Show All Answers

1. I don't see swings in the design. Will there be swings?

Although the swings are not shown in the current design they will be there!  The existing swings will remain near the pre-school aged area and when completed will be located by the fish.  We also expect to install some additional swings that are for older kids but we are not sure where they will go until the construction designs are created.  We still need to look at some distances to meet applicable swing safety standards.

2. In the past I have felt like there wasn't enough seating around the Playground.

We at Pioneer Park agree about the need for playground seating!  Although it is not directly in the design, we expect that once the Playground is constructed you will find plenty of seating for all.  Since this will also be a winter site with ice skating, we want to have many places available for folks to put their skates on, or just sit to enjoy the Park!

3. How will the ice be created on the pathways for winter ice skating?

The idea is to use the same process as is currently used for the skating loop at Tanana Lakes.  We will let snow build up on the pathway and pack it down/smooth it out with one of our skid steer loaders.  Then we will bring the Zamboni from the Big Dipper or the Carlson Center and begin creating ice.  Pioneer Park staff will maintain the ice during the Winter.  This process is one that Parks and Recreation staff is efficient at completing.

4. How much will the playground cost?

Until we receive the construction documents we cannot fully calculate the costs.  What we do know, is that the FNSB Assembly has the Playground at Pioneer Park on the Capital Improvement Plans for $2.5 million.  We expect it to have additional costs that we are working to meet through grants, sponsorships, and additional sources.

5. Where is the project in the process and what is the timeline for it to be finished?

Right now we are only in the very beginning stages of the project.  The FNSB Assembly has the Playground at Pioneer Park on the Capital Improvement Plan schedule for a couple of years from now. This is the conceptual design and the first step in a multi-year process.  We still have a construction design to create, funding to officially approve, as well as grants and sponsorships to collect.  So we still have work ahead of us!

6. Can I buy some of the playground pieces that will be removed from the old playground?

Once the construction project begins, we will evaluate the existing playground pieces to see if they are still supported by their manufacturers.  This will be done to see if they are able to be removed and reused to accentuate the overall design.  This includes pieces like the pre-school aged train piece, and the climbing rope piece.  At this point non of the current play pieces are for sale.

7. What kind of safety measures are looked at in this project?

Staff at Pioneer Park as well as the Parks and Recreation Department, are trained as Certified Playground Safety Inspectors through the National Recreation and Parks Association.  Also, the design looks at upholding International American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards for playgrounds and their equipment.

8. How can I donate?

In the future, this project will be accepting donations, recommendations for potential sponsors and grants.  The methods to make this happen are in process and we expect options to be available soon.  Check back at this web page for details!