2023

August - Friend of Norwalk Dogs FoND formed as 501c3 in August 2023

Sept - FoND launched our website, social platforms and weekly email to improve communication with dog families and the City of Norwalk

Oct - FoND launched fundraising through Friends of Norwalk 501c3 with custom hats

Nov - FoND raised fund to purchased 12,000 poop bags for Taylor Farm for one year

Dec - FoND continued on-going communication with Parks & Rec with six in-person meetings in 2023

2024

March - FoND Published a list of dog-friendly stores/bars/locations in Norwalk for our website/Facebook group   

April - The city installed a new pond fountain for which FoND had been advocating

May - The city installed Improved parking signs to help residents avoid tickets parking after FoND advocated for these changes

June - The city increased the Taylor Farm Dog Parking Lot to new grass parking adding 50 extra spots after FoND advocated for more parking.

July - The Mayor announced the approval for $150,000 for a new paved Taylor Farm Dog Parking Lot expansion which is much needed

Aug - FoND Successfully advocated for the city to fund and resume plans for Oyster Shell Dog Park

- FoND held our 1st anniversary party and silent action at Taylor Farm.

Sept - FoND ,aintained on-going communication with Parks & Rec with seven in-person meetings as of Sept

Oct - FoND hosted the first annual Halloween Party at Taylor Farm

Nov -FoND received notice of $5,000 Grant from Harmon Foundation

Dec -FoND hosted the first annual Holiday Party at Taylor Farm

2025

Jan - Oyster Shell Park Dog Park/Run is opened by the city on Jan 10, 2025

2025

January — Oyster Shell Park Dog Park/Run opened on January 10, 2025, following Friends of Norwalk Dogs' advocacy for the City to fund and resume plans for the dog park.

March — FoND hosted Mardi Paws at Taylor Farm.

June — FoND hosted Puppy Pride at Taylor Farm.

August — FoND celebrated our 2nd Anniversary with the Norwalk dog community.

October — FoND hosted our annual Halloween Party at Taylor Farm.

December — FoND hosted our annual Holiday Party with Santa at Taylor Farm.

Throughout 2025, FoND continued working with Norwalk Parks & Recreation and fundraising toward improvements for Norwalk's dog parks, including our long-term goal of installing a year-round water station at Taylor Farm.

2026 — Where We Are Today

July — Longshore Southport Kennel Club’s $1,000 pledge to help us when the project breaks ground. According to Heather Hubbard, who is the VP of the club and Show Chair for their event, “This donation was voted upon unanimously by the club membership without any hesitation. With many of our members residents of Norwalk, we appreciate the commitment of the Friends of Norwalk Dogs organization to continue to better the park grounds, and are blessed to be able to share the space for our annual dog show and FastCat events in June.”

August — FoND will celebrate our 3rd Anniversary with the Norwalk dog community.

We continued to work with Norwalk Parks & Recreation on our long-term goal of installing a year-round water station at Taylor Farm.

A major priority remains the Taylor Farm Water Station, which will provide fresh drinking water for both dogs and people as well as a hose for rinsing off muddy dogs.

Current Water Station Cost

Component. Cost

M-OBFM4 water station $3,240

Hose bibb $341

Pet fountain $1,435

Leash hook / hose holder $358

Shipping $600

Total $5,974

After paying our 2026 operating expenses—including our website, URL, insurance, party permits, and event signs—Friends of Norwalk Dogs currently has $7,863.45 in the bank.

We also have a $1,000 pledge from the Dog Show, bringing our total available and committed funds to $8,863.45.

Once that $1,000 pledge is received, we could purchase the complete water station and still have $2,889.45 remaining, allowing us to maintain our $2,000 operating reserve.

Because the cost of the water station and our operating expenses increase over time, it is important that we continue to meet—and stay ahead of—our annual fundraising goals.

What's Next

In addition to the water station, Friends of Norwalk Dogs continues to advocate and raise funds for improvements that make Norwalk's dog parks safer, cleaner and more enjoyable for dogs and their people.

Our ongoing goals include:

• Dog Park Memorial

• Benches along the South Field trees

• Recycling bins in the parking lot

• A kiosk with dog park rules and important contact information

• Fencing in areas where dogs may be at risk from cars

• Bike rack

Thank you to everyone who has donated, attended our events, volunteered, purchased our hats and supported Friends of Norwalk Dogs. Every contribution has helped us move these projects forward.