Village hosts park dedication

NORTH FAIRFIELD — Where a cornfield once stood in North Fairfield now thrives a welcoming park where children of all abilities can play side-by-side, and those using wheelchairs or other mobility devices can easily reach the pavilion, courts, and playground. This transformation is the result of like-minded neighbors working together to make their village more inclusive. The first step came in 2012, when residents — led by Lindsey Ingram and Amber Hess — rallied to raise funds and build a playground. It was a true community effort, with volunteers shoveling, hauling and building entirely by hand. In 2021, the North Fairfield Improvement Group, a nonprofit, formed to continue park enhancements and foster community pride. Through events such as the two-day Street Fair, Turkey Trot, Bike Rodeo and Frosty's Block Party, the group has brought neighbors together while raising funds for improvements. Thanks to local contractor Bart Bergstedt of B & S Contracting LLC, Kari Smith, Superintendent of the Huron County Board of Developmental Disabilities, and many generous supporters, the park now features: • Paved accessible paths to the playground, pavilion, and courts • Two ADA swings, poured-in-place playground surfacing, and an ADA-compliant picnic table • Handicap-accessible parking and a 5-foot-wide walking path measuring 0.2 miles in length. • A fenced pickleball court, a sand volleyball court and resurfaced basketball court At the top of the group's wish list is a much-needed restroom/comfort station, followed by an all-inclusive unity basket swing with poured-in-place surfacing and a pump track for kids — and adventurous adults. During the park dedication, hosted as part of the North Fairfield Street Fair on Aug. 1, grant writer and North Fairfield Improvement Group member Wendy Oney thanked all who contributed their time, talent and resources. An ADA-accessible park dedication sign was unveiled, and several giveaways delighted the kids. Special thanks were given to Bart Bergstedt, village workers Jim Prater and Russ Scriver, and the many families and organizations who made the upgrades possible. For the North Fairfield Improvement Group, this park is more than a project — it's a legacy. They hope it will serve as a gathering place for generations to come.