Coronavirus Norwalk: Playgrounds, Cranbury Park & More Are Closed

NORWALK, CT — Mayor Harry Rilling ordered the closure of Norwalk's playgrounds, Cranbury Park, Calf Pasture and Veteran's skate parks and basketball courts, school sites and other locations over the weekend, as the city continues to grapple with the new coronavirus (COVID-19).

The closures are effective immediately, and anyone found on these properties runs the risk of being charged with criminal trespassing, according to the mayor. When the sites will reopen was not disclosed.

"I have issued advisories, guidance, and warnings. In spite of that, people are still not taking this situation seriously enough," Rilling said on Sunday. "Young people congregating in groups increases the risk of community transmission, putting each and every one of us at risk. I know some might feel invincible, but every person that contracts COVID-19 is likely to pass it on to at least one other person. That means parents and grandparents – people who may be severely affected by this virus – are at increased risk."

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Caution tape and barricades are being placed around certain areas to keep the public off equipment and courts, according to officials, and parks and gates that can be locked, will be locked.

Calf Pasture Beach and Veteran's parks are still open, just the skate parks and basketball courts are closed, however, that could change, Rilling said if people do not stop congregating.

"I hope no other closures of public property happen, however, without further cooperation, it
seems likely other facilities will be shut down," Rilling said. "Parents – please talk to your children – stress the importance of social distancing – and inform them of the seriousness of this pandemic. These are difficult, yet necessary decisions, and are ones I wish I didn’t have to
make. My top priority is to protect the health and safety of our entire community. Unfortunately,
when some people are irresponsible, other people also pay the consequences."

Rilling reiterated those sentiments in a video statement released on Facebook on Saturday.

As of Saturday, there were 11 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Norwalk, and at least 140 cases in Fairfield County.

"This is a new situation for all of us, and we are doing everything we can to help our residents, businesses, and community as a whole get through this unprecedented moment together," Rilling said. "There is no doubt, the COVID-19 pandemic is having an impact, but our goal is to lessen that as much as we possibly can. Please continue practicing social distancing and stay healthy, Norwalk."

For the latest updates on Norwalk services, hours, and community resources visit norwalkct.org/citynews.

The latest health news and updates can be found at norwalkct.org/coronavirus.