Fairfield Parks and Recreation Foundation

Create it, Build it, Live it, Love it! Our community is raising money to add two much-needed facilities to our recreational assets: a new and improved outdoor pool and a year-round indoor gymnasium. These additions to our infrastructure will benefit our children and families, help grow our community by attracting and retaining residents, and support our school athletic programs. With the addition of a new gym we will be able to host regional athletic competitions that we are currently unable to do. The new pool and the additional year-round indoor gymnasium will retain local dollars as well as bring out-of-town dollars into our economy. Most importantly, this project adds to the quality of life for all of us.

Why Do We Need a New Pool And Year-Round Gymnasium?
Our outdoor pool, which has been a part of our community since 1967, out-served its useful life by many years. Our Fairfield Parks & Recreation Department kept the pool open and running as long as possible but it became beyond repair and unsafe for use; hence the need for a new pool. The new pool design is based on current community needs and will offer more of what you have been asking for.

There are many opportunities with a year-round gymnasium that we as a community are not currently able to utilize:

• Provide additional practice space for our school sports teams, reducing the need for teams to practice in early morning and late evening
• Create a destination point for adults and children, especially schoolkids who need a safe, supervised, healthy place to go after school.
• Host regional athletic competitions and bring outside dollars into our economy.

With the closing of the skating rink, our community needs to get behind a worthwhile project that will benefit the youth in our area as well as all citizens.

What Will The New Pool Offer And Where Will It Be Located?
The new pool design will include many family-friendly features:

• zero-depth entry, ideal for small children, the elderly, and people with disabilities.
• an interactive play area with many features of indoor waterparks.
• numerous shallow water play features for younger children and non-swimmers.
• shaded sitting areas.
• water slide.
• swimming lanes for training, relaxation, and fitness.
• diving boards, one meter height.
• concession stand with many snack options.
• improved bathhouse.
• ample lawn space for comfort, beauty, and additional play area.

The new pool will be a product of what you have been asking for and wanting in a public pool.  It will be located at the Roosevelt Recreation Complex..

What Will The New Indoor Gymnasium Offer And Where Will It Be Located?
Our new gymnasium will feature three full-sized courts surrounded by a running track, all indoors so it can be used year-round. The courts can be used for basketball, volleyball, wrestling, gymnastics, as well as practice space for cheerleading and various athletic activities. Bleachers will be incorporated for spectators which allows local teams to host regional events. These events will bring visitors to our town who shop at our local businesses and strengthen our local economy. The gymnasium will also serve as a safe, adult-supervised space for children (especially those of limited financial means) to go after school. To broaden its use the gymnasium facility will be located near the current Roosevelt Recreation facility, maximizing proximity parking and further enhancing what we already have.

How Will This Project Be Funded?

 Funding for the pool and gym project is coming from a combination of public and private sources, and state grant funds, with a total estimated budget of $8.845 million.

In 2012 the majority of Fairfield Citizens (68%) voted to contribute $3 million to the project, which will be paid for by a temporary increase in property tax for Fairfield residents only. An additional $210,000 from the city will be included for the purchase of land.

Close to $4.395 million has been raised through private donations and pledges from individuals and businesses.

On August 13, 2014, the City of Fairfield was awarded a $1.0 million Community Attraction and Tourism (CAT) grant with the stipulation that the remaining balance of approximately $210,000 be raised within 60 days of the awarding.