Dzantik’i Heeni playground partially closed temporarily due to structure failure

Children play on the new Dzantik'i Heeni playground on Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026. (Ellie Ruel / Juneau Independent)

By Jasz Garrett

Juneau Independent

A play structure for 5- to 12-year-olds at the Dzantik’i Heeni playground that opened Wednesday is closed until repairs are made after an anchor cable released from its crimping mechanism, Juneau School District Superintendent Shawn Arnold said Friday.

Arnold, in a letter to families and staff of the Dzantik’i Heeni campus, stated the issue was immediately reported to the project manager, who has contacted the play equipment manufacturer.

"Out of an abundance of caution, and following the strict recommendation of the manufacturer, we are temporarily closing the 5–12 play structure effective immediately," he wrote. "The structure will remain closed while the manufacturer replaces the cable crimping system to guarantee it meets the highest safety standards."

In a phone interview, Arnold said hundreds of students have utilized the playground over the past few days and no one was hurt. He said the main structure for ages 5 through 12 is fully off-limits until repairs are complete and re-inspected, with school staff guiding students away from the closure during outdoor activities, recess and after-school hours.

Arnold said the district is still waiting for the manufacturer to provide a timeline for repair completion and reopening, but said it's likely to be weeks.

The city engineers and maintenance team have contacted manufacturers about the piece of equipment that failed, and Arnold said they are trying to have the company expedite repairs so the playground is not closed for too long.

• Contact Jasz Garrett at jasz@juneauindependent.com or (907) 723-9356.