About Us
About Us
Alaska's first Friendship Circle — built from the ground up.
Our Vision
Imagine a place where every child — regardless of ability — can explore, play, and thrive together. A space intentionally designed to break down barriers and foster meaningful connections.
Our Mission
Rooted in the mission of Alaska Jewish Campus / Gan Yeladim Early Learning Center, our all-inclusive indoor and outdoor play center redefines what play and community engagement can look like — prioritizing accessibility at every level.
The Friendship Circle Movement
From Brooklyn to Los Angeles, today there are 88 chapters of Friendship Circle across the United States and worldwide. Each fosters meaningful friendships and joy in the lives of individuals with special needs and their families.
Friendship Circle reaches more than 7,500 children annually and has fostered lasting friendships between children with disabilities and more than 14,000 teenage volunteers. Alaska Friendship Circle is proud to be Alaska’s first chapter — and the first with a dedicated early childhood focus.
1st
Friendship Circle chapter in Alaska — and the first in the world with an early childhood focus
88
Friendship Circle chapters worldwide, reaching 7,500+ children annually
30+
Years of experience serving young children at Alaska Jewish Campus / Gan Yeladim
Two Phases, One Vision
Phase 1 — Outdoor Play Center
Our inclusive outdoor play center opened June 7, 2026. Designed by Learning Landscapes Design of Portland and built by Bauer Construction of Anchorage, it features six inclusive play zones for children of all abilities, ages 15 months to 5 years.
Phase 2 — Indoor Play Center (Planned)
A thoughtfully designed 3,000 sq ft indoor year-round gathering space planned for fall 2027. It will include active play zones, a sensory quiet space, STEAM exploration, a parent café, and the Friendship Circle Program Hub.
Rendering: Alaska Friendship Circle Outdoor Play Center · Learning Landscapes Design of Portland
"We are not just building a playground — we are creating a future where every child belongs, every family feels supported, and our community grows stronger together."
Alaska Friendship Circle
Where little friendships grow.
Building belonging through friendship, inclusive play, and community. Opening June 7, 2026 in Anchorage, Alaska.
© 2026 Alaska Friendship Circle. All rights reserved.