Established over 300 years ago as a fishing port and harbor, Norwalk offers the charm of the past with the dynamics of the future. The city of Norwalk has a revitalized historic downtown district (SONO), varying inland residential neighborhoods, and a flourishing business district. Norwalk has evolved into a cultural center for the region boasting a local symphony, several notable museums and festivals, which are highlighted by the Maritime Aquarium, the Oyster Festival and the SONO Arts Festival.
The Rowayton area, an historical harbor village, prospers near the opening of Five-Mile River. Its quaint seaside charm contributes to Norwalkís growing popularity as a place to live, work and visit.
Population
80,000
Area
27.7 square miles
Schools
Often the recipient of awards for originality and quality, Norwalk educators have been particularly successful in the full integration of academic programming and a concentration on individualized learning. Over 83 percent of the systemís more than 800 certified personnel have advanced degrees. Norwalk has been aggressive in tailoring a curriculum that reaches the special needs of all citizens.
Elementary Schools (Grades K-5)
- Brookside Elementary School
382 Highland Avenue 203-899-2830
- Columbus Magnet School
46 Concord 203-899-2840
- Cranbury Elementary School
10 Knowalott Lane 203-899-2850
- Fox Run Elementary School
228 Fillow Street 203-899-2860
- Jefferson Elementary School
75 Van Buren 203-899-2870
- Kendall Elementary School
55 Fillow Street 203-899-2880
- Marvin Elementary School
50 Calf Pasture Beach Rd. 203-899-2890
- Naramake Elementary School
16 King Street 203-899-2900
- Rowayton Elementary School
1 Roton Avenue 203-899-2940
- Silvermine Elementary School
157 Perry Avenue 203-899-2950
- Tracey Elementary School
20 Camp Street 203-899-2960
- Wolfpit Elementary School
1 Starlight Drive 203-899-2980
Middle Schools (Grades 6-8)
- Nathan Hale Middle School
176 Strawberry Hill Avenue. 203-899-2910
- Ponus Ridge Middle School
20 Hunterís Lane 203-899-2920
- Roton Middle School
221 Highland Avenue 203-899-2930
- West Rocks Middle School
81 West Rocks Road 203-899-2970
High Schools (Grades 9-12)
- Brien McMahon High School
300 Highland Avenue 203-852-9488
- Briggs High School
350 Main Ave (203) 899-2820
- Norwalk High School
55 County 203-838-4481
Schools ñ Private
- All Saints Catholic School (Grades K-8)
W. Rocks Road 203-847-3881
Medical Facilities
- Norwalk Hospital
Maple Street - Non-profit, community hospital medical complex located on 20 acres and equipped with state-of-the-art technology and staffed by approximately 350 physicians and 1,600 employees. Norwalk Hospital is a primary teaching affiliate of Yale University School of Medicine, and maintains additional teaching affiliations with the University of Health Sciences/Chicago Medical School, University of Connecticut, Fairfield University and numerous other institutions.
Recreation
Norwalk has about 1,000 acres of beaches, parks, and recreations areas with Calf Pasture Park and Cranbury Park being the largest. Several marinas, tennis, and golf course are open to the public. There are also private country, yacht, and beach clubs. The City has dozens of basketball courts, soccer and baseball fields, playgrounds, miles of walking, biking or skating paths, and of course, open space for quiet walking in any season.
Calf Pasture Beach
Food, picnic tables, playground, miniature golf, boat rentals.
Cranbury Park
Trails, playground, picnic area, Gallaher Estate.
Bayley Beach, Rowayton
Pinkney Park, Rowayton, on the river.
Stepping Stones Museum for Children
Stepping Stones invites children to explore, imagine, create and discover new experiences every time they visit! All of the exhibits, designed for children ages 1 to 10, encourage hands-on-exploration and discovery, incorporating the themes of Science & Technology, the Arts, Culture, and Heritage.
Maritime Aquarium and IMAX Theater
The centerpiece of the SONO Historic District revitalization project, the Maritime Aquarium sits on the waterfront near the heart of SONOís historic oystering community. It is a non-profit institution whose mission is ìto encourage an appreciation for science and global ecology by giving visitors an entertaining, hands-on look at the animals and history of Long Island Sound.î Fun and educational activities for children and adults including a 110,000-gallon shark tank, seals, river otters, jelly fish and other creatures. Enjoy spectacular IMAX movies on the giant six-story screen.
Special Annual Events
- Norwalk Jazz Festival February, host restaurants
- Oyster Festival September, Veterans Park
- Round Hill Highland Scottish Games August, Cranbury Park
- SONO Arts Celebration August, South Norwalk
Volunteer Services
Meals on Wheels, Norwalk Mentor Program, Salvation Army Womenís Crisis Center.
Transportation
I-95 and Merritt Parkway. Metro North Trains to Grand Central Terminal (NYC) - average time 58 minutes. Limousine service to La Guardia, Kennedy and Newark Airports. The municipal bus service "Wheels" covers all major streets.
Accommodations
Country Inns
- Silvermine Tavern (c.1785) 203-847-4558
Hotels
- Doubletree Hotel Norwalk 203-853-3477
- Courtyard by Marriott 203-283-0200
- Sheraton Four Points Hotel 203-849-9828
- Garden Park Motel 203-847-7303
- Norwalk Inn and Conference Center 203-838-2000
Historical Sites
- Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum:
c.1864 is a National Historic Landmark. A 50-room Victorian palace with stenciled walls, inlaid woodwork, antiques, gift shop.
- Norwalk Museum:
c.1912 is the restored former City Hall with community exhibition and collection of Norwalk art, furniture, artifacts.
- Seely-Dibble-Pinkney House and Barns:
This historic home, which houses local history, antique tool and maritime exhibits, is also the headquarters of Rowayton Historical Society (at Pinkney Park, Rowayton).
The Pinkney House was built circa 1820 and four generations of the same family lived there until the family sold the house to the Sixth Taxing District of Norwalk, known as Rowayton, in 1967. The Seely-Dibble-Pinkney family played an important role in the development of the sea-side village, including owning Rowayton Market which is still in operation today (and is the oldest continually operated market in CT.)
- Sheffield Island Lighthouse:
c.1868, picturesque boat ride to 3-acre park with picnic area. Lighthouse has 4 levels and 10 rooms to explore Adjacent to the Stewart B. McKinney U. S. Fish & Wildlife Sanctuary.
- South Norwalk Train Station:
c.1890s, refurbished and modernized in 1994 to recreate many of the 19th century historic feature, including a Victorian-style waiting area on the westbound side.
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