NORWALK VISITOR’S DOCKS/CITY ISLAND PARKS

VISITOR INFORMATION:
· These docks are provided by the City of Norwalk and are managed by the Recreation and Parks Department in collaboration with the Norwalk Harbor Management Commission and the State of Connecticut Harbor Master.
· These docks are designed for your convenience and enjoyment; however, neither the City of Norwalk, the Harbor Commission, nor the State Harbor Master is responsible for any damage or loss to your vessel or personal property while using the facilities. Dock Masters are on duty from 7:00am until 6:00pm. Comments or concerns can be directed to their attention or to the State of Connecticut Harbor Master, Mr. Mike Griffin, telephone 849-8823.
· Docking fees and hours of operations are as follows:

HOURS OF OPERATION FEE SCHEDULE
Day Block – 7:00am to 4:00pm $1.00/ft
Night block – 4:00pm to 7:00am $1.25/ft

· All fees are payable on a cash basis in advance at the time of arrival. Please check-in with the Dock Master
· Local tourist information/maps, phone, emergency phone numbers are available at the Boating Center located to the right of the departure ramps.
· Public telephones are located on land at either of the launch ramp parking areas
· The Visitor’s Dock provides a maximum 1 hour free mooring on the North and South section at the discretion of the Dock Master or 11/2 hours with a voucher of $10.00 or more showing goods purchased in Norwalk
· Vessels left during the day without crew on board or remaining overnight must be moored securely to the outside portion of the North or South concrete dock and parallel to the main channel. Boats may be rafted, no more than 3 abreast.
· No mooring is allowed on the wooden dock sections parallel t the launching ramps as these docks are for exclusive use of boats being launched or waiting for trailering.
· For your safety, shoes/sneakers must be worn on the docks
· No fishing or cleaning of fish is allowed on the docks at any time.
· No open flames/firelight charcoal grills are permitted on boats or docks while vessels are moored.
· No vehicles, mopeds, bicycles, or motorcycles are allowed on docks.

CITY ISLANDS

Regulations for the use of Grassy and Shea (RAM) Islands.  Part of the Norwalk Parks System, plus Chimmons Island Policy Statement.

Chimmons:     Day use only in designated beach area.  No overnight camping or use of the Islands interior is allowed.

Grassy Island/
Shea (RAM) Island:  During the season Grassy/Shea Islands from May 1st through Columbus Day, October 12th will be open to the general public for daytime and overnight camping.

General Use and Rules and Regulations:    The Norwalk City Codes and The Department of Recreation and parks Ordinances and Regulations apply to the use of Grassy and Shea Island.  Supervision and enforcement of all rules and regulations will be conducted by the Norwalk Harbormaster and Constables of the Department of Recreation and Parks and enforcement carried out by the Norwalk Marine Police Division.

            General Rules and Regulations (Not limited to the following):

• No alcohol is allowed in the parks.
• No glass containers.
• No dogs allowed.
• No hunting above the high water mark.
• Cutting or injuring live trees or shrubs, plants or wildlife is prohibited.
• Absolutely no fireworks are allowed.
• No manufacturing, wholesale or retail business or commercial enterprise of any kind shall be permitted or allowed to be conducted on park property except with approval from the Common Council.

Fees:   Out of town residents will be charged a $25.00 camping registration fee and an additional $5.00 per night camping fee.  Norwalk Residents providing proof of residency will be exempt from the registration fee, but will be required to pay a $10.00 per night camping fee.  No refunds will be provided.  

Permits:          Daily camping registration will 14 day prior to the camping date requested.  All permits are issued on a first come first serve basis.

• A permit issued by the City of Norwalk Department of Recreation and Parks will be required for all overnight Island camping.  Said permits will be issued at the Veterans Park Boating Center, or through the Norwalk Harbormasters office.  Permits will not be issued on site and are required prior to setting up camp.

• Campers on the Island without a valid permit will be required to remove all camping equipment.

• Camping permits will expire at 11:00 AM of the last authorized date.  Vacant sites may be occupied after 11:00 AM on the day of the permit.

• Permits will not be issued for more than 7 consecutive nights.

• Maximum number of campers per permit shall be 8.

• Camping will be allowed in designated numbered campsites only.

• A maximum of 16 designated campsites, for each 24 hour period, will be available to the public on a first come first serve basis on Shea/Ram Island, 4 sites will be available on Grassy Island.

• Outhouse/Restroom facilities will be available on Shea and Grassy Island as available during the season.

• No fresh water is available.

Open Fires:    No open fires beyond the beach line.  Fires will not be allowed in the Island interior areas or in the areas supporting vegetation or foliage.  Fires must be maintained in a pit environment to be properly filled in after use.  No trash or garbage is to be buried or left in said fire pit.

Garbage:        Chimmon, Grassy and Shea Island are designated carry in carry out recreation areas, no trash facilities are provided.  All garbage and trash is to be taken off the Island by the user.

The City of Norwalk assumes no responsibility for injury or loss or damage of property.

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