Playground equipment planned for Howard Park

Fundraising has resumed for the addition of play equipment in Howard Park.

Initiated by Laurie Stokes-Woods and Emily Martlin, the original smaller scale project has been taken to the next level with a goal of enhancing everyone's enjoyment, especially the town's youth and their parents. No longer simply about adding a few swings to the existing structure, Woods and Martlin are now leading a comprehensive remodel that will completely change Howard Park's recreation area, which they hope will benefit of the entire town and beyond.

Working with Barry Dodd, a former Park and Recreation director now working for All Inclusive Recreation – a commercial play equipment specialty firm - the project directors have secured new equipment that will modernize Howard Park and bring about numerous improvements. To date, Dodd has provided a sketch of the proposed finished product, Fairfield Park & Recreation Superintendent Pam Craff and Director Calvin Todd investigated the land and ensured no utility issues exist, and the entire proposal has been approved by the Park and Recreation board.

The next step, say Martlin and Woods, is for Fairfield citizens to get excited about the re-imagination of one of Fairfield's favorite parks and become part of the fundraising team in whatever way they can. At present, there is no online donation link, but checks may be made out to 'The Park & Recreation Foundation.”

In total, the fundraising goal is $44,000 and the plan is to begin installation of the new structure in the spring of 2019.

Donors are asked to include 'Howard Park” in the memo line and either drop them off or mail them to the Park & Recreation Department at 1100 W. Burlington in Fairfield. Further, Ron Hunerdosse and Rich Stokes have volunteered to pick up any donations of $100 or more in person, thereby adding their own energy to the project.

Woods and Martlin also encourage everyone to join and follow the project on Facebook under the group 'Take the Howard Park Challenge.”