[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},"mediaId",6627486,"mediaKeyId","2724708-1e615763f0583917f49c1ecf6f47ada7","parentId",2724708,"title","Parks department reports grants, CIP adjustments and staffing challenges ahead of busy spring-summer season","audioSeconds",2453,"startMs",3239000,"endMs",5692000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2724708-1e615763f0583917f49c1ecf6f47ada7&start=3239&end=5692","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2724708-1e615763f0583917f49c1ecf6f47ada7/thumbnail_3239000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6627486/Alaska/Parks-department-reports-grants-CIP-adjustments-and-staffing-challenges-ahead-of-busy-spring-summer-season","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6627486-9b74274d9e3a2fdcdf2b7f4463463084/orig.mp4?Expires=1771179867&Signature=eDz-HcmakozOCligxllPCdvGTiiuK1-xYrbVaQfftK~u0nls~VxL0hGICNr4BVceKPRLvEjGXykHvePaUz9YiE6SFfOKiOa5nO6q5JROIuElNTM3aPGPSpqgnoSPrCbolDmhfx6UowM4~Jouu3F-PX4XBeXWJO-ibI2Qrjo0xxu07WB-PJdbTinrcJ7KuyptJShcMqJtn2GA6g~TrTBYp~aZp1gB9YXW0b6ovFv9sa5mPi4UskcTJ3SfLGhgf3l8PsPAYWmXzQRNqW6fTbFq93Ptw2Tve7lHoV~5B2BftEi8aJm2xAlFzPPk14gj0k6DfOvZ7yHcRmRveMi-0eAzEg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-03-17T00:00:00Z","article","Parks and Recreation staff delivered a summary report on March 17 that covered recent grant awards, capital project timing, event planning and staffing shortages as the department prepares for the spring and summer season.

Staff said the Veterans Memorial Park renovation (a CIP-funded project) has reached 60% design, was recently advertised for bids and may start construction when the ground is ready. During outreach, staff and veterans groups requested sponsorship opportunities; the commission later recommended the sponsorship packet be forwarded to the mayor.

Staff reported a new Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant to improve access at three parks — Sladellville, Aldridge (referred to as All Ridge in testimony) and South Fairbanks — and said South Fairbanks work is slated to start this summer. In remarks during committee Q&A, staff described the LWCF award as approximately $2,250,000 per park (staff characterized that figure as an approximate per-park amount).

The department also reported a series of mid-cycle capital program adjustments approved by the assembly, including $500,000 added to the small parks replacement program for fiscal 2026 (allowing Aldridge and Sladellville work to be completed in the same year), $500,000 for ESS Nenana waterproofing in fiscal 2026, and schedule shifts for other projects (Carlson Center indoor playground moved to FY27, Pioneer Park playground phase 2 moved to FY27, and other items shifted to later years). Staff said the Dipper security system will be upgraded to match Carlson Center coverage.

Staff reviewed upcoming events and facility changes: Pioneer Park will open for the summer with revised attraction hours (park grounds 6 a.m.–midnight, attractions typically 10 a.m.–6 p.m.), a May 24 opening weekend and a May 26 Memorial Day ceremony; Chena Lakes spring fishing events and a new playground are scheduled for the season; the Carlson Center will host UAF hockey, Comic Con and other events and is evaluating a new art series.

On staffing, staff said pools will have limited availability because of lifeguard shortages: Mary Siah (Marys Eye Recreation Center in transcript) hours were reduced to 10 a.m.–3 p.m. due to staff shortages and both Marys Eye and Hammy pools will be replastered this summer; the department has about half of its full-time pool positions filled and is actively recruiting. Staff highlighted recent hires in recreation management and facility supervision and praised maintenance crews for snow removal, rink care and facility work.

Staff requested the commission promote a live parcel/parks survey (open through March 31) and noted successful recent events and attendance estimates. The department emphasized that grant, CIP and sponsorship activity is ongoing and will be reported back to the commission as milestones are reached.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Fairbanks North Star Borough Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting - March 17, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Parks and Recreation staff briefed the commission on capital projects, recent grant awards (including Land and Water Conservation Fund grants for three parks), mid-cycle CIP adjustments, event schedules and ongoing lifeguard/staffing shortages ahead of the spring and summer season.","taxTitle","Fairbanks North Star (Borough), Alaska","taxId",5063,"location","Alaska","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6627490,"Commission discusses activity guide updates, distribution and hiring notices",570,4403000,4973000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2724708-1e615763f0583917f49c1ecf6f47ada7&start=4403&end=4973","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2724708-1e615763f0583917f49c1ecf6f47ada7/thumbnail_4403000.jpg","/articles/6627490/Alaska/Commission-discusses-activity-guide-updates-distribution-and-hiring-notices","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6627490-c8a95eb2649f3258ba2c68af02338057/orig.mp4?Expires=1771179867&Signature=PZ8bWGwt8wmijlNOcIXrY9CICAw-IV43ZBbG822IZ77Iok7ZXEArg7CQNdPkIXuryNpsa54MU-~FSevqlMw0DwRFb9IUYIpnhD-K7ln0QBVVLagYtAX-QdLf0bl45WK-2GDs-RrLLKk8DmT4SjDE4411Y69iUiJ2zIL1PLA84CJwQOXox1uqNl-v3P5PmTiIYV3Ydwyq9zYeQEvJmVwXPPTmIk3Hkt0W~Z1nH5ogE5xJfxiyPjutf33GizskOR25GKq0cgZ2oGLH5e55LKMojHMf8taYKrPegNqUcNsF4vco9fv1qnAW3y4fMBv-RGIFxzLwnXYzD~WJuNI8Ja33Dw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Parks and Recreation staff sought guidance from the commission on the department's activity guide layout, publication timing and distribution methods during the March 17 meeting.

Staff said the department produces a summer guide (published May 1) and a winter guide (published Nov. 1) and has added a QR code to the cover that links to the online guide. The guide is printed in-house; staff said doing so keeps direct printing costs minimal but adds to workload for already-limited staff.

Commissioners suggested several editorial and distribution changes: make the borough employment/hiring page easier to find (place it toward the back with a clear callout), add or emphasize contact information for outside organizations that run programs in borough facilities, include four-digit years where dates are presented (e.g., list November 4, 2024 rather than just \"November 4\"), and retain the QR code for easy mobile access. One commissioner recommended an index by sport or program to help readers quickly find offerings; staff said the guide is organized by facility and program category but could consider improved navigation.

Staff said seasonal schedule changes (for example public skate times or swim lesson schedules) are generally stable but that online verification is recommended because special events and lifeguard availability can change. Commissioners also recommended continuing the sticker program (placing guides in waiting areas with a sticker asking patrons to \"please leave for the next person\") as an effective distribution tactic.

No formal motion was required; staff said they would incorporate the commission's editorial and distribution suggestions into future issues.","Commissioners reviewed the Parks and Recreation activity guide format, suggested clearer placement for hiring information and increased QR-code distribution; staff said the summer guide will publish May 1 and the winter guide November 1, and that in-house printing keeps direct printing costs low.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6627496,"Commission approves Veterans Memorial Park sponsorship packet and Kiwanis stage recognition; mayor/assembly review next",1271,3104000,4375000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2724708-1e615763f0583917f49c1ecf6f47ada7&start=3104&end=4375","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2724708-1e615763f0583917f49c1ecf6f47ada7/thumbnail_3104000.jpg","/articles/6627496/Alaska/Commission-approves-Veterans-Memorial-Park-sponsorship-packet-and-Kiwanis-stage-recognition-mayorassembly-review-next","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6627496-905e1df86ae025900cb771af998a7b48/orig.mp4?Expires=1771179867&Signature=j1E-jbyhstvAj8YruV6zLgnBcwB0lqF324bbz42WtiH9CYpZdH5tdOPxiVt1KZcTh1sVa~pmnKp0xPo8zFcyjmUu~24-no6DMq~HfLuBEYjhiDGhxhKpA5ZQcpaLr5s1Lktr0Xda-E-~umlPZwXRnF-6uAdvuvv09AD79wrBO0yZ8OxP8-Z1gpWECIiVxmSHTXQ3v6iarD79-92IJYHF5JFK4FG1YMkVcNttlx~tAFDcOLNBaMlX89ujWa0AxMtzxnMGEzKxW1lYEaItLjt~ySHKibmxNqFPgYeIn2BURiCYORPJfFB31X~o2EhXKWmsfmD5RWIqNrvavLW2ZMfYLA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Parks and Recreation Commission on March 17 recommended to the borough mayor a sponsorship packet for Veterans Memorial Park designed to permit donor-funded improvements and long-term park support. The commission also recommended approval of a Kiwanis Club sponsorship for a stage at the park; because that sponsorship exceeds $50,000 it will be forwarded to the borough assembly for final action. Both recommendations passed by roll-call vote, 8-0.

Parks staff described a sponsorship brochure outlining a range of recognition opportunities — from inscribed bricks and benches to higher-level sponsorships for plazas and gathering features — and said the packet had been vetted with veterans groups and other stakeholders. \"We have created ... a packet for Veterans Park to get sponsorships to help offset the cost and develop a fund for the enhancement of that facility in the long term,\" staff said during the presentation.

Staff noted the borough recently adopted sponsorship policy 15.01 and that FNSB Code 228040 requires commission review when naming or recognition is involved. Staff said they had consulted legal and Public Works and had shared the brochure with veterans organizations, the Chamber of Commerce military affairs group and other partners; the packet aims to streamline approvals so individual sponsors that meet policy criteria need not return to the commission one-by-one.

Commissioners asked about expected revenue and scope. Staff said a preliminary inventory of sponsorship items could yield roughly $300,000 in recognition items (staff described that number as an estimate) and that the packet would allow staff to accept and process sponsors without returning each individual name to the commission. Commissioners asked that staff provide a summary report of sponsors to the commission periodically; staff agreed to include sponsorships in quarterly reports.

On the Kiwanis Club request, staff explained the club has a historical relationship with the park: the original gazebo had been donated by the Borealis Kiwanis and later named the Bicentennial Gazebo by assembly resolution 2003-02. The Kiwanis offered a sponsorship for a replacement stage and recognition in the plaza. Staff said the Kiwanis proposal includes a bronze inlay with the Kiwanis seal in an inset concrete element. Because the Kiwanis sponsorship amount exceeds $50,000, staff said the mayor would forward the recommendation to the assembly for final acceptance.

Motions to recommend the Veterans Park sponsorship packet and to recommend approval of the Kiwanis Club stage sponsorship were moved, seconded and approved on roll-call at the meeting. Staff said sponsorship funds will offset the borough's capital expenditures and that staff will coordinate recognition treatments, plaque locations and installation with Public Works. Final acceptance of gifts over $50,000 will occur at the assembly as required by borough procedures.","The commission voted 8-0 to recommend mayoral approval of a sponsorship packet for Veterans Memorial Park intended to raise funds for accessibility and amenities; it separately recommended approval of a Kiwanis Club stage sponsorship that will be forwarded to the assembly because the donation exceeds $50,000.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6627500,"Nordic Ski Club wins commission backing for Birch Hill donor wall, art installation",2237,853000,3090000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2724708-1e615763f0583917f49c1ecf6f47ada7&start=853&end=3090","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2724708-1e615763f0583917f49c1ecf6f47ada7/thumbnail_853000.jpg","/articles/6627500/Alaska/Nordic-Ski-Club-wins-commission-backing-for-Birch-Hill-donor-wall-art-installation","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6627500-e31bdf6ac602f35e38b944de46ea748c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771179867&Signature=QxGG8yCUal7X04vdwamGAzV0RnRPMh2Y9EDO27dwcc~rhRbhpOnnV5F5B7efGyUS6nmdRjxD10YL-yM3fuiZlZChSWtQxgFLVAGzTxJBq0vVA6UIpOudtrIX27Kb9Jd~88KPTZUGaEhw8zPWHz8aePpP-HK2wX4wTzItagKwrS0MUHTz-bckOB1waLxgpjL-zCcut8-3i4hMFQz0z9mRElNaJnLBQlHrJzS09YOsgU4Lvh1t0ZLaibQIe0gb~NTFWJY6gCfYJRMeCIJq4iqGKq0rgwlR-egmTyxFUvdE8morRthcF~HfBUXdOdX1gEhD99BNViLCn6uNxRd3oKJWZg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Parks and Recreation Commission recommended approval to the borough mayor on March 17 of a donor recognition wall, a historical display and an art installation at the Birch Hill Recreation Area, the commission said. The motion passed on a roll-call vote of 8-0.

The application was presented by Thad Keener, who identified himself as executive director of the Nordic Ski Club of Fairbanks and said the club is donating an artwork by Sarah Tabbert and raising funds for donor recognition panels and a history display. \"Birch Hill is a gem for the Nordic skiing community,\" Keener told the commission, and he said the club has groomed and maintained the trails and supported facility construction for decades.

The commission packet and staff review cite borough code 228040 (plaques, memorials and naming) and the borough sponsorship policy 15.01 as the review framework. Parks and Recreation staff said they had consulted Public Works about mounting, ADA clearance and protrusion limits for art installed in a stairwell; staff offered to participate in mounting or to supervise the artist's installation to ensure it meets borough standards.

Commissioners heard that the planned centerpiece is a painted woodblock carving about 4 feet by 8 feet to be mounted in the stairwell and visible from multiple levels, with donor snowflake panels on the adjacent wall. Keener and other speakers described efforts to balance donor recognition with artistic integrity and sightlines: \"We're moving more towards making a map. Because we want people to go, That's your snowflake,\" he said.

Commissioners asked about cost and ongoing borough expenses. The club told the commission it has raised roughly half of a stated fundraising goal and expects donations of $1,000 or more to be recognized on the donor display; the artist's fee was described by supporters as about $22,000 and as a significant in-kind contribution from the artist. Parks staff said the artwork and recognition elements will be provided at no cost to Parks and Recreation and that Public Works will coordinate finishing and mounting to avoid changes to the building fabric.

The commission approved a motion \"to recommend to the Borough Mayor approval of the application for the donor wall and history wall and artwork at Birch Hill Recreation Area submitted by the Nordic Ski Club of Fairbanks.\" The motion was moved and seconded and passed by roll call, recorded as 8 yes, 0 no.

The commission and supporters described the project as part of a broader fundraising campaign; speakers said the club seeks to establish a permanent fund to support Birch Hill operations and programs. Staff recommended approval to the mayor because the proposal meets the borough plaque/memorial code, follows the sponsorship policy, and the installation can be removed if future conditions require it.

The mayor will receive the commission's recommendation; the commission does not make the final decision on naming or sponsorships under FNSB code 228040.","The Parks and Recreation Commission voted 8-0 to recommend mayoral approval of a donor recognition wall, history displays and a 4-by-8-foot commissioned woodblock carving by Fairbanks artist Sarah Tabbert for the Birch Hill Recreation Area, to be donated and largely funded by the Nordic Ski Club of Fairbanks.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Parks department reports grants, CIP adjustments and staffing challenges ahead of busy spring-summer season

Commission discusses activity guide updates, distribution and hiring notices

Commission approves Veterans Memorial Park sponsorship packet and Kiwanis stage recognition; mayor/assembly review next

Nordic Ski Club wins commission backing for Birch Hill donor wall, art installation