Angoon Playground Project • A New Playground for Aangóon Yátx'i

THE CURRENT REALITY

The Old Playground Needs Replacing

Our community's wooden playground has served generations of children in Angoon. But time, weather, and heavy use have taken their toll.

The slide is damaged and unsafe. The wood structure is aging. What was once a joyful gathering place now carries real risk for Aangóon Yátx'i.

We want our children to play safely outdoors — with views of the water, the forest, and each other — not stuck inside because the equipment is no longer trustworthy.

Current playground
Wood structure • Damaged slide

HOW WE GET THERE

The Plan

STEP 01

Research & Choose Equipment

Select commercial-grade playground equipment suitable for up to 25 children ages 0–12, including a dedicated swing set with toddler and belt swings. We are looking at proven systems from established manufacturers.

STEP 02

Secure Funding & Support

Community unsecured pledges, presentations to the City of Angoon, the Angoon Community Association (the local tribal government), and Kootznoowoo, Inc. (the village corporation), grant applications, and local fundraising. We will not collect any pledged funds until we have a clear path forward with permissions and final quotes.

STEP 03

Logistics, Permitting & Install

Ship equipment via Alaska Marine Lines barge from Seattle to Angoon. Obtain permission to remove the old structure and install the new one. Add proper safety surfacing (critical and expensive in our climate).

This is a community-led effort. The vision belongs to all of us. We welcome ideas, volunteer energy, and cultural input on the final design.

EXAMPLE OPTIONS

Playground Equipment We're Considering

These are real commercial systems sized for ~20–30 kids. Final choice will depend on exact space, budget, and community input.

PENNSYLVANIA, USA

Playworld Playmakers

Lewisburg, PA

Real post-and-platform commercial system from a major U.S. manufacturer. Current promotional pricing available on several configurations sized for 25–35 kids.

$19,000 – $32,000
equipment only (sale pricing)

WISCONSIN, USA

BCI Burke Synergy

Fond du Lac, WI

Durable, inclusive commercial structures from a well-established American manufacturer. Multiple pre-configured models currently on sale.

$11,000 – $22,000
equipment only (current sales)

PREMIUM • MINNESOTA

Landscape Structures PlayBooster

Delano, MN

One of the highest-regarded U.S. manufacturers. Highly customizable, extremely durable post-and-clamp system used in parks and schools nationwide.

$45,000 – $90,000+
equipment only (typical range)

LARGER CAPACITY

Playworld Challengers

Lewisburg, PA

Larger, higher-capacity structures from Playworld designed for bigger groups. Current promotional pricing available on select models.

$35,000 – $80,000
equipment only (sale pricing)

DURABLE & INCLUSIVE

BCI Burke Nucleus

Fond du Lac, WI

Robust commercial line from BCI Burke with strong inclusive and ground-level play options. Multiple configurations currently discounted.

$20,000 – $50,000
equipment only (sale range)

Community Choice

We will hold a community meeting to review real quotes and options together before making a final decision.

All pricing shown is approximate equipment-only cost based on 2026 manufacturer sale listings and catalogs. Full project cost (freight to Angoon via AML, surfacing, installation) will be significantly higher. Contact manufacturers for current quotes.

THE HARD PART

Getting It to Angoon

Remote Southeast Alaska means every piece of equipment travels a long way.

1. Manufacturer → AML Seattle Terminal

Playground equipment is large and heavy. We’ll work with the vendor on packaging and delivery to the Alaska Marine Lines terminal in Seattle.

2. Barge to Angoon via AML

Alaska Marine Lines runs regular service to Southeast Alaska. Angoon is served as an outport (typically via Juneau). We will request a firm quote once we have final dimensions and weight.

Estimated freight range for this size project: $4,000 – $10,000+ (rough; actual quote required)

3. Local Install + Surfacing

Proper safety surfacing (engineered wood fiber or poured rubber) is essential and one of the largest line items. We’ll need local labor and possibly a small crane or equipment for placement.

COMMUNITY SUPPORT

Pledge Thermometer

of $50,000 goal

$5k

$10k

$15k

$20k

$25k

$30k

$35k

$40k

$45k

$50k

0% to our goal

Amounts shown in $1,000 increments • Unsecured pledges

A Community Project

We believe our children deserve a safe, beautiful place to play and grow — one that will serve Angoon for the next 20–30 years.

This only works if the whole community is behind it. We’re asking for your voice, your ideas, and your support.

Show Your Support

Pledges are unsecured. We will only ask for payment once we have vendor quotes, City & Tribal support, and a realistic timeline.

A New Playground
for Our Children

People standing with Aangóon Yátx'i