Fairfield, CT - As part of the Town of Fairfield's continuing efforts to keep residents informed and updated on the safety of our parks and fields, the Health Department is issuing the following update:
- At this time, only one portion of one field (Burroughs Soccer Field #1) remains closed due to environmental concerns.
- All other fields tested have been determined by the State Department of Public Health (DPH) and Tighe & Bond to be safe for recreational use.
- In the past six weeks, a total of 60 areas (fields, playscapes, sidewalks, etc.) have been tested.
- 50 areas are deemed safe for use and 49 are fully open to the public. (Holland Hill soccer field is closed due to school construction.)
- 8 areas (Burroughs field, certain school playscapes, and some accessory areas) with exceedances above residential standards are being evaluated for remediation. With a sense of caution, the Town and the School District are working with the State DPH, DEEP and Tighe & Bond to evaluate an appropriate course for remediation. At 2 of these areas, the exceedances are not related to aggregate fill.
- 2 areas (Osborn Hill baseball field and the small playscape at Jennings School) are still pending test results. Testing of the small Jennings playscape is not related to aggregate fill.
- 21 additional sites have been identified for further assessment and possible testing. The evaluation will begin within 1-2 weeks.
Here are some important links for background and further information:
- Fill Use Issues webpage
- Video clip of comments by CT Department of Public Health Epidemiologist, Meg Harvey, on safety and risk of exposure on recreational fields
- Environmental Testing Scorecard - List of locations and specific areas being evaluated
- Fairfield Public Schools' Field Testing Updates webpage
We will continue to keep you updated on progress and the safety of our Town fields.
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