The City Park, located 3 blocks west of the northwest corner of the square, was formerly the fairground of Jefferson County Agricultural Society.  According to items in the Fairbury Gazette, this society was organized February 17, 1874, later buying land of Messrs. Cropsey and Champlin that was beautifully situated near town in the bend of the Little Blue River.  The first fair was to be held September 9-11, 1874.  The winding roads were originally a half-mile race track.

A baseball park and athletic field, now known as Quinn Field, was built by the WPA labor.  It was finished in 1934.

Nebraska's first community-built playground was built in 1995.  The Frontier Fun Park is constructed entirely of wood.  It was funded and built completely by the community for the children of today and the children of the future. It reflects the dreams and fantasies of all children at play in the world of the old west.

This park is located on the southwest side of the  Fairbury City Park.

In 1920, the city purchased a block and a half of ground between 12th & 13th streets from J to the alley between H and I streets to be used for a park.  Known as Highland Park, it furnished a playground for children and a picnic spot.  

In 1933, W.F. Cramb was chairman of the Park Board.  Highland Park, as well as the city park and Crystal Springs, was included in various WPA projects.  Cramb drew the plans for the Boy Scout cabin (which still stands) in the park and oversaw the construction of the outdoor sanctuary to be used for religious meetings.  The sanctuary was formed by placing rocks as seats at intervals in the banks of the sloping sides of the draw which runs through the park, forming a natural amphitheater, semicircular in shape, with a little stone alter placed at the bottom of the draw and directly in front of these seats.  A novel fountain resembling a totem pole and a large stone shelter house were all projects undertaken.  

Mrs. Sylvia McNish, who died in October 1935, bequeathed some lots to the city to be used for a children's playground and for park purposes; also a cash bequest was made.  On June 8, 1941, the park was dedicated.  The name of Highland Park was changed to McNish Park, and a perpetual flower bed was placed at the east side of the park in memory of Mr. and Mrs. McNish.  

Most of the original structures remain today making the park an outdoor sanctuary.  A fitness trail, disc golf and playground equipment, along with many beautiful trees and flowing water make this park one of Fairbury's finest.