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Norwalk releases citywide parks and recreation survey results; parks rated highly, restrooms and picnic shelters flagged for improvement
Summary
A citywide survey of more than 1,050 respondents rated Norwalk parks and recreation facilities highly overall but identified lower scores for cleanliness of restrooms, picnic shelters and trash collection; staff plan follow-up engagement and a future repeat survey.
Norwalk — City staff presented the results of a citywide parks and recreation survey on June 10 that drew about 1,050 responses and rated overall quality of life in Norwalk at roughly 4.3 stars and parks at about 4.7 stars on a star scale used in the survey.
Why it matters: The survey is intended to shape parks and recreation programming, maintenance priorities and capital planning over the next several years. Staff said they will use the findings to target improvements where residents flagged concerns and to inform upcoming master‑planning work, including a Norwalk Park master plan and community engagement for 15 acres near Holyfield Park.
Key findings: Staff said 87% of respondents identified as Norwalk residents and 13% as nonresidents. The most visited site was the Norwalk Arts and Sports Complex (home to Norwalk Park), followed by Holyfield Park and Gary Park. The least‑visited parks were Bobwhite Park and Ramona Park. Notable service scores included: - Overall city quality of life: 4.3 stars. - Norwalk parks overall: 4.7 stars. - Park cleanliness items flagged: picnic shelters ~3.7, restrooms ~3.2, trash cans ~3.7 (on the same star scale). - Safety rating for parks: ~3.7 stars (972 respondents answered); parks most frequently identified as least safe were Hermosillo Park, Gertie’s and Vista Verde, but 46% of respondents said no park was unsafe.
Facility specifics: Among respondents, 27% reported membership at the Norwalk Arts and Sports Complex and rated its cleanliness and customer service 4.6 stars. The most used amenity there was the weight room, followed by basketball courts; respondents asked for better or updated gym equipment, extended hours and more online membership options. For the aquatic pavilion, staff said recreational swim and swim lessons were the most popular programs and respondents requested more hours, private lessons and reduced student‑to‑teacher ratios.
Next steps: Staff said they will present a full report to the Parks and Recreation Commission and make a detailed report available on the city website by July 15. They plan to contact respondents who offered more detailed comments, create an internal task force to address recurring issues (for example, restrooms and playgrounds), and use survey data in the Norwalk Park master plan and the county‑funded planning for the 15‑acre site next to Holyfield Park. Staff set a tentative timeline to repeat the citywide survey in 12–18 months to measure change.
Council members emphasized communication with residents as staff implement changes and asked staff to report back on park master plan progress and specific timelines for Norwalk Park improvements.
