Ballet112 Main Street, NorwalkDance instruction in ballet and pointeYouth, adultPrivate

The Dance Collective222 Post Road West, WestportDance instruction in Latin ballroom, Salsa, Jazz, ballet, and hip hop

Freyer Academy of Ballet33 Danbury Rd, WiltonDance instruction in ballet, point, and jazz

Age 2 adultPrivate

Age 3 adultPrivate

Darien School of Dance49 Old Kings Highway, DarienDance instruction in ballet, tap, lyrical, and jazzAge 2 w/parent adultPrivate

Ballroom Elegance877 Post Road, WestportDance instruction: ballroom, swing, tango, waltz, and quickstepYouth, adultPrivate

Conservatory of Dance, LLC151 Old Ridgefield, WiltonDance instruction in ballet, contemporary, hip hop, jazz, tap, and musical theatre

New England Academy of Dance231 Main Street, New CanaanDance instruction in ballet, point, lyrical, partner dancing, modern, and opportunities for performance/Zumba

Dance on the DL25 Old Kings Highway, DarianYouth and adult hip hop and breakdancing, and a performance

New Canaan Dance Academy15 Forest Street, New Canaan Dance instruction in tap, jazz, pre ballet, lyrical, contemporary, hip hop, breakdancing, acro, pointe and improv

Aquatics

Age 2.5 adultPrivate

Age 2 adultPrivate

Age 4 adultPrivate

Age 3 adultPrivate

Access to swimming pools in the Norwalk area is limited. There are YMCAs in both Darien and Westport and an outdoor public pool in New Canaan. The community needs survey indicated an

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MarketOperated

All agesNonprofit

interest in swimming (both indoors and out) as well as a public pool. The full list of opportunities is included in Table 6.

Name of the BusinessAddress of LocationType of servicesTarget MarketOperated by Goldfish Swim School 112 Main St, NorwalkSwim lessons, swim team, and family partiesInfants - 12 yearsPrivate British Swim School at Courtyard 474 Main Ave, Norwalk Swim lessons and water safety instruction3 months - adultPrivate British Swim School at LA Fitness 761 Main Ave, Norwalk Swim lessons and water safety instruction3 months - adultPrivate Velo-CT8 Willard Rd, NorwalkSwim lessons, swim team, lifeguard certification4 years and upPrivate

Kathy Tavella Swim School10 Romindon Ct, NorwalkSwim lessonsYouthPrivate Middlesex ClubPO Box 2242, DarienSwim lessons and swim team.YouthPrivate Westport Weston Family YMCA14 Allen Raymond, WestportSwim lessons, swim team, lifeguard certificationYouth, adultNonprofit

Steve Benko PoolNew CanaanPublic swim, swim lessons, Youth, adultPublic

Darian YMCA2420 Post Rd, DarienSwim lessons, swim team, lifeguard certificationYouth, adultNonprofit

History and Museums

The Norwalk area is rich in history with many opportunities to learn about the past. Working to partner with the organizations included in Table 7 is highly recommended as new programming is added.

MuseumAddressTypes of programs and servicesTarget marketOperated by SONO Switch Tower Museum77 Washington St, NorwalkRailroad HistoryAll agesNational Railway Historical Society

Norwalk Historical Society Museum2 East Wall St, NorwalkHistory, exibitions, lecturesAll agesNorwalk Historical Society

Stepping Stones Museum for Children303 West Ave, Norwalk Creating an environment that inspries lifelong learning Under 10 years and adultNonprofit

Historic Rowayton177 Rowayton Ave, NorwalkHistoric buildings, exhibitions, and eventsAll agesNonprofit

Westport Museum for History and Culture25 Avery Pl, WestportHistorical and cultural preservation, education, and special events All agesNonprofit Museum of Contemporary Art19 Newtown Tpke, WestportArt exhibits, educational programs, and musicAll agesNonprofit

Wilton Historical Society224 Danbury Rd, Wilton Preservation of historic artifacts, properties, and structures; and exhibitions All agesNonprofit

The Glass HouseNew Canaan 49 acres with 14 structures with permanenet art collections and temporary exhibits

Westport Astronomical SocietyWestportHands on astronomy

Water related Activities

AdultsNational Trust Historic Site

Youth, adultNonprofit

Norwalk residents are interested in more access to water and water-related activities. With pool related opportunities included in Table 6, Table 8 focuses on activities on or around the natural bodies of water. Although access to the water is available, most of these opportunities are costly.

Name of the BusinessAddressTypes of programs and servicesTarget MarketOperated by Charter my Sea Ray144 Water St, NorwalkPrivate yacht chartersFamilies, corporate functionsPrivate

Maritime Rowing Club3 Jennings Pl, NorwalkRecreational and competitive rowing training, summer camps, and competitions All agesPrivate

Rex Boating Club144 Water St, Nowalk Full equiped boats for seasonal rentalFamilies, corporate functionsPrivate Pelagic Beast Fishing Charers23 Platt St, NorwalkFishing charters and cruisesFamilies Private Longshore Sailing School 260 Compo Rd, WestportSailing instruction, sailboat, kayak, and paddleboard rentalsFamiliesPrivate

Sea Kayak Connecticut575 Riverside Ave, WestportTours, rentals, instruction, and campsFamiliesPrivate

ThumbSUP Yoga155 Nearwater Ln, DarienLand and SUP Yoga, retreats, teacher trainingAge 4 and upPrivate

Youth, adultsPrivate

Norwalk Communit Sailing50 Calf Pasture Beach Rd, NorwalkSailing instruction, summer camps, and kayak, paddleboard, and sailboat rentals

Carefree Boat ClubWestportBoat rentalsFamiliesPrivate

MarineMax130 Water St, NorwalkPrivate chartersFamiliesPrivate

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Table 6: Swimming Opportunities in Norwalk Area Table 7: History and Museums in and near Norwalk Table 8: Water-Related Activities

Similar Provider Summary

In the areas of performing arts and fitness, the public and non-profit sectors are providing a plethora of opportunities. The Department should consider becoming a resource for community members to find the programs they are seeking. By utilizing the information included in this report and adding to it each year, the Department could refer people where they can find their desired recreation opportunities. Another opportunity for the Department would be to partners with some of these businesses and nonprofits to offer programs and events to meet expressed community needs.

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6.0 Trends Analysis

The following section summarizes regional and national trends that are relevant to Norwalk, CT based on the outcomes from the Community Interest and Opinion Survey performed by ETC Institute. The trends topic areas are tailored to focus on the eight high priorities for investment for activities based on the (PIR).

A wide variety of sources were used in gathering information for this report, including:

American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)

American Council on Exercise (ACE)

American Planning Association

Center for Disease Control and Prevention

City Parks Alliance

Forbes

National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA)

The Aspen Institute

The Learning Resource Network (LERN)

The New York Times

The Outdoor Industry Association

Nature Enjoyment

Nature Programming & Nature Deficit Disorder

Playing in nature is an educational opportunity that has numerous benefits, from increasing active and healthy lifestyles, to developing a conservation mindset, to understanding the ecosystems and wildlife that depend on them. According to the report, “Nature Play & Learning Places: Creating and Managing Places where Children Engage with Nature,” there is a genuine need for learning spaces that spark creative play with natural materials, such as plants, vines, shrubs, rocks, water, logs, and other elements (2020).

Richard Louv introduced the term, “Nature-Deficit Disorder” in 2005, which describes the effects of urbanization, technological advances, and social changes. Scientific evidence suggests that this disorder contributes to emotional and physical illnesses, including attention difficulties, obesity, nature illiteracy, and an “epidemic of inactivity.”

Environmental education, provided by non-profits and parks and recreation agencies, can help combat nature-deficit disorder by sparking curiosity in the outdoors either through structured nature programming or through unstructured nature play. Nature Play is defined as “A designated, managed area in an existing or modified outdoor environment where children of all

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ages and abilities play and learn by engaging with and manipulating diverse natural elements, materials, organisms, and habitats, through sensory, fine motor and gross motor experiences.”

Nature Play spaces can provide valuable lessons for children, not only regarding learning their natural environment and appreciation for nature, but also for personal development. These spaces, like playgrounds, provide safe spaces to take risks and understand behavioral outcomes. One of the most essential elements in planning nature play spaces is to conduct a risk assessment to reduce the unnecessary potential of injury. For instance, natural objects such as logs and boulders may be placed strategically for climbing but consider where the child might land if he or she were to fall or jump off. Similarly, trees can be used as natural climbing features, with consideration to removing shrubs and nearby smaller trees below. Nature Play can happen in forest-based schools, play zoos, gardens, and summer camps. American Camp Association reported that there are approximately 5,000-day camps that currently operate in the U.S.

Fitness & Wellness

Each year, the ACSM conducts a survey of worldwide fitness trends. Now in its 16th year, the ACSM circulates an electronic survey to thousands of fitness professionals around the world to determine health and fitness trends. The list below includes the top 10 fitness trends for 2022.

Wearable Technology

Wearable technology, which includes activity trackers, smartwatches, heart rate monitors, GPS tracking devices, and smart eyeglasses (designed to show maps and track activity), has been one of the top three trends since 2016. Examples include fitness and activity trackers such as those from Misfit, Garmin, Pebble Time, Samsung, Basis, Jawbone, Fitbit, and Apple. These devices can track heart rate, calories, sitting time, and much more. It is estimated that wearable technology is a $95 billion industry.

Home Exercise Gyms

The trend in home exercise gyms has risen because of the COVID-19 pandemic and it is expected for this trend to continue. Home gyms allows participants to choose what equipment they invest in at various price points and can be used by individuals or as a family. However, for this trend to continue it is noted that home gym businesses will need to lower equipment costs to keep participants working out at home instead of a gym outside the home.

Outdoor Activities

Likely because of the COVID-19 pandemic, outdoor activities such as group walks, group rides, or organized hiking groups are gaining in popularity. These can be short events, daylong events, or planned weeklong excursions. Typically, people meet at a local park, hiking area, or bike trail with a designated leader. This trend for health and fitness professionals to offer outdoor activities to clients began in 2010 and has been in the top 20 ever since 2012. This has become much more popular the past several months as agencies work to offer fitness programs outdoors that help to ensure physical distancing.

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Strength Training with Free Weights

Strength training remains popular in all sectors of the health and fitness industry. Free weights, barbells, kettlebells, dumbbells, and medicine ball classes do not just incorporate equipment into another functional class or activity. Instructors begin by teaching the proper form and technique for each exercise and then progressively increase the resistance. New exercises are added periodically, starting with proper form and technique. Many younger clients of both community-based programs and commercial clubs train almost exclusively using weights. In today’s gyms, however, there are many others (men and women, young and old, and patients with stable chronic diseases) who use weight training to improve or maintain strength.

Exercise for Weight Loss

Another trend that has increased because of the COVID-19 pandemic is exercising for weight loss. This trend has been top 20 since the beginning of the survey, but peaked at number five in 2022, a rise from number sixteen in 2021. Participants are moving towards this trend because the pandemic caused perceived or real weight gain and diet programs generally recommend supplementing with exercise.

Personal Training

Personal training is a one-on-one workout with a trainer that begins with fitness testing and goal setting. The trainer then works with the client and prescribes workouts specific to their needs. The profession of personal training is becoming more accessible online, in clubs, in the home, and in worksites that have fitness facilities. Many fitness centers continued to offer personal training during the COVID-19 outbreak. Since this survey was first published in 2006, personal training has been ranked in the top 10.

High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)

HIIT involves short bursts of high-intensity exercise followed by a short period of rest or recovery and typically takes fewer than 30 minutes to perform (although it is not uncommon for these programs to be much longer in duration). HIIT has been a top five trend since 2014. Despite warnings by some fitness experts of the potential for increased injury using HIIT, this form of exercise is popular in fitness centers all over the world.

Body Weight Training

Body weight training uses minimal equipment, which makes it an inexpensive way to exercise effectively. Although most people think of body weight training as being limited to push-ups and pull-ups, it can be much more than that. This type of training first appears in the trends survey in 2013 at number three.

Online Live and On Demand Exercise Classes

Previously this trend has been to “virtual online training” or “online training”, however this was changed in 2022 to specify what type of online classes are trending. COVID-19 forced closures of exercise programming in many spaces which resulted in an increase in online training for at

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home exercise classes. This trend can be offered live or prerecorded to groups and individuals. Prerecorded sessions offer participants the chance to partake in these classes no matter what their schedule may be.

Health and Wellness Coaching

Health and wellness coaching bridges behavioral science by promoting a healthy lifestyle and programs to support that lifestyle. Typically, this coaching is one-on-one, and coaching consists of goal setting and providing support, guidance, and encouragement. The coach focuses on the specific needs and wants of the participant’s lifestyle and values.

Special Events/Festivals

Special events and festivals often act as essential place-making activities for residents, economic drivers, and urban brand builders. This phenomenon is described in Governing Magazine: “Municipal officials and entrepreneurs see the power of cultural festivals, innovationfocused business conferences and the like as a way to spur short-term tourism while shaping an image of the host city as a cool, dynamic location where companies and citizens in modern, creative industries can thrive” (2013).

According to the 2022 Event Trends Report by Eventbrite, the following trends are expected to impact event planners and community builders in the coming years:

Strength in Diverse Communities: The pandemic built a different source of community through virtual events. Virtual events enabled audiences to expand in terms of being able to include broader reach to different ages, ethnicities, geographic locations, rural communities, and those who are differently abled. Event organizers are also looking to diversify entertainers and presenters.

Go Green: The trend of hosting “green events” is a trend that is here to stay. Although the pandemic impacted responses around making events environmentally friendly a priority, with a return to in person events it will certainly make a turn around. Virtual events have had a major impact on the carbon footprint of events. In a 2021 Nature Communications study, they found that virtual events decreased those footprints by 94% and energy use was cut by 90%.

Optimism, Resiliency, and Creativity: Event organizers are still feeling some uncertainty around a resurgence in COVID-19 cases, however 75% of respondents indicated they are optimistic about future events. The pandemic has left organizers feeling more adaptable, innovative, and creative. Half of organizers around the globe indicated COVID-19 made their teams more resilient.

Senior Activities

Lifelong Learning

A Pew Research Center survey found that 73% of adults consider themselves lifelong learners. Do-it-yourself project classes and programs that focus on becoming a more “well-rounded”

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person are popular. Phrases such as “how-to” can be added to the agency website’s search engine optimization as consumers now turn to the internet as their first source of information regarding how-to projects. Safeguarding online privacy is also a trending course.

Fitness and Wellness

Programs such as yoga, Pilates, tai chi, balance training, chair exercises, and others continue to be popular with older participants.

Encore Programming

This is a program area for baby boomers who are soon to be retired and focuses on a broad range of programs to prepare people for transitions into retirement activities. Popular programs for 55+ market include fitness and wellness (specifically yoga, mindfulness, tai chi, relaxation, personal training, etc.), drawing and painting, photography, languages, writing, computer and technology, social media, cooking, mahjong, card games, volunteering, and what to do during retirement.

Specialized Tours

Participants are looking for more day trips that highlight unique local experiences or historical themes. For example, a focus on authentic food, guided night walks, bike tours, concentration on a specific artist’s work, and ghost walks are among the themes being sought out.

Creative Endeavors

Improv classes are specifically targeting age groups with classes that promote creative endeavors. Workshops and groups help seniors play, laugh, and let loose while practicing mental stimulation, memory development, and flexibility.

Performing Arts and Cultural Programming

The survey results indicated residents are seeking more opportunities to engage in performing arts, history, and museums. Agencies across the country use indoor and outdoor facilities for art, cultural, musical experiences. Parks and recreation professionals and artists partnering create a community atmosphere that bolsters creativity and accessibility while encouraging physical activity. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the following strategies for building these partnerships:

Join community-based groups that plan and develop projects designed to make an activity-friendly community.

Partner with community-based groups to increase the use of parks by adding design elements that reflect local cultural traditions.

Include creative place-making when developing a strategy for community development. Creative place-making integrates arts, culture, and design into public spaces to promote well-being and increase physical activity.

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Create inclusive ways for community members to be involved with community development decision making.

The Connecticut Office of the Arts has several initiatives dedicated to supporting the arts across the state which is supported by various programs, grants, resources, and partners. Some of the partners they work with include The CT Arts Alliance, Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County, RiseUP, and several other regional groups including Greater Hartford Arts Council, Cultural Alliance of Western Connecticut, Arts Council of Greater New Haven, etc.

Aquatic Trends

Pool Design

Municipal pools have shifted away from the traditional rectangle shape, and instead have shifted to facilities that include zero-depth entry, play structures that include multiple levels, spray features, small to medium slides, and separate play areas segmented by age/ability. Indoor warm water therapy pools continue to grow in popularity with the aging population, creating a shallow space for low-impact movement at a comfortable temperature enables programming options to multiply. “Endless” or current pools that are small and allow for “lowimpact, high-intensity movement” are becoming popular, as well.

Water Fitness

The concept of water fitness is a huge trend in the fitness industry, with many new programs popping up such as aqua yoga, aqua Zumba, aqua spin, aqua step, and aqua boot camp. Whether recovering from an injury, looking for ease-of-movement exercise for diseases such as arthritis, or simply shaking up a fitness routine, all demographics are gravitating toward the water for fitness. Partnerships can be important for parks and recreation agencies, such as working with hospitals to accommodate cardiac patients and those living with arthritis or multiple sclerosis.

Spray Parks

Spray parks (or spray grounds) are now a common replacement for aging swimming pools, particularly because it provides the community with an aquatic experience without the high cost of traditional pools. Spray parks do not require high levels of staffing, require only minimal maintenance, and offers the community a no-cost (or low-cost) alternative to a swimming pool. A spray park typically appeals to children ages 2 – 12 and can be a stand-alone facility in a community or incorporated inside a family aquatic center.

Water Related Activities

Each year, the Sports and Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) releases a Sports, Fitness, and Leisure Activities Topline Participation Report. The SFIA report indicates that water sports had the largest overall growth in participation among all seven sports categories.

Table 9 demonstrates the change in time from over the past five years (2016 to 2021) for waterrelated activities that are relevant to Norwalk from the 2022 report. The 1-year, 2-year, and 5-

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year average annual growth (AAG) are charted in the tables to indicate the level of change for boardsailing/windsurfing, canoeing, jet skiing, kayaking, sailing, stand-up paddling, and water skiing.

Between 2020 and 2021, the water sports with the highest overall growth were boarding sailing/windsurfing (+9.9%), kayaking – sea/touring (+5.6%), and water skiing (+4.7%). The water sports that experienced the highest decreases in participation between 20202 and 2021 were kayaking – recreational (-14.6%), canoeing (-6.4%), and sailing (-3.6%).

Table 9: Water Sport Overall Participation, 2016 to 2021

NRPA Top Trends

Each year, the NRPA publishes an article about industry trends and predictions in Parks and Recreation Magazine. In the 2023 edition of the article, (written by Richard Dolesh—former Vice President of Strategic Initiatives for NRPA), the trends identified for 2023 focused on technology, health and wellness, worker satisfaction, and recreation program trends. Below are a few highlights from Dolesh’s article:

Parks and recreation agencies will be able to reduce their carbon footprint through the electrification of business elements such as buildings, vehicles, and equipment. The switch to electronic power is healthier, cheaper, more efficient, and more environmentally friendly for our communities.

Five state park systems and one national park implemented programs that loan persons with disabilities access to off-road, tracked, and powered wheelchairs. This is just one of many ways parks and recreation agencies are looking to provide opportunities for inclusion.

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1-year change 2021 2-year change 2020 5-year AAG 2016 Boardsailing/ Windsurfing 2.3% -7.6% -5.5% Canoeing -4.1% 2.3% -1.6% Jet Skiing 3.3% -0.9% -2.6% Kayaking (Recreational) 2.7% 17.3% 6.0% Kayaking (Sea/Touring) 3.1% -2.5% -3.6% Sailing -0.7% -4.3% -3.3% Stand-Up Paddling 1.8% 5.0% 3.0% Water Skiing 0.2% -4.5% -3.7%

Source: 2022 SFIA Topline Report

Worker satisfaction is more important now than ever and should be a top goal for your organization’s culture. Employees who feel a sense of genuine care for their well-being from their employer are more engaged and productive.

The lack of childcare workers and lifeguards and the impact that has on parks and recreation agencies' recreation is expected to continue. The childcare workforce is one of the only occupations that has not rebounded from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pickleball has exploded onto the recreation scene; however, the loud volume coming from pickleball courts leaves little to be desired for those living nearby.

Digital twin mapping is used to provide 3D models of the actual physical environment and is compatible with geographic information systems (GIS). The result of the two maps is a virtual image showing spatial relationships between objects, buildings, and elements of nature.

Anchor institutions, typically universities and hospitals, are nonprofit organizations that create strong bonds within their community. Parks and recreation agencies operate similarly and should be viewed as vital pieces of our communities.

Parks and recreation agencies across the nation relaxed the use and sale of alcohol at the parks, typically during special events. Recreational use of cannabis is now on the rise, with 21 states allowing recreational use, and may not be far behind the recreational use of alcohol in parks.

Single-use plastic utensils are easy to use in a park setting; however, some parks are looking for a more sustainable solution – edible utensils. Various companies now have items like edible straws, spoons, and forks that can help make agencies with food services more environmentally friendly.

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7.0 Recommendations

The following recommendations summarize the opportunities to strengthen the Department’s performance. Following each action, a recommended timeframe is identified as one of the following: Short-Term (ST) for completion within the next 1-3 years; Medium (MT) for within next 4-6 years, and Long-Term (LT) for completion within 7-10 years.

Program Menu

1. Continue to diversify the Department’s core program areas beyond the current five; work to achieve more balance in the distribution across the core program area types.

Start laying the foundation for the addition of a nature-based program area. Explore partners and/or independent contractors to support program provision. (ST)

Start providing nature-based programs. Target at least one per season. (ST)

Increase the quantity of nature-based programs to three per season. (ST)

Generate a plan to expand youth sports programming. Consider non-traditional sports and martial arts. (MT)

Add one new youth sport offering each year (i.e., tae kwon do, ultimate frisbee, track & field, lacrosse). (MT)

Consider outdoor adventure programming as a new area. Explore partners to provide kayaking, camping, fishing, etc. (LT)

Introduce outdoor adventure programs. (LT)

2. In addition to increasing the number of core program areas, also increase variety of program types within each area, using the top PIR opportunities as a guide: nature enjoyment, fitness & wellness, special events/festivals, senior activities, performing arts, aquatics, history & museums, and water-related activities.

Create an adult walking club in parks. (ST)

As facility space becomes available, add fitness programs. (ST)

Create one new family special events, add one each year. (ST)

As facility space becomes available, add senior adult activities. (ST)

As facility space becomes available, add early childhood programs. (ST)

Partner with local museums to add historical programming. (ST)

Seek out partners to add youth swim lessons. (ST)

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3. Develop and implement an annual program plan that identifies how the Department will serve age segments, recreation interests, and fulfill the community’s leisure needs in a more balanced manner.

Using the report as a starting point, compare the program menu to demographics annually. (ST)

Seasonally, challenge staff to add programs for teens, adults, and seniors. (ST)

Demonstrate annual program plan adjustments and modifications based on participation and program life cycle. (ST)

Conduct a community needs survey to gauge satisfaction and new recreational program needs. (MT)

Respond to community needs survey results by developing/adjusting program plan accordingly. (MT)

4. Focus on expanding recreation opportunities for specific markets, including adults and those with special needs.

At new special events, continue to survey adults regarding programming needs. (ST)

Hold adult programs at local small businesses, i.e. coffee shops, breweries, that combine the business’ expertise and a leisure experience. For example, wine tasting while painting. (ST)

Integrate at least one new adult program opportunity per season. (ST)

Seek out partners to provide programming to people with special needs. Establish cooperative agreements for collaborative service provision. (ST)

Develop an inclusion services plan for people who need special accommodations. This includes internal operations, advertising, and implementation of services. (MT)

Start providing inclusion services. (MT)

Begin developing and providing programs specifically for people with special needs. (MT)

Partnerships and Collaboration

1. Nurture the Department’s relationship with the school district, starting with the approval and implementation of the draft Joint Use Agreement (JUA). Establish more consistent communication and collaboration; renegotiate the parameters of the community’s school

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use during out-of-school times. Monitor the JUA’s execution, meet to discuss what is/is not working, and modify if needed.

Approve the JUA (ST)

Schedule programming according to new JUA. (ST)

Meet quarterly to discuss the agreement’s implementation and opportunities for operational improvement. (ST)

Renegotiate the JUA as needed. (MT/LT)

2. Define the Department’s role as partner, provider, facilitator, and/or resource for recreation opportunities by completing a program planning matrix. Then, communicate the Department’s role both internally (with other City departments) and externally with residents.

Complete program planning matrix. (ST)

Establish internal processes and procedures to support new roles. (ST)

Generate any new partnership agreements (ST)

Develop and execute communication plan, internally then externally. (MT)

Revisit roles by updating the program planning matrix. (MT)

3. Collaborate with similar providers to identify ways to better-meet the community’s recreation needs based on PIR results. Focus first on exploring collaborative opportunities with existing area organizations providing nature programs and services, followed by continued collaboration with the Senior Center to increase senior program opportunities.

Establish a service providers networking group, with the Department serving as the leader and conduit. (ST)

Lead quarterly meetings with the service providers networking group. (ST)

Establish annual planning goals with the Senior Center. (ST)

Collaborate on one event per year with Senior Center. (ST)

Explore potential Senior Center facility-based cooperative agreements. (ST)

Facilities

1. Improve field maintenance by developing field maintenance standards, providing additional funding for implementation of best practices, and additional staff to implement the standards.

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Develop field maintenance standards. (ST)

Establish annual funding plan for field maintenance standards execution, including staff and supply needs. (ST)

Consider fees and charges review as means to support park and field maintenance. (ST)

Increase field maintenance staffing. (ST)

2. Increase indoor recreation space to support program offering expansion.

Finalize and execute 98 S. Main facility renovation plans. (ST)

Open and staff 98 S. Main facility. (ST)

Develop funding plan for future indoor spaces. (ST)

Generate concept plan for future Taylor Farms Park facility to support funding plan needs. (MT)

Design future Taylor Farms Park facility. (LT)

3. Explore additional partnerships, lease agreements, and/or acquisition as a means to achieve access, in both quantity and variety.

Analyze three non-traditional recreation program spaces for viability. (ST)

Consider lease agreements, repurposing existing community spaces. (ST)

Identify five potential facility partners and engage in visioning discussions. (MT) Conduct annual review of real estate opportunities. (MT)

4. Current plans for the new Norwalk High School include construction of a new indoor aquatic facilities with a separate public entrance point which will allow for better programming opportunities. If the new pool, is not developed, the Department should lead efforts to plan to meet the community’s indoor aquatic needs elsewhere. This could include collaborating with similar providers, securing funding through alternative revenue sources (i.e., grants, referendum, corporate sponsorships), and/or public-private partnership.

Evaluate potential aquatic facility solutions with similar providers. (ST)

Review alternative revenue source options annually. (ST)

Administration

1. Increase staffing to support program development and growth.

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Add part-time positions that will enhance marketing and communications and programmatic offerings. (ST)

Increase programming staff to support program area growth. (ST)

Increase staff support only as indoor programming space is acquired. (ST)

Shift part time positions to full time. (MT)

2. Develop a seasonal program guide to more comprehensively communicate the participation opportunities.

Retain per diem or part time design support. (ST)

Develop seasonal program guide production process. (ST)

Establish advertising parameters to offset production costs. (ST)

Determine delivery process (electronic and/or paper) and any corresponding fees, if desired. (ST)

Begin seasonal production and distribution process. (ST)

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Aquatics

Camps

Cultural Youth Sports

New [Nature]

New [Fitness & Wellness]

New [Aquatics]

New [other]

Current Program Menu Activity Title

Adult Leagues

Beginner Intermediate Advanced

Norwalk High School Community Room (City Hall) Park A Park B Free Recover Costs Pay as Able Pricing Model Skill Level Age SegmentLocation City of Norwalk Recreation and Parks Department Program Planning Matri x Core Program AreaRoles Delivery Model

Partner Provider Facilitator Resource Self-Directed Leader-Directed Early Childhood Youth Teen Adult All Ages

Franklin Gym

0 50 50 50 50 40 40 40 30 30 38 O&M Subsystems^ ST Short Term 1 3 Years R = ReplaceWaterfront, Natural, & Regional Parks WNRP MT Medium Term 4 6 Years N NewCommunity & Neighborhood Parks CNP LTLong Term 7 10 Years Athletic FacilitiesAF VVision 10+ Years School ParksSP ProgramsPRG UnitQuantityUnit CostSubtotal BS Phase*SubsystemÔ&M Bouton Street Park Unit QTYUnit CostSubtotal BS STCNPR Drainage improvements around playgrounds; update park sign; enhance landscaping; add crosswalks and traffic calming signage along Oak ST, Windsor PL, and Bouton ST LS1$57,500$57,500 320243111 17 BS MTCNPN Add Fitness Court EA1$175,000$175,000 020030322 12 BS $0 0 $267,375 BS $267,375 BO Phase*SubsystemÔ&M Broad River Park Unit QTYUnit CostSubtotal BO MTCNPN Fitness Court EA1$175,000$175,000 020030322 12 BO MTAFR Replace outfield fence for both baseball fields with a removable fence; provide multipurpose field use LS1$66,500$66,500 022031311 13 BO $0 0 $277,725 BO $277,725 DV Phase*SubsystemÔ&M Devon's Place Unit QTYUnit CostSubtotal DV STCNPR Update park signage; enhance landscaping; provide ADA seating areas LS1$35,000$35,000 000442121 14 DV VCNPN Add small family restroom facility (350 SF) with utilities connections LS1$200,000$200,000 020110311 9 $270,250 DV $270,250 FE Phase*SubsystemÔ&M Fera Park Unit QTYUnit CostSubtotal FE STCNPN Update park signage; enhance landscaping; provide additional locations for memorials or art; add interactive QR codes for memorials/art or vegetation LS1$50,000$50,000 000142011 9 FE $0 0 $57,500 FE $57,500 FI Phase*SubsystemÔ&M Fitch Park Unit QTYUnit CostSubtotal FI STCNPR Update park sign; provide ADA parking and accessible route into park from parking; complete sidewalk gap from street entrance; enhance landscaping; additional benches, trash receptacles and bike racks LS1$85,000$85,000 320332111 16 FI MTCNPR Replace dugout; playground replacement with EWF surface (2 5 age and 5 12 age) LS1$260,000$260,000 000441111 12 FI LTCNPR Resurface and stripe parking lot SY1,420 $35$49,700 000241111 10 $453,905 FI $453,905 FO Phase*SubsystemÔ&M Fodor Park Unit QTYUnit CostSubtotal FO None $0 0 FO $0 0 $0 FO $0 IF Phase*Subsystem^ Irving C. Freese Park Unit QTYUnit CostSubtotal IF STCNPN Remaining master plan improvements: landscaping, drainage, amphitheater, lighting, tree removal, tree planting, paved pathways, site furnishings, drinking fountain, and utilities. LS1$1,609,463$1,609,463 320332212 18 IF $0 0 $1,850,882 IF $1,850,882 LU Phase*SubsystemÔ&M Ludlow Park Unit QTYUnit CostSubtotal LU STCNPR Update park sign; provide ADA curb ramps into park; enhance landscaping; additional benches, trash receptacles and bike racks; resurface tennis courts and replace one court with two (2) pickleball courts; add small 15x15 shelter and new drinking fountain. LS1$185,000$185,000 331332312 21 LU MTCNPR Playground replacement with EWF surface (2 5 age and 5 12 age) LS1$250,000$250,000 020341322 17 LU VCNPN Add small family restroom facility (350 SF) with utilities connections LS1$200,000$200,000 020110311 9 LU $0 0 $730,250 LU $730,250 Alt. Funding City Goals w/ 15% Cont. w/ 15% Cont. w/ 15% Cont. w/ 15% Cont. w/ 15% Cont. w/ 15% Cont. w/ 15% Cont. w/ 15% Cont. Leverages Alternative Funding Sourc e Access Equity Revenue Safety O&M Green Infr. Needs Documented Public Need or Deman d Revenue Generation Potential Improves Safety Meets Existing O&M Resources or D e Incorporates Green Infrastructure an Improves Access or Connectivity to P Improves or Advances Equity Goals City of Norwalk Recreation and Parks Master Plan Vision Probable Cost Estimate (2023) Capital Projects Phasing Legend* Prioritization Scoring Total Score A. Existing Parks and Facilities: Neighborhood Parks Aligns with Goals of Other Adopted o

MQ Phase*SubsystemÔ&M Malmquist Field Unit QTYUnit CostSubtotal MQ STCNPR Add ADA access from Beacon Street LS1$5,000$5,000320240000 11 MQ MTCNPN Provide small storage building SF100$100$10,000 000110011 4 MQ VAFN Install LED field lighting; full cut off, anti glare LS1$280,000$280,000 022021211 11 MQ $0 0 $339,250 MQ $339,250 MS Phase*SubsystemÔ&M Meadow Street Park Unit QTYUnit CostSubtotal MS STCNPR Playground replacement with EWF surface (2 5 age and 5 12 age) LS1$150,000$150,000 020341322 17 MS MTCNPN Replace perimeter chainlink fence with black aluminum and remove gates; enhance landscape; add 2 3 fitness stations, stabilize hillside with plantings; add artwork on retaining walls; add crosswalk; replace area lighting LS1$207,500$207,500 320243111 17 MS $0 0 $411,125 MS $411,125 MH Phase*SubsystemÔ&M Mill Hill Park Unit QTYUnit CostSubtotal MH STCNPN Update signage; install bike racks, additional interpretative signage LS1$35,000$35,000 020341112 14 MH VCNPN Add small family restroom facility (350 SF) with utilities connections LS1$200,000$200,000 020110311 9 $270,250 MH $270,250 MP Phase*SubsystemÔ&M Mill Pond Park Unit QTYUnit CostSubtotal MP LTCNPN Update park signage LS1$15,000$15,000 000332121 12 MP VWNRPN Add boardwalk from Branford St to Fenwick Pl. with interpretative signage LF450$600$270,000 320222311 16 $327,750 MP $327,750 NW Phase*SubsystemÔ&M North Water Street Park Unit QTYUnit CostSubtotal NW Note: N. Water Street Park is currently being used as a construction staging area and will be returned back to service with renovated facilities $0 0 NW $0 0 $0 NW $0 RE Phase*SubsystemÔ&M River Edge Park Unit QTYUnit CostSubtotal RE STWNRPN Signage/trail kiosk; remove invasives; install picnic table, seating and bike repair station; LS1$47,500$47,500 220242102 15 RE MTWNRPN Add sidewalk connection east to Plattsville Ave. LF750$55$41,250 320240122 16 RE $0 0 $102,063 RE $102,063 RC Phase*SubsystemÔ&M Roosevelt Center Unit QTYUnit CostSubtotal RC MTAFN Install two (2) new designated outdoor pickleball courts; west of existing ballfield EA2$35,000$70,000 020040312 12 RC VCNPR Playground replacement with EWF surface (5 12 age); add small 15x15 shelter by playgrounds LS1$235,000$235,000 010241212 13 RC VAFR Resurface sport courts; resod ballfield LS1$125,000$125,000 002140112 11 RC $0 0 $494,500 RC $494,500 RW Phase*SubsystemÔ&M Rowayton Docks Unit QTYUnit CostSubtotal RW MTWNRPN Update park signage with public access notice; install ADA accessible parking space LS1$17,500$17,500 320140002 12 RW $0 0 $20,125 RW $20,125 Access Equity Revenue Safety O&M Green Infr. Needs Alt. Funding City Goals w/ 15% Cont. w/ 15% Cont. w/ 15% Cont. w/ 15% Cont. w/ 15% Cont. w/ 15% Cont. w/ 15% Cont. w/ 15% Cont.

RP Phase*SubsystemÔ&M Ryan Park Unit QTYUnit CostSubtotal RP STCNPN Picnic tables for shelter; park sign LS1$15,000$15,000 000041222 11 RP $0 0 $17,250 RP $17,250 SV Phase*SubsystemÔ&M San Vincenzo Park Unit QTYUnit CostSubtotal SV STCNPR Playground replacement with EWF surface (2 5 age and 5 12 age); roof repairs to garden shelter; install park sign LS1$165,000$165,000 010241212 13 SV VCNPN Regrade site and install retaining wall; install full size basketball court, new playground, small 15x15 shelter; ADA access route LS1$560,000$560,000 330232212 18 SV $0 0 $833,750 SV $833,750 WS Phase*SubsystemÔ&M Washington Street Park Unit QTYUnit CostSubtotal WS MTCNPN Install additional public art; install 2 bocce courts LS1$25,000$25,000 000032111 8 WS $0 0 $28,750 WS $28,750 WL Phase*SubsystemÔ&M Witch Lane Park Unit QTYUnit CostSubtotal WL LTCNPN Install playground with EWF surface (2 5 age and 5 12 age); install two pickleball courts, small 15x15 shelter, drinking fountain; crosswalks at Witch Lane and Rowayton Ave. LS1$382,500$382,500 220332212 17 WL $0 0 $439,875 WL $439,875 WA Phase*SubsystemÔ&M Woodward Avenue Park Unit QTYUnit CostSubtotal WA STCNPN Update park entry signage; improve drainage in park; wetland plantings in western side of park; repair perimeter fence LS1$120,000$120,000 000044021 11 WA MTCNPN Public art on pump station building; install small 15x15 shelter; construct small 8 10 car parking lot LS1$125,000$125,000 220332212 17 WA $0 0 $281,750 WA $281,750 Subtotal $7,474,325 O&M Costs By Phasing (unfunded) $2,943,382 39.4% New:$128,121 $1,636,163 21.9% $514,280 6.9% Replace %:59.9% $2,380,500 31.8% New %: 40.1%By System Components WNRP $432,688 5.8% CNP $6,418,91285.9% AF $622,7258.3% SP 0.0% PRG 0.0% w/ 15% Cont. w/ 15% Cont. w/ 15% Cont. w/ 15% Cont. w/ 15% Cont. Vision Long Term Medium Term Short Term A. Existing Parks and Facilities: Neighborhood Parks

Norwalk HS field; improve drainage and grading; ADA access route into park; park entry sign

perimeter trail and unpaved walking path; 2 small 15x15

asphalt court to two (2) pickleball courts; playground replacement with EWF surface (2 5 age and 5 12 age); install security cameras and emergency callbox; update park entry sign; add picnic tables for existing shelter; clear invasives off dugout

unpaved hiking trail loop; benches along trail; install

single zone dog park

UnitQuantityUnit CostSubtotal AF Phase*Subsystem^O&M Andrews Field Unit QTYUnit CostSubtotal AF STAFN Relocate

LS1$1,165,000$1,165,000 322221221 17 AF LTCNPN Boardwalk/pond

LS1$275,000$275,000 220022322 15 AF LTWNRPN Paved

shelters LS1$270,000$270,000 120132312 15 AF VCNPR Renovated restrooms and storage building SF1,500 $250$375,000 000231311 11 $2,397,750 AF $2,397,750 FH Phase*Subsystem^O&M Flax Hill Park Unit QTYUnit CostSubtotal FH STCNPR Convert

LS1$434,500$434,500 020332322 17 FH MTCNPN Construct

LS1$212,000$212,000 20222412 15 FH $0 0 $743,475 FH $743,475 HH Phase*Subsystem^O&M Honey Hill Park Unit QTYUnit CostSubtotal HH STCNPR Update park signage; develop unpaved hiking trail loop

benches and interpretative signage;

and ADA route to spectator seating areas;

bike racks and trash receptacles LS1$106,000$106,000 320231312 17 HH LTCNPN Install playground with EWF surface (2 5 age and 5 12 age); small 15x15 shelter LS1$285,000$285,000 030032312 14 HH $0 0 $449,650 HH $449,650 MT Phase*SubsystemÔ&M Mathews Park Unit QTYUnit CostSubtotal MT STCNPR ADA accessible routes from parking at park entry and near tennis to destinations; remove safety hazards throughout lawn around mansion (abandoned utilities) LS1$60,000$60,000 300430301 14 MT $0 0 $69,000 MT $69,000 OY Phase*SubsystemÔ&M Oyster Shell Park Unit QTYUnit CostSubtotal OY LTWNRPN Completion of park master projects: Utilities, site furnishings, landscape, hardscape, shade structure LS1$3,481,369$3,481,369 000234212 14 OY VWNRPN Floating kayak launch, trailhead kiosk, small 15x15 shelter; bike repair station LS1$157,500$157,500 420222322 19 OY VCNPN Add small family restroom facility (350 SF) with utilities connections LS1$200,000$200,000 020022311 11 $4,414,699 OY $4,414,699 SH Phase*SubsystemÔ&M Shady Beach Unit QTYUnit CostSubtotal SH STWNRPN Install bike racks; additional tree canopy LS1$30,000$30,000 300243223 19 SH MTWNRPN Install playground with EWF surface (2 5 age and 5 12 age); additional tree canopy planted; update park signage LS1$310,000$310,000 022233322 19 SH LTWNRPR Restroom renovations SF1,500 $300$450,000 020222311 13 SH VWNRPN Six (6) medium 20x20 picnic shelters EA6$45,000$270,000 203032312 16 SH $0 0 $1,219,000 SH $1,219,000 SP Phase*SubsystemÔ&M Springwood Park Unit QTYUnit CostSubtotal SP MTCNPN Replat property to park area; add vehicle entry from Ingalls Ave; add 10 12 space parking lot; development small playground; add benches, trash receptacles and bike racks; resurface basketball courts; remove old field lighting; update/add park entry signage in multiple points; add sidewalk access from Ingalls Ave. LS1$490,000$490,000 430232312 20 SP MTCNPN Add unpaved walking path to north area of site LS1$50,000$50,000 220122322 16 SP STCNPN Provide small storage building (10x10) LS1$12,500$12,500 001021111 7 $635,375 SP $635,375 Needs Alt. Funding City Goals Access Equity Revenue Safety O&M Green Infr. B. Existing Parks and Facilities: Community Parks

overlook; interpretative signage

small

with

provide ADA parking spaces

provide

241 TF Phase*SubsystemÔ&M Taylor Farm Unit QTYUnit CostSubtotal TF STCNPN Update park signage; provide medium 20x20 shelter; expand existing parking by 8 10 spaces; add 2 ADA parking spaces with ADA route into park. LS1$120,000$120,000 310232322 18 TF $0 0 $138,000 TF $138,000 WP Phase*SubsystemÔ&M Woods Pond Unit QTYUnit CostSubtotal WP STWNRPN Update park signage; add paved ADA parking spaces and ADA route to lake overlook; provide benches, trash receptacles, and bike racks; add paved trail along Rocks Rd. (1,000 LF) LS1$110,000$110,000 430232322 21 WP LTWNRPN Develop an ADA accessible kayak launch NW of existing parking lot; add small 15x15 shelter; add kayak lockers; add additional interpretative signage; LS1$180,000$180,000 330122322 18 WP VWNRPN Develop ADA accessible boardwalk (450 LF) with lake overlook area LS1$320,000$320,000 220122322 16 $701,500 WP $701,500 Subtotal $10,768,449 O&M Costs By Phasing (unfunded) $2,343,700 21.8% New:$127,350 $1,221,300 11.3% $5,682,574 52.8% Replace %:26.3% $1,520,875 14.1% New %: 73.7%By System Components WNRP $6,415,699 59.6% CNP $3,013,000 28.0% AF $1,339,750 12.4% SP 0.0% PRG 0.0% UnitQuantityUnit CostSubtotal CP Phase*SubsystemÔ&M Calf Pasture Park Unit QTYUnit CostSubtotal CP MTWNRPN Provide kayak lockers; replace sand volleyball LS1$50,000$50,000 102033212 14 CP LTWNRPN Provide event lawn with stage electrical hook ups; food truck court; provide additional bike racks and bike repair station LS1$335,000$335,000 303232222 19 CP LTWNRPR Playground replacement with PIP surface LS1$500,000$500,000 020232311 14 CP VWNRPN Eight (8) additional medium 20x20 shelters for rentals; add fitness court EA8$535,000$535,000 023022321 15 CP $0 0 $1,633,000 CP $1,633,000 CR Phase*SubsystemÔ&M Cranbury Park Unit QTYUnit CostSubtotal CR MTWNRPR Remaining mansion projects: Phase 1 millwork, catering sprinkler system; Phase 2 site work millwork restoration, elevator; Phase 3 site work, foundation, walls/roofs, fire protection and electrical LS1$2,718,255$2,718,255 003332121 15 CR LTWNRPN Event stage utility hook ups; garden restoration; three (3) small 15x15 shelters. LS1$245,000$245,000 002233211 14 CR VWNRPN Hiking trail expansion and restoration; benches, wayfinding LS1$250,000$250,000 300132322 16 $3,695,243 CR $3,695,243 VP Phase*SubsystemÔ&M Veterans Park Unit QTYUnit CostSubtotal VP MTWNRPR Master Plan projects: fountain, marina, landscaping, public art, streetscape, harbor/police marine unit, pavilions LS1$5,438,685$5,438,685 324332222 23 VP LTWNRPN Resiliency projects: coastal restoration; kayak launch, walking trail, plantings; master plan development for long term coastal restoration LS1$5,000,000$5,000,000 322234322 23 VP VAFR Two (2) new lighted baseball and two (2) new lighted softball fields; four (4) lighted multipurpose fields; new concessions building and restrooms; new playground, reconfigured parking and access drive; fitness court LS1$13,700,000$13,700,000 024232322 20 $27,759,488 VP $27,759,488 Subtotal $33,087,731 O&M Costs By Phasing (unfunded) $0 0.0% New:$192,450 $9,437,981 28.5% $6,992,000 21.1% Replace %:80.6% $16,657,750 50.3% New %: 19.4%By System Components WNRP $17,332,731 52.4% CNP 0.0% AF $15,755,000 47.6% SP 0.0% PRG 0.0% Access Equity Revenue Safety O&M Green Infr. Needs Alt. Funding City Goals Vision Vision C. Existing Parks and Facilities: Regional Parks Long Term Long Term Medium Term Short Term B. Existing Parks and Facilities: Community Parks C. Existing Parks and Facilities: Regional Parks Short Term Medium Term

242 UnitQuantityUnit CostSubtotal BE Phase*SubsystemÔ&M Brookside Elementary School Unit QTYUnit CostSubtotal BE MTSPR Playground replacement with PIP surface and ADA access; small 15x15 shelter; update park signage LS1$400,000$400,000 010241212 13 BE VSPR Replace southern ballfield with full size multi sport court LS1$90,000$90,000 020141212 13 $563,500 BE $563,500 CO Phase*SubsystemÔ&M Columbus Elementary School Unit QTYUnit CostSubtotal CO STSPR Playground replacement with PIP surface and ADA access; resurface court; update park signage LS1$400,000$400,000 010241212 13 CO VSPN Additional tree plantings and interpretative signage for arboretum; benches LS1$65,000$65,000 000034222 13 CO $0 0 $534,750 CO $534,750 CE Phase*SubsystemÔ&M Cranbury Elementary School Unit QTYUnit CostSubtotal CE N/A: new school will include redevelopment of park area $0 0 CE $0 0 $0 CE $0 FR Phase*SubsystemÔ&M Fox Run Elementary School Unit QTYUnit CostSubtotal FR LTSPR Small 15x15 shelter; update park signage LS1$50,000$50,000 010241112 12 FR VSPN Add small family restroom facility (350 SF) with utilities connections LS1$200,000$200,000 020110311 9 FR $0 0 $287,500 FR $287,500 KE Phase*SubsystemÔ&M Kendall Elementary School Unit QTYUnit CostSubtotal KE LTSPR Small 15x15 shelter; update park signage; sport court resurfacing LS1$100,000$100,000 010241212 13 KE VSPN Add small family restroom facility (350 SF) with utilities connections LS1$200,000$200,000 020110311 9 KE $0 0 $345,000 KE $345,000 ME Phase*SubsystemÔ&M Marvin Elementary School Unit QTYUnit CostSubtotal ME MTSPR Repave and new surface for sport court; update park signage LS1$90,000$90,000 020231211 12 ME $0 0 $103,500 ME $103,500 NE Phase*SubsystemÔ&M Naramake Elementary School Unit QTYUnit CostSubtotal NE VSPN Add full size multi sport court LS1$90,000$90,000 020033211 12 NE $103,500 NE $103,500 RE Phase*SubsystemÔ&M Rowayton Elementary School Unit QTYUnit CostSubtotal RE LTSPR Update park signage; sport courts resurfacing LS1$65,000$65,000 010241112 12 RE $0 0 $74,750 RE $74,750 SE Phase*SubsystemÔ&M Silvermine Elementary School Unit QTYUnit CostSubtotal SE STSPR Sport courts resurfacing; update park signage; ADA access into park from Perry Ave. LS1$175,000$175,000 320232211 16 SE $0 0 $201,250 SE $201,250 TE Phase*SubsystemÔ&M Tracey Elementary School Unit QTYUnit CostSubtotal TE LTSPR Update park signage LS1$15,000$15,000 010241111 11 TE VSPN Add full size multi sport court LS1$90,000$90,000 020033211 12 TE $0 0 $120,750 TE $120,750 Revenue Safety O&M Green Infr. Needs Alt. Funding City Goals D. Existing Parks and Facilities: School Parks Access Equity

WE Phase*SubsystemÔ&M Wolfpit Elementary School Unit QTYUnit CostSubtotal WE STSPR ADA access from parking lot; update park signage; repair erosion along stairs LS1$100,000$100,000 310341112 16 WE MTSPR Renovate existing dugout/ballfield LS1$150,000$150,000 021232321 16 WE $0 0 $287,500 WE $287,500 NH Phase*SubsystemÔ&M Nathan Hale Middle School Unit QTYUnit CostSubtotal NH VAFR Replace fields (190k SF); add food truck area with electrical hookups; update park signage LS1$1,965,000$1,965,000 023232321 18 NH VSPR Resurface tennis courts (2); replace existing restroom building with 900 SF new restrooms LS1$505,000$505,000 020132321 14 NH VSPN Add full size basketball court LS1$75,000$75,000 030031321 13 $2,926,750 NH $2,926,750 PM Phase*SubsystemÔ&M Ponus Middle School Unit QTYUnit CostSubtotal PM VAFN New lighted multipurpose baseball, soccer/football and cricket field (190k SF); add food truck area with electrical hookups; update park signage LS1$2,900,000$2,900,000 033232321 19 PM VSPN New 900 SF restroom building with picnic shelter (500 SF) LS1$480,000$480,000 020132321 14 PM $0 0 $3,887,000 PM $3,887,000 RM Phase*SubsystemÔ&M Roton Middle School Unit QTYUnit CostSubtotal RM LTSPN Install outdoor tennis court and basketball court (not lighted); update park signage LS1$155,000$155,000 020031321 12 RM $0 0 $178,250 RM $178,250 WM Phase*SubsystemÔ&M West Rocks Middle School Unit QTYUnit CostSubtotal WM STSPR Resurface existing tennis and basketball courts LS1$75,000$75,000 020231321 14 WM $0 0 $86,250 WM $86,250 BM Phase*SubsystemÔ&M Brien McMahon High School Unit QTYUnit CostSubtotal BM VAFR Replace atheltic fields (278k SF) LS1$2,780,000$2,780,000 013232321 17 BM VAFR Resurface six (6) tennis courts LS1$210,000$210,000 012232321 16 BM $0 0 $3,438,500 BM $3,438,500 NR Phase*SubsystemÔ&M Norwalk High School Unit QTYUnit CostSubtotal NR N/A: new school will include redevelopment of park area $0 0 NR $0 0 $0 NR $0 Subtotal $13,138,750 O&M Costs By Phasing (unfunded) $966,000 7.4% New:$124,950 $736,000 5.6% $442,750 3.4% Replace %:68.3% $10,994,000 83.7% New %: 31.7%By System Components WNRP $0 CNP $0 AF $9,033,250 SP $4,105,500 PRG $0 Total $64,469,255 O&M Costs By Phasing (unfunded) $6,253,082 9.7% New:$572,871 $13,031,444 20.2% $13,631,604 21.1% Replace %:66.6% $31,553,125 48.9% New %: 33.4%By System Components WNRP $24,181,118 37.5% CNP $9,431,912 14.6% AF $26,750,725 41.5% SP $4,105,500 6.4% PRG $0 0.0% Access Equity Revenue Safety O&M Green Infr. Needs Alt. Funding City Goals Vision Vision Short Term Medium Term Long Term Short Term Medium Term Long Term D. Existing Parks and Facilities: School Parks Existing Parks and Facilities:

244 Unit QTYUnit CostSubtotal Park Improvements Picnic shelter EA1$35,000$35,000 Playground w/ EWF surface EA1$250,000$250,000 Sport court/ basketball court LS1$75,000$75,000 Landscape/Tree Canopy LS1$100,000$100,000 Sidewalk and access points LS1$50,000$50,000 Site furnishings LS1$50,000$50,000 Wayfinding and Signage LS1$20,000$20,000 Site Prep and Utilities LS1$150,000$150,000 Planning, Design and Permitting LS1$100,000$100,000 Acquisition 1/4 1 acre lots 4 sites LS1$250,000$250,000 Unit QTYUnit CostSubtotal LTCNP Two (2) mini parks; one in vicinity of Winfield St east of East St.; and one in vicinity of Grumman Ave south of Merritt Pkwy; 15% contingency EA2$1,242,000$2,484,000 250032322 VCNP Three (3) mini parks; one in vicinity of Ledgewood Dr. south of New Canaan Ave.; one in vicinity of Flax Hill Rd. south of I 95 and north of Devils Garden Rd.; and one in vicinity of Chestnut Hill Rd. south of Merritt Pkwy. 15% contingency EA3$1,242,000$3,726,000 250032322 $0 Unit QTYUnit CostSubtotal Park Improvements Picnic shelter EA2$40,000$80,000 Playground w/ EWF surface EA1$350,000$350,000 Sport court, lighted LS1$100,000$100,000 Athletic Field Multipurpose with back stop EA1$500,000$500,000 Parking LS1$250,000$250,000 Restrooms SF900$450$405,000 Fitness court/stations LS1$175,000$175,000 Landscape/Tree Canopy LS1$150,000$150,000 Sidewalk and access points LS1$100,000$100,000 Site furnishings LS1$75,000$75,000 Wayfinding and Signage LS1$25,000$25,000 Site Prep and Utilities LS1$200,000$200,000 Planning, Design and Permitting LS1$300,000$300,000 Acquisition 3 5 acres, each LS1$750,000$750,000 Unit QTYUnit CostSubtotal VCNP Four (4) proposed new neighborhood parks; one located in vicinity of Benedict St west of US 7 and north of I 95; one in vicinity of W. Norwalk Rd; one in vicinity of W. Rocks Rd. north of Merritt Pkwy; and one in vicinity of Saddle Rd. north of US 1 and east of Newtown Ave. 15% contingency EA4$3,979,000$15,916,000 352032322 $0 Unit QTYUnit CostSubtotal LTWNRP New skate park; location to be determined LS1$2,000,000$2,300,000 032231321 Unit QTYUnit CostSubtotal STPG 98 S. Main Street Community Center renovation SF22000$450$11,385,000 055032322 VPG New proposed multi generational recreation center at Taylor Farms SF40000$450$27,000,000 055032322 Proposed Mini Parks Proposed Neighborhood Parks Prototypical Mini Park Prototypical Neighborhood Park Access Equity Revenue Safety O&M Green Infr. Needs Alt. Funding City Goals

245 WP Phase*Subsystem^O&M New Waterfront Access Points Unit QTYUnit CostSubtotal WP MTWNRP Blueway signage standards and implementation LS1$150,000$150,000 300221321 14 WP MTWNRP 5th Street street end waterfront access, passive space LS1$100,000$100,000 430222322 20 WP VWNRP Acquisition of property adjacent to Cove Ave street end and develop kayak launch and parking LS1$1,050,000$1,050,000 430222322 20 WP MTWNRP Develop parking spaces and kayak launch at Lowndes Ave street end waterfront access point LS1$100,000$100,000 430222322 20 WP VWNRP Acquisition of property adjacent to Naromake Ave and develop kayak launch and parking LS1$1,050,000$1,050,000 430222322 20 WP $0 0 WP $2,817,500 WP $2,817,500 GW Phase*Subsystem^O&M Greenways Unit QTYUnit CostSubtotal GW LTWNRP Contribution to greenway development: Priority greenway segments as determined by LRTP Update; LS1$6,000,000$6,000,000 540442332 27 GW $0 0 GW 0 $6,900,000 $6,900,000 Subtotal $78,286,250 O&M Costs By Phasing (unfunded) $13,092,750 16.7% New:$1,947,330 $402,500 0.5% $11,684,000 14.9% Acquisition %:7.7% $53,107,000 67.8% By System Components WNRP $12,017,500 15.4% CNP $22,126,000 28.3% AF 0.0% SP 0.0% PRG$44,142,750 56.4% TOTAL$142,755,505 O&M Costs By Phasing (unfunded) $19,345,832 13.6% New:$2,520,201 $13,433,944 9.4% $25,315,604 17.7% Replace %:30.1% $84,660,125 59.3% New %: 69.9% Acquisition %:7.7% By System Components WNRP $36,198,618 25.4% CNP $31,557,912 22.1% AF$26,750,725 18.7% SP$4,105,500 2.9% PRG$44,142,750 30.9% Access Equity Revenue Safety O&M Green Infr. Needs Alt. Funding City Goals Vision Proposed Greenway Trails Long Term F. New Parks and Facilities PROPOSED CAPITAL PROJECTS TOTAL Short Term Medium Term Long Term Short Term Medium Term Vision

Short

(1 3 YR) Prioritization Recommendations

ramps into park; enhance landscaping; additional benches, trash receptacles and bike racks; resurface tennis courts and replace one court with two (2) pickleball courts; add small 15x15 shelter and new

provide ADA

develop unpaved hiking trail loop with benches and

Term

Priority # Location/Project Cost Score Indoor Recreation Space Cost Score 98 S. Main Street Community Center renovation 22 Ludlow Park Cost Score Update park sign;

fountain. 21 Woods Pond Cost Score Update park signage;

and bike racks;

Rocks Rd. (1,000 LF) 21 Shady Beach Cost Score Install bike racks; additional tree canopy 19 Taylor Farm Cost Score Update park signage;

medium

shelter;

parking

spaces;

parking spaces with ADA route into park. 18 Irving C. Freese Park Cost Score Remaining master plan improvements: landscaping, drainage,

planting, paved pathways, site furnishings, drinking fountain, and utilities. 18 Bouton Street Park Cost Score Drainage improvements around playgrounds; update park sign; enhance landscaping; add crosswalks and traffic calming signage along Oak ST, Windsor PL, and Bouton ST 17 Andrews Field Cost Score Relocate Norwalk HS athletic field; improve drainage and grading; ADA access route into park; park entry sign 17 Honey Hill Park Cost Score Update park signage;

interpretative signage; provide ADA parking spaces and ADA route to spectator seating areas; provide bike racks and trash receptacles 17 Meadow Street Park Cost Score Playground replacement with EWF surface (2 5 age and 5 12 age) 17 Flax Hill Park Cost Score Convert asphalt court to two (2) pickleball courts; playground replacement with EWF surface (2 5 age and 5 12 age); install security cameras and emergency callbox; update park entry sign; add picnic tables for existing shelter; clear invasives off dugout 17 Silvermine Elementary School Cost Score Sport courts resurfacing; update park signage; ADA access into park from Perry Ave. 16 Fitch Park Cost Score Update park sign; provide ADA parking and accessible route into park from parking; complete sidewalk gap from street entrance; enhance landscaping; additional benches, trash receptacles and bike racks 16 Wolfpit Elementary School Cost Score ADA access from parking lot; update park signage; repair erosion along stairs 16 River Edge Park Cost Score Signage/trail kiosk; remove invasives; install picnic table, seating and bike repair station; 15 Mathews Park Cost Score ADA accessible routes from parking at park entry and near tennis to destinations; remove safety hazards throughout lawn around mansion (abandoned utilities) 14 West Rocks Middle School Cost Score Resurface existing tennis and basketball courts 14 Mill Hill Park Cost Score Update signage; install bike racks, additional interpretative signage 14 Devon's Place Cost Score Update park signage; enhance landscaping; provide ADA seating areas 14 Columbus Elementary School Cost Score Playground replacement with PIP surface and ADA access; resurface court; update park signage 13

curb

drinking

add paved ADA parking spaces and ADA route to lake overlook; provide benches, trash receptacles,

add paved trail along

provide

20x20

expand existing

by 8 10

add 2 ADA

amphitheater, lighting, tree removal, tree

Medium Term (4 6 YR) Prioritization Recommendations

247

Long Term (7 10 YR) Prioritization Recommendations

248

Priority # Location/Project Cost Score Greenways Cost Score Contribution to greenway development: Priority greenway segments as determined by LRTP Update; 27 Veterans Park Cost Score Resiliency projects: coastal restoration; kayak launch, walking trail, plantings; master plan development for long term coastal restoration 23 Future Mini Parks Cost Score Two (2) mini parks; one in vicinity of Winfield St east of East St.; and one in vicinity of Grumman Ave south of Merritt Pkwy; 15% contingency 19 Calf Pasture Park Cost Score Provide event lawn with stage electrical hook ups; food truck court; provide additional bike racks and bike repair station 19 Mill Pond Park Cost Score Update park signage 18 Witch Lane Park Cost Score Install playground with EWF surface (2 5 age and 5 12 age); install two pickleball courts, small 15x15 shelter, drinking fountain; crosswalks at Witch Lane and Rowayton Ave. 17 Skatepark Cost Score New skate park; location to be determined 17 Andrews Field Cost Score Paved perimeter trail and unpaved walking path; 2 small 15x15 shelters 15 Boardwalk/pond overlook; interpretative signage 15 Honey Hill Park Cost Score Install playground with EWF surface (2 5 age and 5 12 age); small 15x15 shelter 14 Oyster Shell Park Cost Score Completion of park master projects: Utilities, site furnishings, landscape, hardscape, shade structure 14 Calf Pasture Park Cost Score Playground replacement with PIP surface 14 Cranbury Park Cost Score Event stage utility hook ups; garden restoration; three (3) small 15x15 shelters. 14 Woods Pond Cost Score Develop an ADA accessible kayak launch NW of existing parking lot; add small 15x15 shelter; add kayak lockers; add additional interpretative signage 14 Kendall Elementary School Cost Score Small 15x15 shelter; update park signage; sport court resurfacing 13

Vision (10+ YR) Prioritization Recommendations

249

Priority # Location/Project Cost Score Future Neighborhood Parks Cost Score Four (4) proposed new neighborhood parks; one located in vicinity of Benedict St west of US 7 and north of I 95; one in vicinity of W. Norwalk Rd; one in vicinity of W. Rocks Rd. north of Merritt Pkwy; and one in vicinity of Saddle Rd. north of US 1 and east of Newtown Ave. 15% contingency 22 Indoor Recreation Space Cost Score New proposed multi generational recreation center at Taylor Farms 22 New Waterfront Access Points Cost Score Acquisition of property adjacent to Cove Ave street end and develop kayak launch and parking 20 Acquisition of property adjacent to Naromake Ave and develop kayak launch and parking 20 Veterans Park Cost Score Two (2) new lighted baseball and two (2) new lighted softball fields; four (4) lighted multipurpose fields; new concessions building and restrooms; new playground, reconfigured parking and access drive; fitness court 20 Future Mini Parks Cost Score Three (3) mini parks; one in vicinity of Ledgewood Dr. south of New Canaan Ave.; one in vicinity of Flax Hill Rd. south of I 95 and north of Devils Garden Rd.; and one in vicinity of Chestnut Hill Rd. south of Merritt Pkwy. 15% contingency 19 Ponus Middle School Cost Score New lighted multipurpose baseball, soccer/football and cricket field (190k SF); add food truck area with electrical hookups; update park signage 19 Oyster Shell Park Cost Score Floating kayak launch, trailhead kiosk, small 15x15 shelter; bike repair station 19 San Vincenzo Park Cost Score Regrade site and install retaining wall; install full size basketball court, new playground, small 15x15 shelter; ADA access route 18 Nathan Hale Middle School Cost Score Replace athletic fields (190k SF); add food truck area with electrical hookups; update park signage 18 Brien McMahon High School Cost Score Replace athletic fields (278k SF) 17 Cranbury Park Cost Score Hiking trail expansion and restoration; benches, wayfinding 16 Mill Pond Park Cost Score Add boardwalk from Branford St to Fenwick Pl. with interpretative signage 16 Shady Beach Cost Score Six (6) medium 20x20 picnic shelters 16 Woods Pond Cost Score Develop ADA accessible boardwalk (450 LF) with lake overlook area 16 Brien McMahon High School Cost Score Resurface six (6) tennis courts 16 Calf Pasture Park Cost Score Eight (8) additional medium 20x20 shelters for rentals; add fitness court 15 Ponus Middle School Cost Score New 900 SF restroom building with picnic shelter (500 SF) 14 Nathan Hale Middle School Cost Score Resurface tennis courts (2); replace existing restroom building with 900 SF new restrooms 14 Roosevelt Center Cost Score Playground replacement with EWF surface (5 12 age); add small 15x15 shelter by playgrounds 13

Irving C. Freese Park0.4590.50.69461.560.459

Ludlow Park2.8824.13.30312.882

Malmquist Field ("Eric Malmquist Field)4.7326.54.72874.534.732

Meadow Street Park0.3470.40.64680.110.347

Mill Hill Park2.3364.53.5922.254682.336 Mill Pond Park0.4930.250.56120.960.493

North Water Street Park0.4510.30.42040.370.451

River Edge Park00.250.0487

Roosevelt Center ("Roosevelt School" )10.2349.88.51477.7899910.234

Rowayton Docks ("Community Beach")0.2960.250.33640.250.296

Ryan Park ("John H. Ryan Park")2.2272.52.00342.189992.227

San Vincenzo Park0.8844.62.43920.870.884

Washington Street Plaza0.810.80.63260.79440.810

City of Norwalk Park Acreage Data "Acre GIS" column of data 840.98 R&P Dept. Data AcresGIS AcresShape_Ac Bouton Street Playground0.42 0.40.439995.189990.420 23 Oak Street (City of Norwalk owernship) Broad River Park

School")5.3015.25.31465.189995.301 Devons Place02.5 303 West Ave.; acreage in included in Mathews Park parcels Fera Park00.0316.967.463340 West Ave. Acreage is included in Mathews Park parcels Fitch Park

School Fields"4.2194.53.72084.454.21981 Strawberry Hill Ave. Fodor Farm8.864188.018.065330 Flax Hill Rd. 0.23031 Pogany Street 0.306328 Flax Hill Rd. 0.26437 Pogany Street

("Former Broad River

or "Fitch

Witch Lane Park0.99110.97061.020.991 Woodward Ave. Park4.064 43.832944.064 Total Acerage:50.01070.3842.2066.5057.471 R&P Dept. Data AcresGIS AcresShape_Ac Andrews Field16.419.415.34316.4 16.40 Flax Hill Park10.4412.710.74439.02 10.44 Grassy Island3.947.312.4313.5 3.94 Honey Hill Park ("Honey Hill Ballfields")7.218.56.52347.22 7.21 Mathews Park 9.7222.819.736412.43999 9.72 0.66 0.66 7.4616.96 7.46 Stepping Stones Museum Pine Island Cemetry2.680.28 2.60 Oyster Shell Park (2 Parcels)11.4544 4.82 11.23 11.45 Shady Beach12.714.714.05911.65 12.70 Shea/LittleRam Island 62.2244.864.67194 44.68 7.06 17.54 Springwood Park ("Nathan Ely Elementary School")17.4120.312.343220.52849 17.41 3.7015 Taylor Farm30.0733.933.5409 30.07 Woods Pond10.039.69.37649.58 10.03 Total Acerage:202.310 246.00202.47129.87 207.146 R&P Dept. Data Acres GIS AcresShape Ac Calf Pasture Park39.193837.237733 39.19 Cranbury Park 200.48229.1137.6705134.24 133.10 35.266820.01 19.50 25.563622.97899 23.18 0.41 22.10 2.20 Veterans Park 34.894439.440535 8.43 26.46 Total Acerage:274.56311.1 275.18245.23 274.562 R&P Dept. Data Acres GIS AcresShape Ac Brookside Elementary School9.2011.48.32979.14105 9.20 Columbus Elementary School3.243.24.0893.25 3.24 Cranbury Elementary School31.9233.231.411233.07 31.92 Fox Run Elementary School17.3617.617.983416.8 17.36 Jefferson Elementary School4.705.65.2115.55999 4.70 Kendall Elementary School8.799.19.1588.877 8.79 Marvin Elementary School10.841110.573810.839 10.84 Naramake Elementary School18.7622.212.050920.21 18.76 Rowayton Elementary School13.2814.414.487310.4 13.28 Silvermine Elementary School11.4916.864.671911.77 11.49 Tracey Elementary School5.847.54.5347.46 5.84 Wolfpit Elementary School10.0010.48.90610.4 10.00 Nathan Hale Middle School16.1919.616.88515.6 16.19 Ponus Ridge Middle School40.9941.640.412741.63 40.99 Roton Middle School12.0716.211.588812.2 12.07 West Rocks Middle School15.5015.616.926115.5899 15.50 Brien McMahon High School27.9728.326.309128.71644 27.97 Norwalk High School 14.5525.917.597423.14486 14.55 Total Acerage:272.71309.6 321.13284.66 272.71 875.311937.08 "TotalAcres" column of data 726.25 City of Norwalk Neighborhood and Pocket Parks City of Norwalk Community Parks City of Norwalk Regional Parks City of Norwalk School Parks

251 R&P Dept. Data AcresShape_AcShape_SFOwnership 50 Water Street Public Access 0.1828Not associated with a defined parcel Andrew Santeniello Park 0.61370.7733372.88First Taxing District Art Park0.780.7 0.78 33860.53State of CT Battle of the Rocks Monument 0.92710.13 First Taxing District Bayley Beach 0.53798.64 Sixth Taxing District Betts Brook Pond10.230.751910.23445782.05City of Norwalk Broad Street 8.30361582.96First Taxing District Burlington Court Open Space0.420.38280.42 City of Norwalk Cannon Street Park 0.3515453.55First Taxing District Charles Creek Park0.1450.25480.156321.94City of Norwalk Church Park 3.12136038.98Parish of St. Pauls Comstock Hill Open Space4.0163.53594.02174941.98City of Norwalk Constitution Park 0.66240.083616.70N/A 0.2310136.58City of Norwalk 1.5567692.08Third Taxing District Devils Garden Open Space 5.99656.22270804.37Norwalk Land Trust Edge Water Park 1.0621.6973715.65Third Taxing District Field Street Nature Area3.313.23633.31 City of Norwalk Fox Run Open Space 3.41144.35189472.80Norwalk Land Trust Hart Nature Preserve4.6229.99634.62201313.32City of Norwalk Heritage Wall 1.25560.3615856.20N/A Knowalot Lane Open Space22.1036.354822.10 City of Norwalk 14 Lakeview Drive 2.2497586.55First Taxing District Lewis Park 0.6427791.03First Taxing District Lockwood House 0.7789City Hall Parcel Madison Street Park 0.71020.135827.61N/A Magrath Park9.39610.26879.40409284.81City of Norwalk Nick Bredice Park 0.229746.78First Taxing District North Avenue Park3.022.52463.02 City of Norwalk Norwalk Town Green 3.27261.9685164.80First Taxing District Norwalk Harbor Walk0.8811.41440.8838390.39City of Norwalk Oak Hills Park 152.8662142.32 City Of Norwalk; leased Peach Island 2.47262.47107705.52US Dept. of Interior Pine Island Cemetary ("Crescent Street Cemetary")83.23622.60 City of Norwalk Pinkney Park 2.20672.36102934.01Sixth Taxing District Ponus Avenue Open Space7.6928.45327.69335069.87City of Norwalk Riverside Park (3 parcels)0.3020.3013165.69City of Norwalk Riverside Park (3 parcels)0.0610.062638.13City of Norwalk Riverside Park (3 parcels)0.0400.39680.041752.20City of Norwalk Rocks Park 0.135564.13First Taxing District Rowayton Community Center 6.05286.13 Sixth Taxing District Sammis Street Open Space (2 Parcels) 0.4419182.84Norwalk Land Trust Sammis Street Open Space (2 Parcels)0.54652.0890548.86Norwalk Land Trust Stonecrop Open Space4.0723.86654.07177355.98City of Norwalk Switchtower Park (2 Parcels) 0.041672.71Connecticut State Switchtower Park (2 Parcels)0.0140.11460.01600.20City of Norwalk Union Park 1.16760.8135131.28First Taxing District Willie Morrer Park 0.27990.229380.93First Taxing District Wilson Ave 7.06307545.15Wilson Point Beach Co Wilson Point4.6224.62201313.32City of Norwalk Total Acerage: 75.72 N/A 269.61283.37 R&P Dept. Data Acres Shape_AcShape_SFOwnership Long Beach Island 0.36870.37 587 CTA LLC Private Cemetaries 144.346 Municipal Cemetaries 2.8566 Foxboro Conservation Development0.5379 Hilltop Conservation Development 7.1227 King Industries Walk Easement 0.7037 Manresa Power Plant 109.5606 Norwalk Harbor Walk Easement 0.1214 Riverwalk Easement 0.2543 Elizabeth Creamer Preserve 1.2991 Four Winds Farm Conservation Development4.3509 Getner Farms 6.98456.71 Privately Owned Harbor View Condominium Devleopment0.4324 Hoyts Island 7.12274.21 Norwalk Land Trust Inc. Klondike Park 0.04240.00 N/A Kulze Nature Preserve 1.49452.96 Norwalk Land Trust Inc. Norwalk Land Trust 13.05213.44 Norwalk Land Trust Inc. Norwalk Land Trust (310 Wilson Ave)8.31887.06 Norwalk Land Trust Inc. Norwalk Land Trust (Pink Cloud Court)2.0562.30 Norwalk Land Trust Inc. Norwalk Land Trust (Yost Street Open Space)2.32381.79 Norwalk Land Trust Inc. Old Marvin Elementary School 2.09291.72 SIXTY GREGORY BOULEVARD LP Saugatuck Landing Conservatation Development (2 Parcels)10.3612 Saugatuck Landing Conservatation Development 3.6558 Knights of Columbus 3.7858 Total Acerage:N/A332.876605.63 Taxing District and Other Parks Other Open Space "Private, Open to the Public w/o Fee"

252 R&P Dept. Data AcresShape_AcShape_SF Acension Beach 2.3893 All Saints Catholic School 28.2371 Biersdorf, Inc. Open Space 3.106 Blue Mountain Conservation Development1.5407 Cannon Brook Conservation Development1.6514 Cove Marina 16.2484 East Beach 0.9237 Fivemile River Landing 0.3809 Harborview Community Center 0.3255 Ischoda Yact Club 0.9462 Jewish Community Center (2 Parcels)5.9196 Maurice marine 1.035 Nash Engineering, Inc. Open Space 7.3687 Neptune Marine Club 2.5048 Norwalk Boat Club 0.0803 Norwest Marine, Inc. 2.8539 Orchard Lakes Conservation Development8.9022 Pastime Boat Club 0.6625 Quartette Club 0.5379 Roawayton Marine Works, Inc 0.5051 Roton Point Club 11.4768 Shore and Country Club 10.5749 Shorehavent Country Club 149.373 Shorfront Park Community Center 0.236 Silvermine Golf Cours (3 Parcels) 39.7912 Silvermine Golf Cours (3 Parcels) 37.0502 Silvermine Golf Cours (3 Parcels) 27.5993 South Norwalk Boat Club 1.6387 Sprite Island Yact Club (2 Parcels) 0.193 Sprite Island Yact Club (2 Parcels) 1.481 Tealbrook Conservation Development0.8146 The Falls Conservation Development8.6526 Village Creek Open Space 4.9926 Vinco Marine 2.9191 Wee Burn Beach 3.3865 Wilson Cove Boat Club 3.3579 WilsonCove Yact Club 2.0517 YMCA 2.1124 Total Acerage:N/A393.8207N/A Other Open Space "Private, with fee/members or owners only" Park Acerage Sources

251