Fairbanks votes Sept. 3 on a $699,500 indoor playground contract

The Fairbanks North Star Borough's Finance Committee votes Sept. 3 on a $699,500 contract to build an indoor playground inside the Carlson Activity Center, a space meant for year-round use by children of all abilities and ages.

The project has already slipped once. It was funded in the borough's fiscal 2026 capital program, and construction money was later pushed back a year.

Planning materials describe the playground as space for families who otherwise depend on seasonal or outdoor recreation.

Trost Construction came in lowest of four bidders, about $185,000 under the engineer's estimate of $884,174.

The borough took every add-on it had asked for. Trost's base bid was $553,100. The rest buys glass railing, accent pendants, illuminated signage, built-in cubbies and jump seats mounted to the wall.

Project Manager Cindy Jacobson recommended the award Aug. 20, with the borough's parks and recreation director and its design consultant concurring.

The Finance Committee awards contracts above $200,000 on the Assembly's behalf. Residents can comment at the 5:30 pm meeting.