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

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.