Fairfield, IA – Construction is set to begin on the new Fairfield fire station, located at the corner of West Briggs Avenue and North Fourth Street. Recently, a chain-link fence was erected around the vacant lot that once housed a building owned by the Iowa Department of Transportation, which was demolished in June 2023.

Fairfield Public Works Director and City Engineer Melanie Carlson emphasized that this is no small project, and that the public should expect significant activity in the area. “Very soon, construction vehicles will be moving in and out of the site,” she explained. "This may include temporary street closures, especially when contractors need to cross the street with utilities."

The new fire station is expected to be completed and operational within a year, assuming no delays in acquiring materials for construction. However, Carlson noted that recent tariffs could potentially impact the cost of materials, which may affect the overall project budget. “They are expecting an increase in the cost of their inputs,” Carlson said of the contractors. “We can work with them on different materials or ordering materials ahead of time. Having gone through the 2008 [financial] collapse, the floods of 2008, and COVID, this is not unusual. It’s why I encourage the council to include contingency in our project cost so we have the money in the budget for it.”

In November 2024, the Fairfield City Council awarded the contract for the fire station project to Christner Contracting Inc. of Ottumwa for $7.3 million. Once completed, the station will enhance the city’s emergency response capabilities and serve as a key addition to the community's infrastructure.

Heritage Park Playground Update

In addition to the fire station, the Fairfield City Council is also moving forward with the installation of new playground equipment at Heritage Park. The equipment is expected to be installed within the next week, although the area will be roped off temporarily until the concrete has fully cured. “Even if it looks finished, if it’s roped off, we ask the public to stay off it,” Carlson said. “We want to make sure everything is fully ready for people to enjoy.”

The Fairfield City Council approved the purchase of the new playground equipment for just over $130,000, with the majority of the funding coming from the city’s Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) fund. Carlson noted that this project mirrors a similar investment made last year when a new play structure was added to Waterworks Park. The new play structure for Heritage Park will be of a similar size and design, ensuring that local children have a safe and enjoyable space for recreation.

Both the fire station and playground projects reflect Fairfield’s ongoing commitment to improving city infrastructure and enhancing the quality of life for its residents. These developments represent a significant investment in the city’s future, providing both essential services and recreational opportunities for the community.

For more updates on these projects, residents are encouraged to stay informed through the city’s website and public announcements.

Originally reported by Andy Hallman in South East Iowa News.