Kids in Fairfax are out of luck at Peri Park for at least the next couple of weeks, after town officials abruptly closed the popular playground because of what they are calling a significant flea infestation. The closure covers the playground and the adjacent play area while staff figure out how to tackle the problem without breaking the town's strict pesticide rules.
According to the San Francisco Chronicle, the town's notice estimates that Peri Park will be off-limits for roughly two weeks, although officials have not committed to a specific reopening date.
Pesticide Rules Complicate Cleanup
Fairfax's municipal code largely bans pesticide use on municipal parks, open-space parcels, public rights of way and town-owned buildings. The rules define pesticide broadly to include insecticides and other substances meant to destroy, repel or control pests, which makes a quick chemical fix essentially off the table.
There are only narrow exceptions. Under the Fairfax municipal code, the Town Council can approve an emergency exemption by a two-thirds vote, but only after finding that community health, safety and welfare are threatened and that no reasonable alternative exists.
Town Hunts for Flea Fix That Follows the Rules
Public Works Director Kristin Arnold is currently reviewing treatment options that would comply with the pesticide ordinance. Town staff told the Chronicle they are working to identify an effective, ordinance-compliant approach, as reported by the San Francisco Chronicle.
Officials also said there have been no reported flea bites or illnesses linked to the playground so far, which at least gives parents one less thing to worry about while the park is shut.
Peri Park's Recent Upgrades and Current Precautions
Peri Park is a familiar stop for local families, and it got a fresh look not long ago. In 2021, the playground was upgraded following a town-backed fundraising push. A 2021 town staff report details the purchase and installation of new play structures that year.
For now, the town's closure notice is urging residents to steer clear of the affected area, to check pets after walks near the park and to talk with a veterinarian about flea prevention. Officials say they will post an update once they settle on a treatment plan and have a better sense of when Peri Park can safely reopen.
