Peri Park, a popular playground in Fairfax, California, has been temporarily closed due to a significant flea infestation discovered after numerous complaints from park visitors. Town maintenance crews identified the pests in the sand and wood chips of the play area, with raccoons residing under a nearby building believed to be the source of the infestation.
Town officials are currently working to seal off the affected areas to prevent the raccoons from returning. However, eradicating the existing fleas presents a challenge due to Fairfax's town ordinance that prohibits the use of pesticides on public property. This ban includes insecticides and similar chemical treatments.
The ordinance does allow for emergency exceptions if the town council determines that public health and safety are threatened and no reasonable alternatives exist, requiring a two-thirds vote. Despite this, Fairfax officials are committed to resolving the flea problem without resorting to chemical pesticides. The park is expected to remain closed for approximately two weeks while these measures are implemented.
Fairfax Building Official Mark Lockaby stated that the town plans to use a company that specializes in steam cleaning. "They’ll steam all the sand and chips, and that’s supposed to kill the fleas," Lockaby told outlets.
Residents have expressed concern over the infestation. Debra Zibbit, a grandmother and resident of Fairfax, described the situation as "really scary," voicing worries about children playing in the infested areas. However, many residents, including local grandmother Kathryn Smith and pet owner Lauren Elio, support the non-toxic approach, emphasizing the importance of a safe environment for children and pets. Gina Paoli, a local nanny, suggested that replacing the current ground cover with a rubber material, common in other parks, could offer a more thorough and safer solution. Mega Millions ticket holder wins $800M jackpot — largest prize in 2026