Newly Installed Multi-Use Track Opens At Norwalk Magnet School

NORWALK, CT — A newly installed multi-use track opened at Tracey Magnet School last week in an effort to enhance safety for students.

According to a news release provided by Norwalk Public Schools, the multi-use track opened at the field in back of the school, located at 20 Camp Street, with a ribbon cutting ceremony Thursday morning.

The multi-use track aims to enhance student pick-up and drop-off by increasing safety through the creation of a loop that accommodates traffic during school arrival and dismissals, according to the school district.

Starting Aug. 26 when Tracey Magnet School welcomed students back to school, the new track queued over 60 vehicles during these times, eliminating back-ups and congestion on Camp Street, district officials said.

To enhance safety for students and the community, the city also installed radar signs, reduced the school's speed zone from 25 to 20 MPH during the arrival and dismissal periods of school and remarked the crosswalks.

The project was spearheaded by Norwalk’s Department of Transportation, Mobility and Parking and included the installation of four bioswales to naturally absorb stormwater, an updated junior-size basketball court, an extended sidewalk for additional access for students and improved circulation for the existing parking lot.

During non-drop-off and pick-up times, the track can be used for student recess and by the community for their enjoyment. In the fall, nine new trees will be installed, as well as several native plants to beautify this location, according to NPS.

Mayor Harry Rilling, Superintendent Alexandra Estrella, Tracey Magnet School Principal Lindsay Esposito and Jim Travers, director of Norwalk's Department of Transportation, Mobility and Parking, were all scheduled to attend Thursday's ribbon cutting ceremony.