Playground in Marin County Closed Due to Flea Infestation

A well-loved playground in Marin County has been temporarily shut down because of a “significant flea infestation.” This situation has prompted officials in Fairfax to figure out how to deal with the pests while adhering to the town’s ban on pesticides in public areas.

The Peri Park playground was closed immediately, with expectations for it to remain off-limits for about two weeks, as stated in a notice posted on Friday. By Monday, officials had not yet provided details about a treatment strategy or a specific reopening timeline.

“To ensure the health of those visiting the park, we are closing the playground for around two weeks,” the town announced.

Public Works Director Kristin Arnold is currently looking into treatment options that align with Fairfax’s pesticide regulations, according to the notice.

The municipal code of the town broadly forbids the use of pesticides in parks, open spaces, public thoroughfares, and town buildings. This includes insecticides and any products meant to control or repel pests.

While the ordinance has limited exceptions, it does allow the Town Council to grant an emergency exemption with a two-thirds majority. For this to happen, the council must determine that there is a threat to community health and safety, that no other reasonable options exist, and that keeping the prohibition could seriously harm the situation.

So far, Fairfax has not indicated an intention to pursue such an exemption. Instead, officials mentioned that employees are working on finding “an effective, ordinance-compliant approach.”

There has been no explanation regarding what might have triggered the infestation. Moreover, the town hasn’t reported any incidents of flea bites or related illnesses linked to the playground.

Located near downtown Fairfax, Peri Park is surrounded by redwood trees and adjacent to the Fairfax Community Center. New play structures were put in place in 2021 after a town-supported fundraising drive.

“We understand that the Peri Park playground is a cherished spot for the community, and we thank everyone for their patience as we work through this issue,” the town added.

Residents have been advised to avoid the affected playground during the closure. Dog owners walking nearby should check their pets afterward and consider a veterinarian for flea prevention, according to the town’s advisory.

As of now, no reopening date has been set. The town plans to provide updates after deciding on a treatment plan.