Fairfield council narrowly approves playground option amid budget concerns

The Fairfield Town Council approved a preferred playground equipment package on a 3–2 vote at its March 11 meeting, selecting Option 2 with a larger rubber‑mulch play surface.

Council members discussed three playground configurations with varying features and estimated prices ranging from about $147,000 to $160,000, plus additional surfacing costs. Council members debated tradeoffs among cost, durability and maintenance; turf was described as a higher‑cost option with greater durability, while rubber mulch was chosen for the preferred configuration.

Councilman Michael Weber moved to approve Option 2 with the larger rubber mulch area; Councilman Richard Cameron seconded. The motion passed with Mayor Hollie McKinney, Councilman Cameron and Councilman Weber voting yes; Councilmen Tyler Thomas and RL Panek voted no.

Council members said they will continue to evaluate surfacing materials and final installation costs as part of the remaining park budget and pending grant decisions. The council noted about $520,000 remains in the park budget after previous expenditures and grant funds, and two grant applications have been submitted—one for approximately $200,000 for park development and another for a pavilion with restrooms.