Fairfield Historic District Commission members voted to approve a proposal by Fairfield Country Day School to remove existing playground equipment at its East Campus and install new play structures, a poured-rubber safety surface, stone curbing, a pebbled-asphalt walkway and a small stone seat wall.

The school’s representative, attorney Chris Russo of Russo Rizzio LLC, and head of school Margo Pierce told the commission the playground serves kindergarten through grade 9, summer camp programs and neighborhood children and that much of the current equipment dates to 2008. "We're really excited about it," Pierce said, noting the replacement had not occurred since 2008.

The application showed several new wooden structures in a nautical theme — a large "ship" feature, a lighthouse tower and smaller play elements — with metal slides and select metal or coated-rope components where durability is required. The largest structure is about 24 by 31 feet in plan, with the highest decorative flag reaching about 19 feet; the main usable portion of that structure is roughly 8 feet, 10 inches tall, the applicant said. The playground area is set well back from Vernon Hill Road and sits roughly 16 feet higher in grade than parts of the adjacent road; presenters showed grade diagrams and renderings demonstrating the visual separation from the public way.

The commission discussed visibility from Vernon Hill Road and whether playground equipment is within its regulatory purview. Commissioner Jim Bohan said the HDC handbook's guidance on playgrounds (page 63) does not include a clear prohibition; other commissioners noted the commission generally regulates exterior materials and architectural features visible from public ways. Project representatives said most major elements are bolted to foundations and that material choices favor wood with metal for slides and structural needs. Russo said the project uses poured rubber surface that is partially impervious for durability and safety, and will include a pebbled-asphalt walkway the commission has approved in other campus locations.

After discussion, a motion to approve the application as submitted passed by voice vote. The commission noted a condition that material selections remain consistent with the presented plans; no letters for or against the application were on file.

The commission closed the hearing on the item and instructed staff to issue the certificate of appropriateness once permitting details are complete.