Recreation, Parks committee approves permits for fall and winter community events; public asks for donor program and real holiday tree

The Norwalk Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs Committee on Oct. 8 authorized the use of city properties for several fall and winter events, approving permit requests for a school trunk-or-treat, two holiday races and the Department of Economic and Community Development’s Holiday Extravaganza on Washington Street.

The permits passed during the committee’s new-business agenda. Committee members approved use of Wolfpit Elementary School field for a Wolfpit PTA trunk-or-treat on Oct. 25; Cat Pasture Beach for the city’s annual Jingle Bell 5K on Dec. 13; Washington Street Park for the Department of Economic and Community Development’s Holiday Extravaganza on Dec. 6; and Veterans Park for the River Fund Run on Dec. 6. All four items were moved on the floor and approved by the committee.

Why it matters: The Holiday Extravaganza drew the most attention in discussion and public comment because it attracts a larger crowd and involves a large tree lighting at 50 Washington Street. A Norwalk resident urged the committee to reduce taxpayer cost by recruiting donors and to stop renting artificial trees.

Public comment and staff reply Diane Loracella, a Norwalk resident and member of the Norwalk Tree Alliance, addressed…