Creating safe and accessible community playgrounds is not child’s play, and so the parks and recreation department will host consultant Heather Plucinski, of Northwest Playgrounds, as the next step in a planning process to reimagine and recreate Wrangell’s playgrounds.
The public meeting is set for Friday, May 9, from noon to 1 p.m. at the Nolan Center.
Parks and Rec Director Lucy Robinson said the general worn-out status of Wrangell’s playgrounds has been a community concern for years. She is encouraging community involvement and engagement across each phase of the endeavor, including choosing which park to rebuild first, suggesting themes and types of structures, sponsoring fundraising events, even hands-on work parties to assist with demolition and installation.
“This is not an upgrade, this is a complete teardown and new construction of a playground,” Robinson explained.
Early community surveys recommended the Shoemaker Bay Playground as the initial preferred site for a rebuild over the Kyle Angerman Playground near the library.
“Neither playground is ADA compliant, neither has adequate safety surfacing,” she said. Further community input and conversation will help determine the first site.
Plucinski on Monday will walk participants through the design and planning process for the first phase of the playground revitalization project.
Initial community input has highlighted the desire for swings, slides, two or three climbing structures, and benches for seating. A particular theme for each site — from primary colors to fishing to nature — may guide the choices of new equipment.
Plucinski is based out of Eagle River and has consulted on playground development across a number of Southeast communities.
Because of the wind and rain of Southeast weather, it is critical to make the best use of funds by purchasing equipment that will hold up and can be maintained into the future, Robinson said. “Preventative maintenance has not always been a high priority.”
A basic park can cost as much as $150,000. “A single bouncing ride may be $3,000. A slide costs between $8,000 and $10,000,” she said. “Shipping costs, safety surfacing and fencing are all part of budget considerations.”
Parks and Recreation also plans on certifying staff members as quality-assurance inspectors, as part of the plan to maintain and replace equipment, to ensure fun, safe and inclusive play areas.
Much of this planning is in anticipation of having the money to move forward. “We have to be realistic and transparent in how we will be using these funds,” Robinson said. “These plans will serve as a starting point if we get the needed funds.”
In addition to soliciting borough funding and grants, there is a Playground Revitalization Fund sponsorship page at wrangellak.myrec.com for individuals, businesses and organizations that are interested in contributing to the project.
Plucinski’s presentation, which will be catered by Sweet Tides, will be followed by a question-and-answer session to gather input, suggestions and concerns in the overall design and planning process.
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