TURNAGAIN NEWS

March 28, 2025 - Groundbreaking at the Future Home of Little Bears Playhouse. Photo credit Nathaniel Wilder.

Pictured from left to right: Justina Phillips, Little Bears Playhouse Building Committee Chair; Rachel Byers, Little Bears Playhouse Executive Director; Joan Lower, Little Bears Playhouse President; Krystal Hoke, Girdwood Inc Internal Project Manager for the Girdwood Workforce Childcare Project; Randy Sulte, Assembly Member.

Little Bears Expansion: A Lifeline for Girdwood Families

Little Bears Playhouse has been a cornerstone of the Girdwood community for decades, providing the only licensed childcare for 40 miles in either direction. Now, thanks to a major expansion project and the Anchorage Assembly's investment of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding, a new and much-needed childcare center is on the horizon – one that will vastly improve safety, increase capacity, and provide a vital resource for local families and the economy.

Originally constructed by volunteers in the 1960s, the Little Bears Playhouse building became a childcare facility in 1982. The nonprofit has operated for 42 years, far outlasting the expected lifespan of the building. Over time, the need for a new, more suitable space became increasingly evident. 

As far back as 1995, the Girdwood Area Plan identified the necessity for a replacement facility. However, it wasn't until 2011, when severe structural defects were discovered that the urgency became undeniable. The existing building narrowly avoided condemnation, but strict safety measures were put in place, including a requirement to shovel the roof after snowfall to prevent collapse. Parents enrolling their children had to sign liability waivers acknowledging the building's hazards. 

Beyond safety concerns, the lack of childcare capacity has profoundly impacted the local economy. The current facility serves only 27 to 29 children despite demand far exceeding that number. Families often wait between 18 months and two years for an available spot, making it difficult for parents to live and work in Girdwood. 

A New Future for Little Bears

The forthcoming facility will be a game-changer. With a planned capacity of 112 children, it will significantly alleviate the childcare shortage while creating a safe and enriching environment. The new center will feature seven classrooms, accommodating 92 children. Additionally, a multipurpose room will provide space for afterschool programs and indoor activities during inclement weather, making room for 20 more kids. 

Alyeska Resort's ownership, Pomeroy Lodging, played a key role in making the project a reality by donating one acre of land through a 99-year lease at just $1 per year. Once completed, Little Bears Playhouse will own and operate the facility, ensuring long-term sustainability for the community.

The Role of ARPA Funding

Securing funding for the new center has been a massive undertaking, with ARPA funds playing a crucial role. The project required a $1.5 million match for grant by June 1, 2024 – a goal that was successfully met due to the Anchorage Assembly allocating these funds as part of the more than $51 million awarded to local businesses, nonprofits and community organizations focusing on economic resilience, increasing Anchorage's competitiveness as a destination city, and making all parts of the city vibrant and welcoming. Although ARPA funds cover less than half of the Little Bears total project cost, they were the catalyst that set the long-awaited expansion in motion.

“Without ARPA, we would not be in a position to have a building going vertical this summer," said Krystal Hoke, Internal Project Manager for Girdwood Inc. The funds have already facilitated essential groundwork, including clearing the lot, installing water and sewer lines, and importing gravel for construction. As the project moves forward, ARPA funding will also support the actual construction of the facility. 

The impact of the new childcare center, which is a joint project between Girdwood Inc and Little Bears Playhouse, extends far beyond its walls. For Girdwood to maintain a stable economy, parents need safe and reliable childcare options that allow them to live and work in the community. 

“It is nearly impossible for parents to work in Girdwood and utilize childcare resources in Anchorage,” explained Hoke. “This results in almost four hours a day of commuting on one of the most dangerous highways in the state. Creating infrastructure for childcare is essential for Girdwood’s growth so it can continue to be an economic engine for Anchorage and the state.”

“It is nearly impossible for parents to work in Girdwood and utilize childcare resources in Anchorage," explained Hoke. “This results in almost four hours a day of commuting on one of the most dangerous highways in the state. Creating infrastructure for childcare is essential for Girdwood's growth so it can continue to be an economic engine for Anchorage and the state." 

With construction set to begin this summer, the Little Bears expansion project is not just an investment in a building – it's an investment in families, the workforce, and the future of Girdwood. 

“The expansion of Little Bears Playhouse is a milestone achievement by Girdwood, and I'm incredibly proud to have played a role in helping them, but they provided the drive and energy to make it happen," said Assembly Member Randy Sulte who represents District 6 which includes South Anchorage, Girdwood, and Turnagain Arm. 

"Girdwood is an amazing and special place. Access to reliable childcare is essential for working families, and this project aids parents to no longer have to choose between their careers and their community. This is a perfect example of how ARPA funds have been used to create lasting, meaningful improvements that will support Girdwood's economy and families for generations to come."

Once-in-a-generation investments with the American Rescue Plan Act.

This year, the Legislative Services Office is shining light on community projects made possible through the Assembly’s pandemic-era ARPA investments in a series called “A New Day for Anchorage.” Learn how federal relief dollars distributed during the pandemic are revitalizing the community today and for years to come.​

Published by the Assembly Legislative Services Office

We believe that local government plays a critical role in improving our community and that it works best when residents are engaged. We provide research, communications, and project management on behalf of the Anchorage Assembly to engage our community in local government. Learn more.​