New Project Playground design includes safety and accessibility improvements

When Project Playground is rebuilt at Twin Lakes, the community will see improvements that address accessibility, visibility and safety for all playground users while also strengthening the overall play experience. The fundraising goal is now an additional $84,000.

Improvements include enhancing the safety and visibility of the ice castle, fort and other areas; increasing inclusive play elements including slides, swings, spinners, music and elevated accessible pathways; installing an inclusive dual zip line; building a small turf field within the playground footprint for ball play and other running around; and creating a welcoming entrance plaza with games, low level lighting and a pavilion. All additional play features and the plaza area are fully funded through insurance reimbursements and received donations. The Project Playground Steering Committee is working to fundraise an additional $84,000 to provide poured-in-place surfacing throughout the entire playground, which heightens safety and accessibility for all.

The original Project Playground burned down April 24, 2017. The City and Borough of Juneau is receiving at least $1.6 million from property insurance to design and rebuild the playground similar to what it was before. The Juneau Community Foundation has received about $200,000 in donations. To fundraise the additional $84,000, the steering committee is continuing to sell Project Playground Fence Pickets. Family pickets cost $60; Business pickets $120. Buy a fence picket by emailing [email protected]. The deadline for picket sales is April 21.

The contractor portion of the playground build is scheduled to start in June. The community build will take place August 8-12. Information and details on the volunteer community build, including how to sign up, will come out at a future date. For more information, go to www.goprojectplayground.org.