Norwalk: Flax Park Cleanup Observations

by turfgrrl

April 6th, 2008 · 41 Comments

Tags: Norwalk

41 Responses so far ↓ “Norwalk: Flax Park Cleanup Observations”

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• 1 Anonymous // Apr 6, 2008 at 8:33 pm

  you guys did a great job, as I said earlier I walk that park all the time it looked so nice this afternoon and seeing all that glass and trash bagged in one big pile making it safe for all the kids to play and enjoy the park deserves another thankyou.

• 2 Townie // Apr 7, 2008 at 5:53 am

  You guys did a wonderful thing and should be proud of yourselves. But I do have a question. If this is a City Park which is under the juristication of the Recreation & Parks Dept then why are they neglecting it in this manner? Shouldn’t they be doing what you good people did this past weekend? With all due respect, is Mike Mocciae claiming that they don’t have the money in the budget or the manpower to do these basic tasks? Sorry, but I’m getting pretty tired of hearing these excuses from not only the Parks Dept, but DPW as well. Once again Joanne, a job well done by you and your volunteers.

• 3 Joanne/NNHT // Apr 7, 2008 at 6:59 am

  To #2- No, this is not neglect by Parks and Rec. It is neglect by those who use our parks and leave their garbage behind. Parks and Rec does a great job but can’t be everywhere all the time. We undertook this project of a way to get teens involved in their community. NNHT is about the teens and for the teens and we are looking for ways to get them involved in projects around the city. Mike Mocciae was supportive of our efforts because he thought what we are trying to do is a good idea. Unfortunately I guess it was a bit early for the kids on a Sunday morning. The things we found were not there because of kids. I can tell you not many of them would be throwing car tires and dirty diapers in the pond. We just want the kids to get involved. We as adults are constantly preaching to them without hearing them and we thought maybe we could get some good healthy projects going that would get them out in the fresh air while getting them involved. Neighborhood groups have been doing street and park cleanups for quite some time and we just want to take it one step further and get the teens involved. We did get a few teens out there and next time we hope more will sign on. Our meetings are all about listening to their concerns and getting their suggestions of how we can help them.

  Kids aren’t all about violence andcrime but they are about growing up and facing everyday problems of peer pressure and the lack of places to go. As I have said so many times before, it would be great if we had a teen center for them to go at nigh and on the weekends but with all the background I have done on this the costs are astronomical. So we as adults need to step up to the plate and find things for them to do. Pretty soon we’ll be seeing alot of neighborhood groups out cleaning up the messes left by people who just drop things they don’t want. Wouldn’t it be great if we all just took that extra step to the garbage can and dumped our own trash?

  We at NNHT are hoping to get kids excited about their community and get them involved. On that note, I have requested a couple spaces at Fodor Farm so that we can get the teens involved in a really great community project by planting and cultivating their own flowers and veggies.

  Again, this is not about what Parks and Rec is not doing but about their eagerness to promote projects for the teens. If you go to our website http://nnhtkids.org you will see what subjects we are hitting on and what we are trying to accomplish.

• 4 Anonymous // Apr 7, 2008 at 8:12 am

  Here’s an example of what neighborhood associations are doing.

  Come join us for our annual Spring Cleanup!

  The Eastern Norwalk Neighborhood Association is holding a Spring Cleanup of neighborhood streets this Saturday, April 12 from 9 AM to 12 Noon.

  Come join us. Volunteers meet at City Hall in the parking lot adjacent to Sunset Hill Avenue. We’ll fan out along neighborhood streets, picking up litter to Strawberry Hill Ave. and down East Ave. to the Historic East Norwalk Cemetery.

  Gloves and bags will be provided. Rain or shine.

• 5 Anonymous // Apr 7, 2008 at 8:34 am

  For those who don’t understand the need vs the costs of a teen center for Norwalk: http://www.northshoreymca.org/download/370_rockport_overview.pdf

• 6 parent number 100000 // Apr 7, 2008 at 10:43 am

  The kids need a place to go. If we don’t give them one they will find their own and sometimes that results in bad decisions. There should be a place in the redevelopment that can house a teen center. Come on, if we’re going to do all this building in Norwalk, don’t you think maybe the developers could take into consideration all the kids that will result in the new housing? These kids need a place and it shouldn’t be a money vs kids decision. There has to be a place that can be fixed up for them. What about the old Globe Theater? Or maybe one of the storefronts on Wall Street? Glad to see some adults are taking into consideration the needs of the teens for a change.

• 7 Al Raymond // Apr 7, 2008 at 11:10 am

  #6 that is a good idea,only there will be NO IMPACT

• 8 another taxpayer // Apr 7, 2008 at 11:24 am

  Al Raymond- What is a good idea and what will have no impact on what? Do you mean the NNHT or the fact that there should be a place for the kids? I would think that if enough people got involved in a project like this it would work. Actually I think both projects could have a positive impact on the city. But, we need to stand behind those who are trying to make a difference and get out and help. My kids would love a place to go to on the weekends instead of sitting around playing video games. I would love for them to have a place to go to so I can turn off the video games. Of course we have family time but a place where they could socialize with their friends would be something I would think most parents would be in favor of. I would think city leaders would feel the same way. I am sure the police department would love it if the kids weren’t hanging in the streets looking for something to do. I think NNHT has the right idea, it should be about the teens and not about the adults. Parents and teachers should encourage the kids to get involved with this group and maybe it can turn into something the city really needs.

• 9 Anonymous // Apr 7, 2008 at 11:38 am

  Al Raymond stop the madness with the park near Jefferson school it will just another hang out for kids to cause problems. I live in the springhill area and as many of us already told you we dont want it its a nice thought but will do more harm than good. Work on changing zoning laws in our area so the city cant continue to over crowd us and put condos in our back yards give us room to breath.

• 10 Al Raymond // Apr 7, 2008 at 11:55 am

  The good idea is that the kids need a place to go,What will have no impact is the developers keep telling us there will be very few kids in all the new projects so why would they what to have a teen center in any of there sites.With that said NNHT ROCKS keep up the good work.

• 11 Anonymous // Apr 7, 2008 at 1:38 pm

  we all want for the kids, Joanne, Rick, Al Mary Beth and all the others and their doing it. Parks , city monuments and buldings are all parts of a puzzle all need some work and someone to care.

  We have already touched upon some great idea’s some are on the wishlist some are simply being turned into city wide projects.

  Maybe to shed some light the park cleanup took some valuable time away from the park dept and the residents and kids did just what was needed for imediate use, cleaned up broken glass and glass yet to be broken and other hazards you don’t want a child at a playground to be exposed to.NNHT did an awesome job.

  Now maybe its time to focus on Flax Hill park. What makes Flax hill so inviting to vandals and taggers and unwanted drug use? The overgrown vegitation plain and simple. Lets see the 4 acres or so of overgrown bushes and trees the police despise while trying to patrol the park and the mere fact its inviting to drinkers and crime should cleaned out.

  Take the chipper and a few chainsaws and complete the job. Yes the NNHT went in and did a tremendous job labor intensive a very nice job.

  Lets bring in the backhoe, chainsaws and the city muscle its what we pay them for, they did it at the farm they went in and cleaned with idustrial machines that now looks great.

  Going over Flax hill park I found many things a crew with a chainsaw and a truck could do to elimanate trees already on the ground in the wooded area providing many spots out of sight for a drinking crowd.

  We want our parks back so lets see some good honest land management stop stroking the public help the police out and take away the ad hoc social clubs in the wooded areas.

  Besides ever think that wood on the ground would be picked up by residents who burn wood that normally get fuel assistance?

  If you were at the park sunday you could look into those areas where trouble lurks , they were off the beaten path beer bottles and party areas. It takes heavy equipment to elimanate those pockets in the park that is nothing but trouble to the officers who patrol them.

  Too bad there wasn’t a repore with the parks and the police dept too bad the police didn’t have keys to get in who ever has made those rules and not provide at least a shift commander with the keys for around the city has planned poorly. A search recently stopped the police from entering Flax Hill becasue of a locked gate the assault victim was beaten badly but again little to no cooperation from the parks dept reflects on what others can on cannot do at time.

  While examples are listed not to long ago about a week ago someone drove through an open gate at Calf pasture workers probably checking things in the park, someone else came along and innocently thought nice day almost 60 they would check it out. later that day the police officers responded to a car locked inside and no key to let them out
  what if the police wanted to check the park out with no key they don’t do they. I guess nothing of any value on the other side of the locked gate at calf pasture is there?

  Why do the police want access to the parks? Its where the kids migrate to behind locked gates and overgrown vegitation I trust something just made some sense . If you have homeless sleeping under the washington st bridge in the winter the parks are where some go in the summer.

  Go look at the park today, clean and open two weeks from now it will all grown in with new growth just ripe adults and kids doing things we don’t want in our parks.

  city wide cooperation helps everyone doesn’t it?

• 12 Al Raymond // Apr 7, 2008 at 1:45 pm

  #9 First of all no one has told me they didn`t what a park. Second where have you been? we have been trying to deal with zoning issues and condos for years but I have not heard from you I don`t even know who you are.Speak up I can`t hear you.

• 13 Anonymous // Apr 7, 2008 at 2:00 pm

  If Parks and Rec could get over to Flax Hill Park and other areas in town and get rid of the little party areas that are out of site of the police maybe parents would feel more comfortable bringing their kids to play and maybe there could be a dog trail there as well. The friends of Cranberry have done such a great job with that park perhaps the residents of Flax Hill area could do much the same. Its a great park and should be used by so many people. Unlocking the gate to Flax Hill would really be good because the police department could patrol it and that would be a great detterant to those who wish to use for activities that shouldn’t be there.

• 14 Anonymous // Apr 7, 2008 at 3:27 pm

  Al, You do know me and I did speak up at the last meeting and told you as well as others did, a park will turn into another hang out which is what we dont need. Turn up your hearing aid and you might hear me and lets keep the fight on for zoning changes we have to press on and change Norwalk gov. I go to all the meetings and will continue to go to the meetings to do my part.

• 15 Al Raymond // Apr 7, 2008 at 3:36 pm

  Anonymous #14 call me 838-1494

• 16 Anonymous // Apr 7, 2008 at 7:42 pm

  change Norwalk gov? we all for the most part want that you two sound like you need some support your both right when it comes to zoning and developers.

  Lets not forget how the NNHT is working on supporting our kids I would say by the way it sounded everyone worked hard the other day at Flax hill they want change also for our kids for our city. You both sound part of that movement as well don’t feel alone anyone can agree it becomes frustrating but not impossible to bring change.

  You two find something we can work on that combines all concerns I’ll show up and help.

  Great job NNHT the park looks great!

  The field was still wet and muddy by the way

• 17 Anonymous // Apr 7, 2008 at 10:31 pm

  This was a positive event for our city thanks for caring.

• 18 Anonymous // Apr 9, 2008 at 7:02 pm

  It is very sad that the neighborhood people have to clean up all the parks and streets everyyear. I do applaud the great job they are doing.

  I just wonder, “where’s the money?” I mean the money to Parks and Rec and the DPW. There appears that it isn’t spent on cleaning up Norwalk. It barely snowed this winter. Not much money for plowing.

• 19 Anonymous // Apr 9, 2008 at 7:16 pm

  Can’t always blame DPW and Parks and Rec for the poor behavior of residents who have no consideration for public property. Maybe if people would stop throwing garbage all over the place we wouldn’t see the disgusting mess. I’d hate to see their yards and homes if they are throwing trash in public parks. As far as the neighborhood people and the NNHT goes, wouldn’t it be nice if everyone wanted a clean city? Next time someone thinks of throwing cigarette butts out the window maybe they might think about how many cars go through our streets on a daily basis and if each and everyone throws a butt out the window in the same spot can you imagine how high the pile would be? People need to think about that when they throwing bottles, cans, paper wrappers etc at the parks and streets.

• 20 Anonymous // Apr 10, 2008 at 3:23 pm

  Why is anyone griping about groups that want to cleanup our town? Every single person who lives in Norwalk or passes through is guilty at one time or other of dropping butts, or paper or other such things along the road side etc. So what if community members want to help keep it clean. Instead of griping and playing the blame game, put on yer sweats get out a pair of gloves and go out and help. You never know what treasurers you may find along the way.

• 21 Anonymous // Apr 10, 2008 at 5:51 pm

  Novel idea that the community take pride in their city. There’s an east Norwalk Cleanup this weekend then I hear NNHT is soliciting teens to help cleanup Ryan park. so whats wrong with that? They did a great job at Flax Hill and if more people get off their lazy butts and get out and help we could have a nice clean city. We complain about DPW and Parks and Rec but if we don’t do our part their work is that much more extensive and ends up costing more in the long run. I’ve seen people behind the street sweeper throw thei cigs and papers out the window. Are they really that lazy or just just plain inconsiderate?

• 22 Anonymous // Apr 11, 2008 at 10:12 am

  Looks like rain tomorrow! Are they still cleaning East Norwalk? Someone ought to tell the people to stop dumping their transh on the island between East Ave and Gregory Blvd in front of the cemetery and bank. That is disgusting.!

• 23 Anonymous // Apr 12, 2008 at 1:12 am

  Bouquets to a local activist and
  her volunteers who spent last
  Sunday cleaning up a city park.
  Joanne Romano, a former city
  councilwoman, organized
  “Norwalk Neighbors Helping
  Our Teens” with the hope of involving
  teenagers in their community.
  The Flax Hill Park cleanup went well, but of
  the dozen people who showed up and pitched in,
  there were only a few teenagers. They collected
  about 60 bags of garbage, along with assorted
  debris including tires.
  She plans a similar cleanup for Ryan Park.
  We hope that effort will draw better support
  from teenagers.

• 24 Anonymous // Apr 12, 2008 at 1:17 am

  This was in The Hour , it was fitting to thank those involved there were so many all simply caring about the city about the kids.

  MG

• 25 Anonymous // Apr 12, 2008 at 8:34 am

  Hope the parents and the kids read that and start getting involved. It seems as if all they want to do is help the kids and this is a good thing. Nice that the Hour is recognising what people are trying to do. I suggest people go to the website and take a look. Its a great site and it has alot of information that can be useful. Love the song on there as well. I noticed they have a blog, hopefully the kids start usuing it so people can read their thoughts and maybe come together as a community and start interacting with the kids. They are not bad, just need guidance and an outlet for their frustrations. Too bad we don’t have a place in Norwalk like they have in other towns where the kids can socialize instead of on the streets.

• 26 Anonymous // Apr 12, 2008 at 9:16 am

  Parents want to know what the city is going to do for their kids and yet none of them are falling over each other to get their kids involved in groups that are willing to take the time and do something positive. While its up to the parents to rear their kids properly, many times thats just not enough so why don’t they grab little Joey and little Patty by the arm and take them out to a meeting or get them involved in something positive. last night was a prime example of parents not getting involved, kids kids everywhere not in their homes but hanging out at he parking lots of the movie theaters and other places along Westport Ave and South Main. While we realize they need a place to go at night, do the parents even know where they are? CURFEW FOLKS _ CURFEW! and yes the town can and should impose one. Other towns can and do have it and so can we. Sorry if that offends some but kids do not belong out on their own unsupervised at all hours of the night. The town should also be thinking about a social club or teen center because until something is don’t we will see more of the same for years to come.

• 27 nwlk parent // Apr 12, 2008 at 9:01 pm

  Teen Center and Curfew and parental involvement.
  Maybe someone can get this message out to the powers that be. Without some positive input and without the right environment for the kids things will never get any better. Anyone who has attended the 2 meetings so far of NNHT you will know that these are 3 things that were discussed by both teens and adults and of course the curfew didn’t get rave reviews but the other 3 did. Go to the website and read the overviews of both meetings and then make plans to attend the next one. They really are trying to help the teens.

• 28 Anonymous // Apr 12, 2008 at 9:17 pm

  Another shooting on Woodward ave according to the kids outside my door tell me we may not need a curfew just a discount on coffins. I also agree with you nwlk parent NNHT are people who care.

• 29 Anonymous // Apr 12, 2008 at 9:57 pm

  Is this post about crime? No and this is not a police blotter. Take it to your own blog.

• 30 Anonymous // Apr 12, 2008 at 10:04 pm

  there was no gunfire in South Norwalk tonight , don’t let whoever it is get to you they are yanking your chain.

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