Parks and Recreation Department: Modifications and Cancellations
Fairfield joins other community parks and recreation agencies in making very difficult decisions regarding their summer camps, aquatics center, summer concerts, and other summer activities. To comply with public health directives from Governor DeWine and the Ohio Department of Health, the City of Fairfield is rescheduling, modifying and cancelling many summer programs.
Tiphanie Howard, Fairfield Parks & Recreation Director, explained the City’s process, “It is difficult to support public health directives, meet the needs of the community, and balance our fiscal health. We took a common sense approach and our team is here for you. I believe that we can meet the needs of our community in a way that is administratively sustainable so please come to our parks to find peace, wellbeing, and restoration. We are also launching a ‘Virtual Community Arts Center’ that will include free art, education, performance, and fitness resources on the City website.”
Most of the department’s activities and facilities will continue to be impacted by COVID-19 directives including:
Red, White & KaBOOM: Fireworks will take place at 10:00 pm on July 3, 2020. Parks will close at dusk and there will be no organized activities on City property. The team is adjusting the display so that fireworks can be viewed at a greater distance. The soundtrack will stream live on the radio.
Fairfield Aquatics Center: The pool will remain closed and will not open this season. Season passes purchased before April 30, 2020 will be extended into the 2021 season.
Marsh Lake Bait House: The bait house will re-open on May 12 with restrictions in order to meet health order mandates. Visitors may fish and launch their boats (canoes or kayaks only, life jacket must be worn at all times) free of charge at Marsh Lake. All fees are waived for the remainder of the 2020 season. Transportation to fishing locations will not be provided and operating hours will be limited. Season passes that have been purchased before April 30, 2020 will be extended into the 2021 season.
Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony: The traditional parade and event is cancelled. Staff is planning a private ceremony that will be aired on TV Fairfield and Facebook Live. The event will include special recognition of our veterans and their families.
Summer Concert Series: The Thursday Groovin’ on the Green and Friday at the Green concerts for the month of June are being rescheduled for later this summer. Dates are not yet set. Staff will evaluate whether the City will be able to host concerts later this summer pending updated health orders.
Village Green Farmers Market: Pre-orders only. Orders can be picked up during designated times on Wednesdays beginning May 6.
Summer Camp: All camps are cancelled until June 15. Full-Day summer camps (Fun and Adventure Camps) have been completely cancelled for the entire summer. Staff is evaluating whether part-day camps will continue as planned after June 15.
Movies in the Park: May and June movies are cancelled. Staff is evaluating whether Movies in the Park will continue after June 30 pending public health directives.
There are many more recreational opportunities available throughout our parks system with our most recent efforts in providing virtual and individual experiences. The staff have planned a plethora of activities, with theme weeks, that can be found on the “Virtual Community Arts Center” page of our website. Please follow us as we plan these activities to make this summer enjoyable, despite our current situation.
A note on Fairfield Parks & Recreation: The City of Fairfield (pop. 42,613 residents) maintains 41 parks and recreation amenities totaling 845 manicured acres (over 1,100 in total), including; 28 parks and open spaces, an 18-hole championship golf course, a 9-hole executive golf course, a Community Theater and Arts Center, a 7-acre dog park and trail head expansion, an aquatic center, an 1817 farm mansion, a 45-acre lake, 75 acres of nature preserve, 14 miles of bike/hike paths and two historical cemeteries. During the year, the Parks and Recreation staff conducts hundreds of special programs and events, enhancing the quality of life experiences for thousands of residents and visitors.