However, with the current construction of the Fairbank-Silverthorn Storm Trunk Sewer System, the park is boarded up in areas that do not allow for this winter activity.

Several politicians, including City of York deputy mayor Tony Mandarano, became involved in a secret deal with land developer Lou Charles.

Mandarano received more than $100,000 in bribes, and York Council member Jim Fera received $341,000; in exchange, they agreed to speak in favour of Charles's development plans during council meetings, the most prominent of which involved tearing down Fairbank Park and selling the land to Charles so that he could construct condominiums on the site.

Councilwoman Frances Nunziata leaked material to the press illustrating irregularities in the process, leading to a police investigation of several local politicians.

[2] The decision to sell part of the park before redesignating the land for residential development was illegal, as it did not follow the City of York's Official Plan.