A popular Marin County playground has temporarily closed because of a “significant flea infestation,” leaving Fairfax officials to determine how to eliminate the pests without violating the town’s prohibition on pesticides on public property.

The town closed Peri Park playground immediately and expected it to remain off-limits for approximately two weeks, according to a notice posted Friday. Officials had not announced a treatment plan or firm reopening date as of Monday.

“Out of an abundance of caution for the health of park visitors, the playground will be closed for approximately two weeks,” the town said.

Public Works Director Kristin Arnold was evaluating treatment options that comply with Fairfax’s pesticide ordinance, the notice said.

The town’s municipal code broadly prohibits pesticide applications in municipal parks, open-space parcels, public rights of way and town-owned buildings. Its definition includes insecticides and other substances intended to destroy, repel or control pests.

The ordinance contains limited exceptions and allows the Town Council to approve an emergency exemption by a two-thirds vote. To do so, the council must find that the community’s health, safety and welfare face a threat, that no reasonable alternative is available and that maintaining the prohibition could cause a significant adverse impact.

Fairfax has not indicated that it plans to seek such an exemption. The town said employees were instead working to identify “an effective, ordinance-compliant approach.”

Officials did not specify what may have caused the infestation. The town also has not reported any flea bites or illnesses connected to the playground.

Peri Park, near downtown Fairfax, sits among redwood trees next to the Fairfax Community Center. New play structures were installed in 2021 after a town-backed fundraising effort.

“We recognize that Peri Park playground is a beloved gathering place, and we appreciate the community’s patience while we address this issue,” the town said.

Fairfax advised residents to stay out of the affected playground during the closure. People walking dogs nearby should inspect their pets afterward and consult a veterinarian about flea prevention, the town said.

No projected reopening date had been announced. The town said it would provide an update after choosing a treatment plan.