When the new playground is built at Twin Lakes, it will bear not only the ideas and suggestions of the people of Juneau, but it will also include many of their names.
Prior to the playground burning down on April 24, many of the fence pickets surrounding it carried the names of people or businesses who donated to the project. That tradition will continue with the next iteration of the playground, and people can start buying pickets starting immediately as a fundraiser for the project.
Individuals and families can purchase a picket for $60, and businesses can for $120. Each picket will allow up to 17 characters (spaces included). To buy one, people can fill out an order form on goprojectplayground.org, or email pickets@goprojectplayground.org with any questions. They will also be on sale at the Juneau Public Market.
Following the fire, which was ruled an arson, hundreds of personalized pickets were recovered. These surviving pickets will be available for pickup on Saturday, Oct. 21 and Oct. 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the city landscape office (located in the Dimond Park Complex). A list of recovered pickets is available on goprojectplayground.org.
The City and Borough of Juneau’s insurance and risk management funds is covering the costs of rebuilding the playground to its former dimensions. Any safety and accessibility improvements will be paid for with donations. As of Monday morning, the Juneau Community Foundation has received about $170,000. Those looking to donate can drop off or send checks at JCF’s office at 350 N. Franklin St., Suite 4. JCF is taking donations at http://juneaucf.org.
The design process is underway, and includes school visits to get feedback from children. There will also be a public meeting in November, and the design process is expected to continue through the winter.
