City & Playground Revitalization

The removal of the former City Park playground was part of a broader Parks & Recreation effort to address aging playground infrastructure throughout Wrangell and was identified before City Park was selected for the Freedom Rock.

Much of Wrangell's playground equipment is more than 25 years old. Age, Southeast Alaska's climate, deteriorating equipment, obsolete components, and maintenance needs have led Parks & Recreation to begin transitioning toward fewer, higher-quality playgrounds that can be safely and sustainably maintained.

City Park was the first full playground to be decommissioned. The park continues to provide access to the beach, forest, open space, and natural play opportunities, while the former playground area is being repurposed for the veterans memorial.

Parks & Recreation is also working toward revitalization of Angerman's Playground and development of a new, accessible playground at Shoemaker Park as part of its long-term playground strategy.