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Norwalk council adopts rules allowing off‑leash areas at Oyster Shell, Taylor Farm and Cranberry Park
Summary
The Common Council approved a resolution updating park rules to clarify where dogs may be off leash, establishing leash and cleanup obligations and citing state liability law; the change formalizes existing practices and clears an ambiguity that had prevented access to newly built fenced dog areas.
The Norwalk Common Council on Jan. 14 approved a resolution clarifying how dogs may be used in city parks, including allowing off‑leash dogs inside fenced dog‑park enclosures and confirming existing off‑leash practices at Taylor Farm and Cranberry Park.
The resolution — titled “Resolution concerning the regulation of dogs at city parks” and adopted unanimously — states that dogs may be off leash in Taylor Farm Park while the owner is present and has the animal “under command,” that Oyster Shell Park permits dogs only on leash except in a designated enclosed dog‑park area, and that dogs may be on trails at Cranberry Park while on leash or under voice control but are prohibited from the great lawn, playground, tea garden, patios and pavilion. The measure also cites Connecticut General Statutes section 22‑357 on owner liability for damage or injury caused by a dog.
The change followed public comment from several residents and park users. Rich Bonifant, who identified himself as a neighborhood resident, asked for consistent enforcement of park rules so families feel safe from roaming dogs and dog waste. Friends of Cranberry Park chair Greg Helms described most dog owners at Cranberry Park as respectful but urged clearer signage; other speakers representing park users described community benefits of off‑leash areas and offered to help fund sign replacement.
Parks staff and the mayor said the resolution corrects inconsistent language in the department’s regulations that had left the status of dog parks unclear and that a prior director’s temporary rule was put in place so fenced areas already built — including the newly opened fenced dog area at Oyster Shell Park — could be used while the council reviewed a permanent fix. City counsel and Recreation & Parks staff said the resolution does not expand where dogs may go beyond current practice at Taylor Farm or Cranberry Park but formally authorizes the practices and the new Oyster Shell fenced enclosure.
The resolution requires owners, keepers or caretakers to pick up after their animals and to ensure vaccinations and licensing (the Oyster Shell entry signage posted by staff already notes vaccination and license requirements). Councilmembers and staff said additional, clearer signage will be posted at the great lawn, pavilion and other restricted areas to reduce conflicts and improve on‑site notice.
Mayor Harry W. Rilling and Recreation & Parks staff said the text was drafted with input from the law department. Parks Director Robert Stowers and assistant corporation counsel Brian Candela were identified as staff involved in preparing the language.
The resolution takes effect immediately upon enactment, per the text adopted by the council.
Council members said they expect Parks, Public Safety and city communications staff to follow up with signs and public messaging to reduce confusion about where dogs are permitted and when owners must leash or control animals.
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