Norwalk rec powers up

NORWALK — There's more to come in 2022 from the Norwalk parks and recreation department. Parks and recreation superintendent Joe Lindenberger said he wants the department to continue growing. The Ernsthausen Recreation Center offers swim team, swim classes and other aquatic activities. Provided photo/ERNSTHAUSEN RECREATION CENTER "I want to make sure we're increasing, not reducing, what we have to offer to the community," Lindenberger said. "We want to be back to where we were in 2019." Before the pandemic, Nikki Cross, the former recreation coordinator, left the department, leaving the position open. Now, Lindenberger said, they're advertising to fill the position to have the department back to full staff. "We'll start interviews next month for the position. They'll be focusing on special events, adult leagues and other programs," he said. "During the first year of COVID we backed off on a lot of events and programs but now we're pushing to bring them back. We don't anticipate having to cancel a lot of programs." The department operates with four full-time employees and 80 to 90 part-time employees, excluding officials and scorekeepers that are on contract. The Ernsthausen Recreation Center has also been able to bring back Friday Fun Nights for kids, with some changes. The next event is from 6-8 p.m. on Jan. 14. It's back on a monthly basis, instead of weekly, and costs $5. "You can't just show up and drop them off, we're having everyone register ahead of time," Lindenberger said. "We had a little less than 100 kids last time. It's a great program, it's a lot of fun for the kids. They're well entertained with their peers and it's important for them to be around their friends." Friday Fun Nights are for fourth, fifth and sixth-grade students but parents will now need to register their child online before the event. Parents can visit the recreation center's website to register at norwalkrec.com/friday-fun-night. Activities will vary from month to month in the aquatic center and gym. Students are also welcome to bring their own skates or rollerblades. Friday Fun Nights are also scheduled for Feb. 11 and March 11. Youth basketball leagues have also started up, with 36 teams from kindergarten to sixth grade. The recreation center will also be offering volleyball and indoor soccer. Lindenberger said volleyball tournaments will also be held at the rec center starting in February, bringing players from all over the state." "Adult basketball and volleyball are going strong. We have three swim teams practicing," Lindenberger said. "We have a variety across the board of programs and activities for everyone." The department is also proposing to apply for funding to install an amphitheater at Memorial Lake Park. "We have other improvements we're planning on making to Baines Park and the skate park across from the rec center," he said. "We're working with Creating Healthy Communities Coalition to bring a new basketball court to Stoutenburg Park." The department is also planning for big improvements at the rec center. He said the administration has been very supportive of the plan to replace the tanks and filtration system for the aquatic center. "We have a lot of repair work for the basement, for filter tanks and the HVAC system. The filter and air quality systems are pushing 30 years old and the time has come where we can't keep putting bandaids on things," Lindenberger said. "We're running on borrowed time now." The final phase of paving the parking lot will also be completed this year. Lindenberger said there are still some "final touches" the department wants to put on McGuan Park, but they are planning on bringing more programming to the park. "We want programming and activities at the park to keep the kids engaged, it's important for a neighborhood park," he said. "The mayor also has plans for park patrol at the reservoir and McGuan, so it will be monitored more." Lindenberger said soon enough, planning for summer programs will start. "I'm excited about 2022. We have lots of updates happening for parks and the pool," he said. "The most exciting thing is getting someone in the new position, then we can do more, offer more and promote more." Lindenberger said he encourages anyone to come and check out the Ernsthausen Recreation Center. "We have a lot to offer, maybe even things you haven't thought of. We want to push forward and not go backward," Lindenberger said. "We're very proud of our hard-working staff. Just know there's more to come."