Norwalk Launches Phase 2 Of Reopening Efforts Wednesday

NORWALK, CT — The city is launching Phase Two of its Reopen Norwalk Plan on Wednesday, as Norwalk and the state continues to come out of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Included in Wednesday's reopening plan is an increase in beach parking capacity for Norwalk residents from 50 percent to 75 percent.

Additionally, the bathrooms at Calf Pasture and Shady Beaches, which were closed during Phase One, will be open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and swimming will be permitted, with lifeguards on-duty during the weekends. Youth sports will be allowed to resume no earlier than June 27 upon compliance with state and local guidelines, according to officials.

"Phase Two marks a greater return to normal, with more services and amenities becoming available as we head into summer," said Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling in a statement. "Again, this is a gradual, phased-in approach to control the spread of COVID-19 in community."

Read: Mayor's 4-Phase Plan For Reopening Norwalk Begins May 20

Rilling added, "We cannot simply flip the switch and have everything reopen and go back to the way things used to be. This plan is thoughtful, strategic, and reflects the health situation as we know it today. It's been a long journey getting here, but as a result of the hard work of the community, we are ready to move into a second phase of reopening tomorrow."

This is from Rilling's announcement:

The main lots at Calf Pasture and Shady Beaches will remain resident-only through at least Phase Two, with approximately 750 spaces available. Non-residents who park in these areas will be ticketed and towed. Non-resident parking for a maximum of 75 vehicles per day will be available in a designated area at Taylor Farm.

As soon as the lot hits 75 cars, no additional non-resident vehicles will be allowed for the day. The hours at the Yard Waste Site will expand to Tuesday – Friday 7:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. and Saturday 7:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. The site will be open this Saturday, June 20. Both Public Library branches will remain closed to the public, but the libraries will accept returned books curbside Monday – Saturday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Books will be cleaned and quarantined for 3-5 day before being returned to the shelf. City Hall will remain closed to the public at this time.

The limitations on gathering sizes and the use of face coverings or masks will be dictated by the State of Connecticut guidelines found at ct.gov/coronavirus.

More details on the Phase Two of the Reopen Norwalk Plan can be found online at norwalkct.org/reopennorwalk.