Project Overview
As dog ownership increases, off-leash dog areas and dog parks have become a legitimate and necessary recreation amenity. Off-leash dog areas provide exercise and socialization opportunities that supplement on-leash areas at parks. These off-leash areas should accommodate the needs of dogs and their owners, while not compromising the needs and uses of shared public space for other park users, or a park's natural resources. All seven dog parks within the Municipality of Anchorage are currently within the Anchorage bowl, leaving unmet demand for an off-leash dog park in the Chugiak-Eagle River area.
Project History
The Chugiak/Eagle River Parks and Recreation Department has been exploring the future development of a new dog park facility in response to community demand. In early 2021, Municipality of Anchorage Parks and Recreation staff compiled the historical information, including community meeting notes, surveys and site analysis, and referenced the
Anchorage Parks and Recreation Dog Park Site Suitability Study: Abbott Loop Community. Park staff processed the data into a refined assessment and prioritization of five site alternatives for a potential dog park in the Chugiak-Eagle River area. Each site was assessed and ranked based upon
Site Selection Criteria. The criteria build on standards identified in the 2018 draft study and have been updated to reflect current dog park best practices.
Preferred Site
The
Chugiak- Eagle River Dog Park Study identified Peters Creek Park as the highest priority site. The park has the potential to develop a fully enclosed off-leash dog park in the south section of the park. Other undeveloped parcels within Peters Creek Park were identified for potential use as well, and are described in the dog park study.
New parking lot with lighting
Double-gated entrance for safe unleashing of dogs.
Signage (rules and regulations).
Amenities (trash cans, mutt mitts, and seating including a combination of benches and boulders).
New fenced off-leash dog park with two zones providing opportunities for all abilities of park visitors.
Directly off the parking lot will be an open play area for activities like fetch, socialization, and training.
A second fenced area separated with a gate that is more natural in character. This area will have two soft surface pathways. A shorter gravel loop in the upper portion of the area and second trail that winds it way along the site contours.
The majority of existing vegetation will be retained in this area, including a buffer from adjacent private property.
Park maintenance staff will provide maintenance for the new dog park – plowing, trash removal, mutt mitt refills, etc.
To ensure safe use of the site visibility improvement are planned for the Lace Road/Hunter Drive intersection.
This project is subject to review by the MOA Urban Design Commission. This process provides opportunity for public comment including outreach to local community councils.
Funding
Capital improvement funds will be used to support this project's planning and implementation.
Project Timeline
A preliminary design for the new Peters Creek Dog Park has been completed. We are beginning the process for seeking public comments and eventual review by the MOA Urban Design Commission. Pending review and approval, we are intending to construct site improvements in 2024.
- Initial site research and planning, 2017-18
- Planning and design: Winter 2024
- Approvals and virtual public meeting opportunities
- Chugiak Community Council, February 15, 2024
- Peters Creek Dog Park Public Meeting, March 7, 2024 at 6:30 pm in the Eagle River Town Center
- Urban Design Commission, May 22, 2024
- Construction is slated to begin in 2024
Please contact us with any comments or questions.