Norfolk is bringing free public Wi-Fi to its Park Place neighborhood in a pilot project that could be replicated elsewhere.
The service will cover an estimated 7,800 to 8,000 people, city spokeswoman Lori Crouch said. There is no cost estimate yet; the network will be installed this fall at James Monroe Elementary School in a partnership with WHRO.
“If this works, we’ll replicate it in other communities,” Crouch said.
The connection should be strong enough to carry the entire neighborhood. A filter will block inappropriate content on the network, which will be password protected for safety. Businesses will also have access. The project is a part of a larger revitalization effort to improve the quality of the area.
The city encourages residents and community members to use Norfolk as the testing ground for new project and business ideas.
“We encourage people to come (here) and try ideas or see if something will work,” Crouch said.
