Fairfield council approves Phase 2 design for $400,000‑funded park; playground budget target set at about $100,000

The Fairfield Town Council approved Phase 2 of the Prime Landscape Architecture contract to complete irrigation planning and construction documents for the Town Park, moving design work forward after news that a $400,000 reimbursable grant had been approved to cover dirt work, arsenic remediation and the walking path.

Dustin Hislop of Prime Landscape Architecture presented an updated, phaseable park concept that includes a pavilion near the irrigation ditch, basketball and pickleball courts, trails and signage, open recreation areas and multiuse sports fields, a grass hill for viewing and a playground footprint with a future restroom and storage building. Mayor Hollie McKinney said the Town has completed the perk test and awaits septic approval and is also waiting on Rocky Mountain Power approval for electrical service.

Councilmembers discussed playground options and costs. Mayor McKinney said vendor recommendations favored artificial turf for long‑term value; she warned turnkey installation and ground preparation costs can be substantial. Councilman Cameron suggested a modest initial playground might cost $30,000–$40,000; Council settled on requesting design options that could be phased within a roughly $100,000 total budget. Brad Gurney proposed adding a historical walking path and will provide an itemized invoice estimated at about $2,500 for interpretive signage.

The Council voted unanimously to authorize Phase 2 design work (the contract totals $13,600 with $5,000 already completed in Phase 1). No construction contract was approved at this meeting; Council discussed that a future budget amendment will be required to allocate funds for installation and ongoing maintenance.