Areas of Focus: Peacebuilding and conflict prevention, Maternal and child health, Basic education and literacy, Community economic development
Activity Type:
Community Development: Construction/Renovation
Summary: The Rotary Pathway Playground at Tanana Lakes is an ADA accessible playground for all children in Fairbanks, Alaska.
The Rotary Pathway Playground at Tanana Lakes is a multi-year project of the Rotary Club of Fairbanks in D5010. The club is in the final stages of securing the remaining $55K needed for installation in summer 2023. This district grant would help match club-raised funds to a large extent, putting us ever closer to the finish line. The club has raised approx $400K for this project to date, with one "pod" of playground equipment already installed and six more "pods" shipped and in storage here in Fairbanks, ready for installation. Due to the pandemic, this project has taken longer than expected. The Fairbanks North Star Borough (FNSB) also required an MOA and approval from the assembly, which has been done. Final contracts are now poised for dirt work and installation this summer. The playground has been designed by a certified playground landscape architect. It will be turned over to the FNSB for ownership and ongoing maintenance following completion. This playground will be ADA accessible, and is located in an area of town, South Fairbanks, that tends to have more low-income housing than many other areas of Fairbanks. There are few playgrounds in this area. The Rotary Pathway Playground is adjacent to the popular "swim beach" at Tanana Lakes, and is a family destination for children of all ages. Currently, one pod of equipment is installed, with another six to go, as well as an archway denoting entrance to the playground. Playgrounds are an important cultural construct where children learn to get along, negotiate, learn from each other, share, and understand each other's differences. Children who get outside for healthy exercise and play on a regular basis are better able to learn, settle down for reading and other activities requiring mental concentration, and go on to become more well-rounded citizens in later life. Healthy outdoor play is essential for all communities. Rotarians in our club have made numerous field trips to the site, helped "flag" the exact location of play pods, been active in fundraising, and many club members and their businesses have donated personally to the project.
Approved
This project is "Approved". This means that the district leadership has reviewed and approved the allocation of district funds for this project. Once the funds from the district have been issued, the status of the project will be changed to "Paid".
