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Yukon parks staff highlight four new playgrounds, say City approved $400,000 for more
Summary
Parks staff described ribbon-cuttings for four neighborhood playgrounds, outlined planned sites for a second round of installs supported by $400,000 approved by the City, and previewed a parks master plan and community engagement led by RDG Planning and Design.
Ryan (parks department presenter) told the Yukon Parks and Recreation Board the department has completed and held ribbon‑cuttings for four neighborhood playgrounds and showed photos and video of the work.
“We were approved for another $400,000 for playgrounds in Yukon, which was really exciting,” Ryan said, reporting that the City has set aside additional funding to place new playgrounds in neighborhood sites and aim for installations by spring break.
Why it matters: The department said the recent playgrounds were designed to cost about $50,000 each and to be durable, rapid installs placed in neighborhoods that previously lacked play areas. Officials described savings achieved when the streets and public works crews poured sidewalks and parking in‑house, which the department said saved “tens of thousands of dollars.”
What the board heard: Ryan listed candidate locations for the new funding — the area west of the library, Kimball Park (north and south sides), Sunrise Park, City Park, Hillcrest, Dickinson and Bledsoe — and said staff will prioritize equipment for 2–5‑year‑olds at several sites. He noted Sunrise Park requires drainage work before new equipment can be installed and said some existing pieces there do not meet current safety standards.
Master plan and community outreach: The board was told the city selected RDG Planning and Design to lead a parks master plan. RDG will conduct community engagement tied to opening night of Christmas in the Park (a tent and survey) and maintain a social‑pinpoint project website. RDG is scheduled to be in Yukon Dec. 8–10 for advisory‑committee and public meetings; the advisory committee includes the Yukon public school superintendent, the Yukon soccer club and the chamber president, according to the presentation.
Other projects and grants: Staff reviewed ongoing work on sports‑field renovations (Taylor Park), plans to replace flooring and doors at the Dale Robertson Center, and the Freedom Trail restroom project. Ryan said a matching Land and Water Conservation Fund grant was available for Freedom Trail but that prefabricated restroom options would cost “north of $400,000,” so staff plan to build a ground‑up structure to stay within budget. He also reported a senior grant of just under $25,000 for the DRC and a $1,500 grant toward a Butterfly Garden at the Yukon Community Center.
Programs and recognition: The department highlighted increased participation in athletics (Northwest Basketball Association teams rose from 49 to 57 this year) and programs such as Little Dribblers (55 participants). Ryan recognized staff awards and retirements, including John Neebling’s retirement and Patrick Langley’s regional recognition.
Next steps: RDG will begin public engagement in early December at Christmas in the Park and via the project website; staff will continue site assessments and preparatory work (for example, Sunrise Park drainage) before new playground installations. The board set its next meeting for Dec. 17 at 6 p.m.
