Fairfield Residents Want Pool, Ice Rink, Turf Fields — And More Pickleball

FAIRFIELD, CT — Turf fields, a town pool or ice rink, and an indoor sports complex were on the wish list for Fairfield residents at a recent workshop to discuss future priorities for the Parks and Recreation Department.

But none of those were the most consistent ask made by the Fairfielders in attendance. The thing workshop participants wanted most of all was better pickleball facilities and more of them.

The workshop was held last week as the department begins the process of creating a master plan. Contractor BL Companies will assess the department’s facilities, programs and needs, and make recommendations. About 30 residents attended the workshop, where they broke into groups to discuss what they wanted from the department moving forward.

“Pickleball certainly was on our list of some additional needs that we have,” said Wayne Violette, of BL Companies, representing one of the small groups at the workshop Nov. 29.

Fairfield has four outdoor pickleball courts at Tunxis Hill Park, which are open from spring to fall and require a reservation. Residents repeatedly applauded when pickleball was brought up during the workshop, asking for more courts to allow for pickup games, as well as indoor facilities.

Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation Gaylen Brown was not surprised to hear pickleball was top of mind for those at the workshop.

“It’s growing in popularity amongst multiple age groups and demographics,” she said.

BL Companies’ work on the master plan is expected to take nine months and will cover parks, beaches, marinas, open spaces, cemeteries and outdoor school facilities. Fairfield contains 1,200 acres of parkland, two major parks, 30 neighborhood parks and five beaches. BL Companies was hired for the project at a cost of about $140,000, allocated from town budget surplus funds.

In addition to pickleball, many of the workshop groups expressed interest in a pool, ice rink, turf fields and a fieldhouse.

“It’s just this idea of having other amenities that other towns have,” Fairfield resident Amy Vanderbes said.

Other requests included a fenced dog park, beaches and sidewalks that are easier to access, more food trucks on the beach, additional playground restrooms and more.

The department’s master plan process is just beginning. Fairfielders can also fill out an online survey and will have the opportunity to attend neighborhood meetings. A second workshop will take place in February, when BL Companies will present its findings.

To complete the survey, visit www.surveymonkey.com/r/FairfieldCTParksandRecCommunitySurvey.