Building a neighborhood park

Neighborhood parks serve as shared space among community members to foster social interaction, promotes physical fitness, and enhances the overall quality of life for the people. By creating a neighborhood park, you contribute to a healthier and more connected community. This is how you can start the path of creating a vibrant neighborhood park with your neighbors.

The first step is to identify the need within the community. Everybody wants to have recreational opportunities, but is there an actual need for a formal park? Do surveys, hold community meetings, and engage with neighbors to understand their preferences and requirements. This can be done in person, over apps like Nextdoor or Ring Neighborhoods, social media sites, and just going door-to-door and talking with them. Pay attention to your surrounding areas - is there a shortage of green spaces or recreational facilities? By involving the community from the outset, you can garner their support early and make sure the park's design aligns with their desires and contributes to a sense of ownership and pride.

Make a plan that outlines the park's purpose, features, and layout. Work with landscape architects and recreation planners to design a space that complements the neighborhood's aesthetics and accommodates the desired outcomes. Make a budget for any necessary land purchases, construction, maintenance, and ongoing management. Seek funding sources such as grants, public-private partnerships, or community fundraising initiatives. If purchasing the land is out of the question, identify the path you will need to obtain the land.

Find a good parcel of land for the park and acquire it through negotiations or purchase. Ensure the land is appropriately zoned for park use and meets all legal requirements and environmental regulations. Many subdivisions have land identified in their approved plat for a future park that residents can own together through a Homeowner’s Association or through your local government.

Work with local authorities to obtain necessary permits and address any potential issues that may arise during the development process. Make sure to communicate with the US Army Corps of Engineers if there is any waterway, rivers, streams, or wetlands through the site to find out if you need a permit from them (they are super easy to get if you get it ahead of time). Also communicate with the Mat-Su Borough to find out if the property is subject to floodplain management permits, and if you will be building a structure larger than 400 square feet, get a construction permit from your local government. They will advise you of any other permits you should look into before you begin making change.

The park's design should accommodate as many of the diverse needs and preferences of the community as possible. Consider including elements like: green spaces and walking trails, relaxation and leisurely walks, playgrounds and sports facilities for both children and adults, picnic areas and shelters (maybe add a small pavilion), fitness stations such as exercise equipment, community gardens, dog parks, and maybe some public art and seating areas.

Promote recycling by providing recycling bins throughout the park and educate visitors about the importance of environmental stewardship. Recreation is a reminder of the value of our natural Alaska and your facility can encourage people to act to preserve it. It can also be used to demonstrate wildfire protection by using plants that are “FireWise” to demonstrate to people that fire-resistive flora can bring the same beauty as the most colorful but combustible plants – not to mention can help protect the park from threat of a wildfire destroying it.

Ensure the park is accessible to all members of the community including individuals with mobility restrictions or other disabilities. Wheelchair-friendly pathways, ADA-compliant amenities, and sensory elements for individuals with visual or auditory impairments are examples.

Keep the community involved throughout the park's development and operation. Create opportunities for residents to actively participate in park-related decisions, events, and maintenance efforts. Establish a group to foster a feeling of community ownership and continued support. Sell bricks as fundraising efforts with people being able to place their name permanently in the park through the brick’s placement. Work with local organizations such as Lions, Rotary, Elks, Moose, or booster clubs, chambers of commerce, and community councils.

Prioritize safety by installing proper lighting, maintaining clear sightlines, and employing security measures such as surveillance cameras and regular park patrols. Encourage community members to take ownership of park safety and report any suspicious activities promptly.

Creating a neighborhood park can change the entire climate in a community. Rolling up your sleeves and taking this journey will leave your legacy in your community – one of free, inclusive fun for everyone.

Christian M. Hartley is a 40-year Alaskan resident with over 25 years of public safety experience and public service. He runs a freelance business, Big Lake Writer, from home in Big Lake that he shares with his wife of 19 years and their three teenage sons.