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The Susitna Rotary Club is initiating Phase I of a long-term project to build a community playground adjacent to the pavilion at Little Susitna Rotary Park in Houston, AK. This project addresses a need for accessible, family-friendly recreational spaces that serve local residents and visitors of all ages. The addition of a playground aligns with the club's vision of creating a vibrant, inclusive community gathering space that promotes outdoor activity and social connection. It complements the projects Susitna Rotary has already completed at this park: a pavilion, non-motorized boat launch, and a family-friendly walking trail.
The City of Houston, Alaska is an ideal location for this project due to the unique needs of the community. Many families in the area are low-income, and access to safe, free, and accessible recreational opportunities is limited. Currently, there are few public play structures or outdoor activity options for children in the immediate vicinity. The addition of a playground at Little Susitna Rotary Park will help fill this gap by providing a much-needed space for kids to play when families gather at the adjacent pavilion. It will also support positive youth development, promote healthy lifestyles, and give families an alternative to long drives to neighboring towns for similar amenities. This project directly supports the City's goals of improving livability and enhancing community well-being.
Additionally, the location of Little Susitna Rotary Park-directly visible from the Parks Highway-makes it an attractive and convenient stop for tourists and travelers heading north to Talkeetna, Denali National Park, or Fairbanks. The combination of local benefit and regional visibility positions this project to serve not only Houston residents but also to promote tourism, showcase community pride, and support economic activity in the area.
The groundwork for this initiative began during the site preparation for the pavilion, with future expansion in mind. The area adjacent to the pavilion on which the playground will be built is filled with pit run gravel to grade, topsoil, then hydroseed. It is also enclosed with large boulders to prevent motorized vehicles from crossing over from the adjacent gravel parking area.
Phase I will focus on detailed planning and design, including site assessments, community input, cost estimating, and identifying appropriate playground equipment that meets safety and accessibility standards. This foundational phase is critical to ensure a successful build and long-term sustainability of the playground.
Susitna Rotary does not have ownership in the park. Any improvements are the property of the City of Houston and they provide the ongoing maintenance including the parking area, plowing and the toilet vault. The City of Houston has been very supportive of the improvements Susitna Rotary has been making in this park area.
The timeline for Phase I is as follows:
Summer 2025: Site analysis, design consultations, and community engagement
Fall 2025: Finalize design, budget, and fundraising strategy
Spring 2026: Begin preparations for Phase II (construction) based on planning outcomes
Project funds will be used to hire a professional playground designer, conduct any necessary site surveys, and produce planning materials such as concept drawings and budget projections. These resources will be instrumental in securing additional funding and community support for the next phase of construction.
Nancy J. Casey, PLA with Casey Planning & Design, is the is the Landscape Architect that worked on the Fairbanks Rotary Club's 2022 Pathway Playground Expansion project. Ms. Casey has been enlisted to provide the Phase I design services for this project.
Susitna Rotary Club members will play a central role in the project. They will coordinate with designers, engage with community stakeholders, facilitate planning meetings, and lead outreach efforts. This project not only contributes to the enhancement of the park but also deepens the club's commitment to service and local impact.
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