The merger of two insurance pools into a single self-insurer for Alaska municipalities and school districts generated a payout this year of $63,940 to the Wrangell borough, which the assembly has designated for a new playground.

“It’s not anywhere near what’s needed,” but it’s a start toward accumulating enough money to make a difference, said Assembly Member Jim DeBord, a longtime advocate for improving Wrangell’s playgrounds.

The assembly action this summer did not designate a specific project for the money. It set aside the funds in the borough account for whatever future projects the community and assembly may decide.

DeBord said he has been focused on improving the town’s playgrounds since his 8-year-old was born, often raising the issue at the assembly, where he is in his fifth year of service.

“If you look at them, they’re truly in a state of disrepair,” he said of the community’s two playgrounds — Shoemaker Bay and the Kyle Angerman Playground near the library.

The borough will receive additional payments from the dissolution of the municipal insurance pool over the next three years, though the amounts have not been determined, said Borough Manager Mason Villarma.

This summer’s decision to earmark the $63,940 for playgrounds is not binding on the next three payments.

Villarma said this year’s payment will be added to about $15,000 in donations that have accumulated over the years.

The Parks and Recreation Department earlier this year created the Playground Revitalization Fund, soliciting donations at different sponsorship levels in hopes of raising enough money to replace all of the equipment at one or both of the community’s playgrounds.

In addition to the money from the merger of municipal insurance pools and community donations, the borough could direct some of the investment earnings from its savings account toward playgrounds, Villarma said last week, adding that he expects to raise the issue with the assembly in the near future.

Upgrading or replacing the town’s two playgrounds is more than just a safety issue, DeBord said. “The bigger issue is doing something for the younger generation.”

Noting the loss of working-age adults and fewer new families in town, the assembly member is concerned that a lack of safe and attractive playgrounds adds to Wrangell’s declining population. “You can only lose so many younger people,” he said.

Wrangell lost 147 working-age residents — defined as between the ages of 20 and 64 — from 2020 to 2024, according to state numbers released earlier this year.

Wrangell’s median age is about 49 years old, higher than most other communities in the state.

No plans have been drawn up for any work, but Parks and Recreation this summer connected with a consultant, Northwest Playground Equipment, out of Issaquah, Washington, to gather community input and prepare a concept design for a new playground.

An initial playground with just a few pieces of equipment could cost $150,000, according to the initial proposal turned in by Northwest Playground last month. Fencing, seating and more play equipment would add to the total.

“If you’d like to help bring this project to life, check out the Playground Revitalization Fund,” Parks and Recreation reminded people in its Facebook post. “Every donation brings us closer to our goal.”

Donations can be made online at http://bit.ly/4nfaiu1. Or send a check to the fund at Parks and Recreation, Box 531, Wrangell 99929.

“Our playgrounds are essential spaces for kids to explore, play, and grow — but they need some serious tender loving care,” the department said of the fundraising effort. “With your help, we can make much-needed upgrades to create safer, more engaging spaces for our community’s children.”