Clover Field/Janosko Park

For residents of Stratford, Connecticut, having access to local parks that cater to various recreational interests is a valuable aspect of community living. Clover Field, also known as Janosko Park, is one such neighborhood park that has historically served as a hub for sports and play in the area. Located conveniently within Stratford, this park offers a range of facilities designed to accommodate activities from organized sports to casual playtime for children. While its character and upkeep may evoke varying opinions, it remains a designated public space intended for local residents to enjoy outdoor pursuits.

Our goal is to provide a clear, factual, and informative overview of Clover Field/Janosko Park, drawing on publicly available information and community feedback to present a balanced perspective. Understanding the specific amenities and atmosphere of a local park like this is important for Connecticut residents to make informed decisions about where to spend their leisure time. We will delve into its location, the services it offers, and its key features, aiming to give you a realistic picture of what to expect when you visit this established community park in Stratford.

Clover Field/Janosko Park is located at 200 Clover St, Stratford, CT 06614, USA. This address places it squarely within a residential area of Stratford, making it a truly local amenity for the surrounding neighborhood. Its position on Clover Street ensures it's easily reachable for residents living nearby, allowing for convenient access whether on foot, by bicycle, or via a short drive.

Accessibility to Clover Field/Janosko Park is primarily designed for local community use. As a neighborhood park, it typically relies on street parking or small, adjacent lots for visitors. Reviews mention "the parking lot" and that "the litter is always all over the parking lot," indicating that some form of parking is available, likely on-site or along the surrounding streets. For many residents in the immediate vicinity, the park is within walking distance, which is a key advantage for quick visits for sports or playground use. While major public transportation routes might not lead directly to the park's entrance, its integration into the local street network ensures that it is a straightforward destination for those traveling by personal vehicle within Stratford. This emphasis on local accessibility reinforces its role as a community-centric recreational area, serving the immediate needs of the residents in this part of Connecticut.

Clover Field/Janosko Park provides a set of essential recreational services, primarily focused on various sports and active play.

• Baseball Fields: The park is equipped with "baseball fields," making it a historical site for "little league baseball" and suitable for organized games, practices, or casual play. Public records indicate it has "softball fields," specifically "Clover Ball Field #1" and "Clover Ball Field #2," supporting local league activities.

• Basketball Courts: For pick-up games or practice, the park features "basketball courts." These courts provide a dedicated space for basketball enthusiasts of various ages to engage in the sport.

• Tennis Courts: The inclusion of "tennis courts" caters to racquet sports enthusiasts, offering a place for singles or doubles matches, lessons, or casual rallies.

• Playground: For younger visitors, there is a "small playground." This area typically includes structures for climbing, sliding, and swinging, providing a designated and safe space for children to engage in active, imaginative play.

• Walking Path: The park also features a "walking path," providing a designated route for leisurely strolls, exercise, or dog walking. This allows visitors to enjoy the park's outdoor environment at a more relaxed pace.

• General Open Space: Beyond the structured courts and fields, the park offers open green areas suitable for various unstructured activities, such as throwing a frisbee, picnicking (though specific facilities aren't detailed), or simply enjoying the outdoors.

• Dog Walking: Reviews indicate the presence of "many dog walkers," suggesting it's a popular spot for locals to bring their leashed pets for exercise. This informal service is an important aspect for the community's dog owners.

Clover Field/Janosko Park, while a smaller community park in Stratford, possesses several key features and highlights that contribute to its local appeal, despite some noted drawbacks.

• Multi-Sport Facilities in Close Proximity: A significant highlight is the concentration of diverse sports facilities within a relatively "small park." It features "tennis courts, basketball courts, baseball fields, and a playground in very close proximity." This compact layout makes it convenient for families or groups with varied interests, as multiple activities can be pursued simultaneously in one location.

• Designated for Organized Sports: Historically, the park has been a key venue for "little league baseball," indicating its suitability and design for organized team sports. The presence of multiple "softball fields" (Clover Ball Field #1 and #2) confirms its role in supporting local athletic leagues and events.

• Community Gathering Spot: Despite its size, the park "can get busy really fast," suggesting it serves as a popular gathering point for residents. The observation of "many dog walkers" and families watching "a baseball game" highlights its function as a place where locals connect and enjoy outdoor activities together.

• Generally Decently Kept: One review notes that "The park is decently kept," and "mostly clean," suggesting that the town or community efforts generally maintain the core areas, ensuring they are functional for public use. This indicates a commitment to providing a usable recreational space for residents.

• Includes a Pond and Bruce Brook: Public records mention a "pond" and "Bruce Brook" within the park's features, adding a natural element to the recreational facilities. This can provide a more varied landscape and potentially attract local wildlife, enhancing the aesthetic appeal for visitors.

As a public park operated by the Town of Stratford, Clover Field/Janosko Park does not typically offer commercial promotions or special discounts in the way a private business would. Access to its facilities – the baseball fields, basketball courts, tennis courts, and playground – is generally free and open to all residents of Stratford, Connecticut.

However, "promotional" opportunities or benefits for locals might be realized through:

• Town-Sponsored Programs: The Town of Stratford's Parks and Recreation Department occasionally organizes free or low-cost recreational programs, sports leagues, or community events at various parks, and Clover Field/Janosko Park may be a venue for such activities. These programs are designed to encourage community participation and healthy lifestyles.

• Youth Sports Leagues: The baseball fields are utilized by local youth sports leagues (e.g., Little League). While participation in these leagues usually involves registration fees, the park provides the infrastructure for these valuable community activities, which can be seen as a promotional benefit of living in Stratford.

• Free Public Access: The inherent "promotion" is the free public access to multiple sports courts and a playground. This offers a significant value to local families and individuals seeking affordable outdoor recreation options without the need for membership fees or daily passes.

For the most current information regarding any scheduled events, league play, or specific park rules that might be in effect at Clover Field/Janosko Park, Connecticut residents should refer to the official Town of Stratford website, particularly the Parks and Recreation Department's pages. These resources will provide timely updates on how to best utilize the park's amenities and participate in any community initiatives.

To contact the Town of Stratford regarding Clover Field/Janosko Park, or for general inquiries about Stratford's parks system, please use the following information:

Address: 200 Clover St, Stratford, CT 06614, USA (for Clover Field/Janosko Park itself)

For general inquiries related to parks and recreation in Stratford, the Town of Stratford Parks Department can be contacted:

Phone: (203) 385-4085 (This number is associated with the Town of Stratford Parks Department).

Mobile Phone: +1 203-385-4085 (This is likely the same general line).

It is recommended to call during standard business hours for the most direct assistance. For additional information or updates regarding park conditions, facilities, or community events, checking the official Town of Stratford website's Parks and Recreation section is highly advisable, as this is often where the most current public information is posted.

Clover Field/Janosko Park is suitable for Connecticut locals, particularly those in Stratford, as a convenient and accessible neighborhood hub for various sports and active play. For families with children, the presence of a playground, basketball courts, and baseball fields within close proximity offers multiple options for engaging in outdoor activities without having to travel far. This makes it an ideal spot for quick, spontaneous visits for playtime or casual sports.

While some reviews highlight concerns regarding upkeep and occasional issues with outside activities, the park consistently provides the fundamental infrastructure for sports leagues and community recreation. Its role as a host for "little league baseball" signifies its importance for organized youth sports, fostering team spirit and physical activity among younger residents. The presence of dog walkers (who largely pick up after their pets and keep them leashed) also indicates its acceptance as a shared community space for various forms of recreation. Despite its "small park" designation, its ability to "get busy really fast" demonstrates its consistent use and value to the local community. For Stratford residents seeking a multi-purpose park for accessible sports, family playtime, and general outdoor enjoyment, Clover Field/Janosko Park serves as a practical and enduring option right in their own neighborhood.

Clover Field/Janosko Park

200 Clover St, Stratford, CT 06614, USA