Recreation department to hold May 13 public hearing on usage fees; committee hears foundation and program updates

The Norwalk Recreation and Parks Committee scheduled a public hearing on May 13, 2026 at 6:45 p.m. to review proposed Department of Recreation and Parks usage fees for fiscal year 2026–27; staff said required public notices will be published and that most proposed fee changes are modest 3–5% inflation adjustments.

Department leadership provided program and organizational updates. Mr. Sters said a steering committee has been formed to establish a parks foundation; legal and governance documents (draft master agreement and bylaws) are being prepared and one steering member is working to register a 501(c)(3) that will be based locally. The committee has recruited several prospective foundation board members and aims to launch in mid‑fall.

Staff reported summer programming enrollment is strong, with about 700 children signed up for camps and nearly 200 participating in youth basketball programs this year; the recreation center is substantially complete and staff are pursuing occupancy certification. Facilities staff said the Woods Pond Trail construction is finished and open to the public.

Members suggested low‑cost promotional strategies — short videos produced by summer youth employees or local students — to market parks and programming. The director said staff will arrange a site tour of the new recreation center for committee members.

Next steps: staff will publish public hearing notices, provide full fee backup materials before May 13 and coordinate the facility tour.