Fairfield looks to expand its largest park property

The city is asking the state to fund 75 percent of the purchase through the Clean Ohio and the balance of the property would be “donated by the property owner,” according to a Fairfield staff report from City Engineer Ben Mann.

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The Clean Ohio project total cost is estimated to be $220,000, and that includes survey and acquisition expenses, and the purchase cost. Mann said the final application price is based on an updated appraisal, but the has agreed to a purchase price of $200,000 based on the appraised value.

Mann said the property will be “a useful addition to the existing city-owned property.” Harbin Park is home to several amenities, including an 18-hole disc golf course, a mountain biking trail and the Muskopf Preserve. Harbin is also undergoing a multi-year renovation which includes improving the disc golf course, redesigning the park’s overlook, replacing antiquated picnic shelters, improving the perimeter trail, and constructing a new upper parking lot, new playground and entertainment center.

City Manager Mark Wendling said if the grant is awarded, the seven-acre parcel will be maintained as green space.

“Perhaps at some point it will accommodate a trail that connects the Pleasant Avenue neighborhoods with the Village Green, though there are no immediate plans to do so,” he said.

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Connectivity had been a theme of residents and stakeholders during the development of the city’s comprehensive plan, known as “Fairfield Forward.” Sidewalk and trail connectivity were repeatedly mentioned a every community engagement event, Wendling said.

“Residents stated they want pedestrian connections to activity centers such as parks and the town center, between neighborhoods, and to the Great Miami River Trail,” he said.

City Council OK’d to contract the Cincinnati engineering firm MKSK, and its sub-consultant, LJB, to design a Citywide Active Transportation Plan.

The city’s comprehensive plan can be viewed by the public at an open house from 6 to 8 p.m. Sept. 24 at the Fairfield Community Arts Center, 411 Wessel Drive.