Norwalk Recreation & Parks Director Resigns To Move To Florida

NORWALK, CT — Nick Roberts, Norwalk's Recreation and Parks director for the past two years, is resigning in April to return to Florida to be closer to his family, Mayor Harry Rilling announced Wednesday.

In his two year in the job, Roberts, "transformed the Department with integrity and professionalism," Rilling said. His last day on the job will be April 23.

Under Roberts' leadership, the department has a greater focus on recreation activities, improved communication and collaboration with residents, clubs, and leagues, and increased services to the public.

"From day one, Nick hit the ground running and became part of the Norwalk community," Rilling said in a statement. "My main priority when bringing Nick on was to professionalize the Rec and Parks Department, and he accomplished that. This isn’t the old days, and Nick brought the Department into 2021 and is leaving it in a better place than when he found it. I appreciate all he has done for the community in his time here. No doubt, this is a loss for Norwalk, and I wish him the best of luck in Florida."

Prior to Roberts' tenure, the Recreation and Parks Department became part of the larger Operations and Public Works Department, and Roberts was instrumental in that seamless transition. Protocols and transparency was improved for bidding projects, using fields, and renting facilities.

Under Roberts' watch, certain billing discrepancies were discovered, which led to the arrest of seasonal city employee Bill Howard, who is accused of forging $60,000 worth of fake equipment bids.

Additionally, Roberts ushered in a Parks Master Plan which will lead to the department becoming accredited in the future. The department also continues to expand its tree planting program to implement Rilling’s vision for a greater tree canopy at City parks. During his time in Norwalk, Roberts also was a vocal advocate for improving field conditions, and additional Capital Projects are now underway.

Roberts was a key member of Rilling's COVID-19 Task Force, and led efforts to use City assets, such as Veteran's Park for COVID-19 testing and Calf Pasture Beach for food distribution events, to meet the needs of the public. During the height of the pandemic, Roberts and his team had to cancel all in-person activities, such as summer camps, and under his guidance, pivoted to provide all-virtual, free programming for various ages. Roberts and his staff have been working hard to meet Rilling's goals of providing a more normal experience for the community this summer. Roberts has lined up camps, interactive activities, and engaging programs that meet strict COVID-19 health and safety guidelines for this summer.

"When I arrived in Norwalk I was welcomed with open arms by the Mayor, the staff, and residents," Roberts said. "It’s unfortunate that most of my time here was spent battling the pandemic, but I am incredibly proud of the work we’ve done to accommodate residents of all ages, update our facilities, and improve processes. The pandemic refocused my priorities, and being closer to my mother and aunt is something I look forward to. I am thankful to Mayor Rilling for this opportunity, and despite my short time here, Norwalk will always be a special place for me."