Stop commercial development of our beloved fishing lake

Recent signers:

The Issue

I remember my childhood being filled with lazy afternoons, fishing at our beloved lake with my family. Countless weekends were spent exploring the winding trails, casting lines off the piers, and basking in the tranquility of nature's calm embrace. This lake isn't just a body of water; it's a cherished sanctuary that has been a vital part of our community’s fabric for generations.

However, the prospect of a commercial development project threatens to strip away this quiet haven, replacing it with noise, pollution, and overbuilt infrastructures. While development can be beneficial, it must not come at the expense of community treasures that offer so much more than just economic value.

This isn't an isolated concern. Publicly accessible natural spaces are dwindling as commercial interests expand. According to a report by the National Recreation and Park Association, local parks and recreation facilities contribute to the improved health and well-being of people living near them, providing space for physical activities, reducing stress, and enhancing the overall quality of life.

By turning our cherished lake into a commercial site, not only do we lose a critical part of our childhood and family heritage, but we also deprive future generations of creating their own memories and connections with nature. Furthermore, it's important to emphasize the potential ecological impact. Lakes and their surrounding ecosystems provide habitats for wildlife, natural protection against flooding, and water purification.

We urge local authorities to reconsider the proposed development plan and explore alternative sites that do not compromise our community's natural resources. Community-based solutions, such as enhancing existing facilities or incorporating sustainable and limited eco-tourism plans, can balance economic interests with environmental preservation.

The decision we make today will define the legacy we leave behind tomorrow. We ask you to prioritize conservation over commercialization, ensuring this vital natural area remains a sanctuary for wildlife and for all of us who call this place home.

Sign this petition to show your support in preserving our beloved fishing lake for future generations, for the sake of our community, and for the environment.

Brandon LeachPetition Starter

Media inquiries

560

Let’s get to 1000 signatures!

Petitions with 1,000+ supporters are 5x more likely to win!

Recent signers:

The Issue

Brandon LeachPetition Starter

Media inquiries

Support now

560

Let’s get to 1000 signatures!

Petitions with 1,000+ supporters are 5x more likely to win!

The Decision Makers

Scott W. Timmer,

City Manager, City of Fairfield, Ohio

Responded

“Thank you for your follow-up and for sharing the petition and its summary. I appreciate the engagement from residents and the opportunity to provide additional context on the Marsh Park project. First, I want to acknowledge the core concern reflected in the petition. Marsh Park and its lake are valued community assets, and preserving their natural character, accessibility, and ecological function is a priority that has consistently guided the City’s approach. It may be helpful to clarify that the current initiative is not a proposal to eliminate or privatize the lake, but rather to implement a long-range master plan focused on improving access, enhancing environmental conditions, and expanding recreational opportunities in a thoughtful and limited way. The Marsh Park Master Plan was developed over an extended period with significant public involvement and formal review. This included multiple public meetings, presentations to the Parks & Recreation Board and City Council, and both in-person and online engagement opportunities. For example, the community survey alone included more than 800 respondents, the majority of whom were Fairfield residents, and that feedback directly informed the plan’s direction . The plan was ultimately adopted by both the Parks Board and City Council in April 2025 following a public process. From a project scope standpoint, several points are important: • The park consists of approximately 150 acres, and current plans focus development on a small portion of the site, generally concentrated in one area. The vast majority of the park, including the lake itself, remains preserved as natural space. • Planned improvements are centered on access, safety, and environmental stewardship. This includes shoreline restoration, invasive species removal, habitat improvements, and enhanced lake access such as upgraded boat launches and accessible kayak entry points. • Additional elements under consideration, such as trails, small-scale amenities, and limited commercial components, are intended to support the park experience rather than fundamentally change the nature of the site. •The project aligns with broader City planning efforts, including sustainability and open space preservation goals, which emphasize responsible stewardship of natural resources while improving quality of life for residents. It is also important to note that this is a phased project. The City is currently in the design and pre-construction stages, and additional community engagement opportunities are planned, including open houses prior to any construction authorization. This means there are still opportunities for public input as details are refined. For residents who want to stay involved or provide input, I would encourage participation in upcoming public meetings, open houses, and formal comment opportunities. These are the most effective ways to ensure feedback is part of the official decision-making record. Finally, while petitions are a meaningful way to express community sentiment, they represent one input among many that must be considered alongside environmental data, engineering constraints, financial considerations, and long-term community planning goals. If helpful, I am happy to direct you or petition participants to the appropriate project contacts, upcoming engagement opportunities, or source materials so individuals can review the full scope of the plan. Thank you again for reaching out and for helping facilitate community dialogue on this topic. Sincerely, Scott W. Timmer City Manager City of Fairfield, Ohio [Note: The Change.org Civic Engagement Team reaches out to decision makers to let them know about petitions in their community and to help facilitate engagement with supporters. The above was an email response we received regarding this petition.]”

Scott W. Timmer

City Manager, City of Fairfield, Ohio

Responded

Fairfield City Council,

6 Members

Ohio