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Nunley Park cleared of trees; city outlines redesign, safety fixes and public process
Summary
City staff described a plan to rebuild Nunley Park after an unannounced tree removal drew public attention. Staff cited safety, aging play equipment and electrical and sight-line concerns with an on-site caboose and said design work and public outreach will follow; no final construction will begin before July 4.
City of Wasilla staff told the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission on March 12 that they cleared a significant stand of trees at Nunley Park at mayoral direction and that the city will now pursue a public redesign to address safety and accessibility.
Scott Powell, Recreational Services Director, and Parks and Property Supervisor Jess said the tree removal was timed in winter to reduce impact but that the work drew community concern because neighbors were not notified in advance. Staff said trees included specimens that were failing and that trenching to add electrical service for holiday lighting and proposed lighting features would have further compromised trees’ structural integrity.
Staff described several safety and liability concerns at Nunley Park. Powell said the park’s caboose “has lead paint on it, and it has asbestos components” and that the structure lacks proper fall protection. Powell said the caboose “doesn’t have any historic value” and that the city must either remove, relocate or substantially remediate it if the park redesign keeps it in place.
Staff also said two playground structures are approaching the end of their useful lives and that a redesign would consider co-locating new play equipment, adding swing sets removed earlier and improving drainage and ADA access. Justin, a parks crew member, said manufacturers offer multi-age play systems that can serve toddlers through older children; staff noted higher shipping costs for playground equipment into the region.
Powell said no major ground disturbance or construction will occur before July 4 so the park can host holiday events, and the mayor and council have asked for a public process before final approvals. Powell told commissioners that he anticipates requesting CIP funding in the next budget cycle; he referenced an approximate CIP placeholder figure discussed in the meeting that staff described as a starting point for planning.
Commissioners and staff discussed preserving the park’s family-friendly elements — fenced play areas and open lawn — while improving sight lines, drainage and parking connections. Staff said the commission will receive landscape-architect drawings before any final work and that the council recently passed a directive limiting ground disturbance until a plan is approved.
Why it matters: Nunley Park is a neighborhood park used by families with young children; staff framed the work as both a safety remediation and an opportunity to plan for longer-term community uses. The park’s future design and any city spending will require council review and public input.
