She said foot and bike traffic through the parks has increased, and residents are taking advantage of the parks to maintain physical and mental health.
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When visiting, park guests should comply with social distancing requirements. A few of the features within the parks include walking trails and scenic views.
The City of Fairfield has 28 parks, including several preserves. The larger parks include Harbin Park and Marsh Park, which span several hundred acres. Creekside Park, Good Neighbors Park, Oakwood Park, Point Pleasant Park and Waterworks Park are a few of the 20-to-30 acre-neighborhood parks within the city.
“A lot of people have the intention to get healthier, or to get out and start an exercise program, and now is the time…Our parks are right there in your backyard, and all you need to do is throw your sneakers on, and get those steps in,” Howard said.
In support of public health directives from Gov. Mike DeWine and the Ohio Department of Health, the City of Fairfield has closed playgrounds, park restrooms, the basketball courts, FurField Dog Park, Fairfield Community Arts Center, Marsh Lake Bait House, and Boat House. Fairfield Greens South Trace is open with conditions and North Trace is closed. The city will continue follow the governor and health department’s orders. Decisions on re-opening services and amenities will be guided by these orders.
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“Having access to outdoors and recreational opportunities during the COVID-19 outbreak is even more important now than ever in an effort to ease the fear and anxiety that these unknowns about the future are causing,” said Howard.
Fairfield’s parks are built on three main pillars: Fitness and wellness, social equity, and conservation, she said.
Park hours are dawn to dusk. For the latest news and updates, go to www.fairfield-city.org or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/FairfieldParks/
Serving nearly 43,000 residents, Fairfield offers 41 parks and recreation facilities, maintains about 845 manicured acres, and has over 1,100 acres in the city’s inventory, including; an 18-hole championship golf course, a nine-hole executive golf course, a Community Theater and Arts Center, a seven-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.
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