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 TRAIL REPORT REVIEW 2006
- Underpass for the trail near Wendy's and McDonald's on Spenard Road is covered with graffiti. Reported to Graffiti Busters 11-9-06. It was shared that corrective action is on hold until spring due to cold temperatures.
- Notice - Illegal vehicle access occurred on the Hillside Park ski trails from Service High School near the Little Gym late 10/29 -10/30. Some of the ski trails were rutted and covered with gravel debris curtailing any x-country skiing until more snow falls. All ski trails are vulnerable during low snow conditions such as we are experiencing. Please report unauthorized vehicles on the trails to APD and P&R.
- Caution to trail users- Moose have been reported on many trails. Bull moose are in rut and have known to be aggressive.
- Sign adjacent to trail at Mountain View Park and Pine Street bent to the ground by a car hitting it; bent the sign as upright as possible. Fence next to park also is damaged.Reported to N. Park Maint 10-30-06
- Two tents along the Chester Creek trail observed. One is yellow, just north of the trail and about 100 yards west of C Street. The other is blue and is just east of the ball field at Valley of the Moon park. Reported to APD 10-30-06
- Campbell Trail between Dimond and Minnesota
A spruce tree approx 30 ft long and 9 inch max diameter has fallen and encroaches on 1/2 of the trail. A chain saw will be required to sever the tree from the stump before it can be moved.
- Graffiti is getting worse on the upstream side of the railroad railroad bridge (across the creek from the bike path) Heavy silt entering the creek at mouth of Little Campbell Creek, from a culvert adjacent to Greenhill Road and at the settling pond downstream of Minnesota.Reported to Graffiti Busters & Streets 10-30-06
- Caution to all bike riders - leaves on the trail are making the trails very slippery if you are riding a bike or on rollerblades.
- Encountered an injured bicyclist north from Earthquake Park. EMS was at the park speaking to a man who described a bicyclist with injuries (possible concussion and broken clavicle). I offered my bicycle to one of the responders, who declined because he had to stay with his equipment. I rode northbound and found a man kneeling holding his right arm. I told him EMS would be here in about 2 minutes because "they are up in the parking lot," put my coat over his shoulders, unzipped his shirt and looked at his clavicle, took his pulse, and released the strap on his helmet. I offered to take his bike if EMS couldn't take it with them. The man that had called returned, and introduced himself, but I didn't write down the information (a physician, I think). EMS arrived, assessed the bicyclist, and loaded him and his bike. Before the door was closed, he thanked me repeatedly for staying with him. He has an excellent example of why people should wear a helmet! 9-30-06 report
- Encountered a tent for last 4-5 days on north side of Chester Creek Trail west from the A street trail underpass [heading towards Valley of the Moon] Tent is fairly large & gold in color. Some trash near by. Reported to APD 9-28-06
- Top board of the rest bench has been kicked in, the one on the East High side of the sky bridge over Northern Lights. The bench on the other side of Northern Lights has graffiti on it. Reported to N. Park Maint 9-25-06
- At the base of the Kincaid Hill, trail users have seen a bull moose chasing a cow around. Please use caution.
- There was glass on the trail near Frisbee golf hole #4 where the trail descends to Chester Creek. I found brown and clear glass. Trail user reported getting a flat tire. Reported to N. Park Maint 9-22-06
- At the Northern Lights bridge / Chester Creek Trail a hole was cut in the fence at the bridge overpass. The cut portion of the fence has jagged edges and needs attention. Reported to N. Park Maint 9-16-06
- There is some graffiti on a sign near the hill at Earthquake Park. Reported to Graffiti Busters 9-6-06
- The entrance sign at Kincaid has graffiti on it. It looks kind of like KKK. I hope this can be cleaned up by next Wednesday for the anniversary celebration! Reported to Graffiti Busters 9-6-06
- A tree has fallen completely across Campbell Creek just east of Minnesota. This tree is accumulating more floating debris and will probably cause a back up of water and a winter flood. The tree should be removed before the freeze up starts. Reported to S. Park Maint 9-6-06
- The recent swollen creeks have left a layer of mud and silt about 6 inches deep on the trail under the Minnesota bridge. It is passable however will require removal. Reported to S. Park Maint 9-6-06
- There is a noted absence of significant graffiti along lower Campbell Creek trail segment. Thanks to G Busters and an apparent decline in new art work this season..Thanks
- International Airport Road trail about 200 yards west of Minnesota Drive Unsafe condition There is on short separation of the blacktop which appears to be 3 inches deep. If unnoticed by an inline skater or cyclist an accident could occur. There is light debris in the tunnel under Minnesota Drive. Other than these item the trail along international fro Arctic to the airport is generally in very good condition Reported to S. Park Maint 8-31-06
- Someone has used the Earthquake Park parking lot for a garbage dump. There are a few boxes of household items, plus a floor lamp and a smashed computer desk. Reported to S. Park Maint 8-31-06
- Obscene and gang related graffiti on the trail entrance and bridge at Karluk and 20th. Another graffiti site on the east side of the ball fields at Lake Otis, on the side trail along the creek as it enters the main trail. A third graffiti message just west of MP 3.5 Reported to graffiti busters 8-28-06
- Campbell Creek overflowing has flooded Arctic Blvd tunnel and paved trail under Minnesota Drive. High water has caused scouring under the concrete abutments supporting the bike trail/footpath bridge leading to Dimond Blvd located a few yards east of Minnesota drive. It does not appear dangerous at this time. Reported to S. Park Maint 8-28-06
- Heads up!! My car, parked at Westchester Lagoon in residential Woolworth Circle just off Forest Park Dr., was broken into this morning between 7:30 and 8:20. I have parked there with no problem for several years so I was surprised to return to a shattered driver's window. Luckily nothing was stolen from the car but a reminder - where ever you are parking, no matter how safe you think it is, DO NOT leave any valuables in the car. Reported to APD 8-10-06
- Graffiti along the underside of New Seward Hwy and both frontage roads where they cross over Campbell Creek. Reported to graffiti busters 8-8-06
- Russian Jack Springs Park on trail traveling west from the Chalet, after you go downhill and cross the bridge, there is deteriorated asphalt trail hazard for bikes. Reported to N. Park Maint 8-7-06
- Recent graffiti at Westchester Lagoon at very end of the wood bridge by tunnel heading west to Earthquake Park and to the north in tunnel near Elderberry Park on the Coastal Trail. Reported to graffiti busters 7-31-06
- New graffiti (extensive spray paint) on underside of C Street on Campbell Creek Trail. Graffiti on the concrete under the roof of the pavilion at Taku Lake Park. Reported to graffiti busters 7-31-06
- Dangerous breaks for beginner roller bladders in the trail blacktop where the contractor installing light posts cut through the trail for wiring on Campbell Creek Trail. Reported to PM&E 7-31-06
- Extensive graffiti on the I-beam support structure of the bridge over Campbell Creek leading from TAKU Lake and C Street that has been there for some time. Reported to graffiti busters 7-19-06
- Seven different camps with at least nine tents in Tikishla Park south of the Middle Fork, north of Northern Lights, west of Goose Lake bridge and east of the south Fork. Several have garbage and beer cans piled up. Reported to N. Park Maint., CWS and APD 7-19-06
- Dead bird discovered on beach off of Coastal Trail by Lyn Ary ball park. Reported to AK Fish and Game 7-12-06
- Inappropriate writing in spray paint on trail by Hillcrest and Westchester signs. Reported to graffiti busters 7-12-06
- A (grizzly) bear was sighted on the bank of Campbell Creek adjacent to the trail and close to the trail entrance at Piper Street on July 7 about 1:00am. Also, a black bear was sighted last week around the residential areas adjacent to the trail at Piper Street during the early hours of the mornings. Please be bear aware near salmon streams at all times.
- There is broken glass (very heavy brown glass - thicker than beer bottle) under the railroad tracks at Elderberry Park - right in the darkest part of the underpass. It has been pushed to the side, but still presents a hazard. Reported to S. Park Maint. 7-10-06
- Graffiti and bicycle in Creek Intl Airport Road Offensive graffiti painted on bridge 100 yards downstream of Fairbanks turnoff.The graffiti reported previously has been painted over. No new graffiti here. Reported to graffiti busters 6-29-06
- I ride my bike through Tikishla Park on the corner of 20th and Airport Heights Drive every day and this morning noticed that the Scotty Gomez skating rink sign was vandalized and there was more graffiti on the building on which it is posted. Reported to graffiti busters 6-29-06
- Black spray painted graffiti at six locations on the bike trail. 1. About 200 feet from the top of the west high hill, toward the lagoon. 2. At the bottom of the west high hill trail intersection where you can go toward the railroad tracks. 3-5. Between Elderberry Park and the tunnel under the railroad tracks which connects to the lagoon. Sixth area, yellow turn arrow sign at the intersection of Arlington Drive and Saratoga, in front of 2613 Arlington Drive. Reported to graffiti busters 6-14-06
- Inappropriate painting on the cement trail between Westchester Lagoon and Elderberry Park. There are some words and a painting of naked women with black paint. Reported to graffiti busters 6-14-06
- Covey Cafe is looking great and the staff and clients are doing a great job...
- Heavy duty gang / racial graffiti on both bridge abutments under A Street near gorilla park. Very offensive..Also big graffiti display in light blue on the trail side of the restroom at the ball fields just east of Lake Otis. Minor graffiti in all tunnels from Valley of the Moon to Goose Lake. Reported to graffiti busters 6-14-06
- Several piles of trash, metal cabinets, and wooden pallets stacked alongside trail since creek cleanup on Campbell Creek Trail. Reported to P. Maint 6-12-06
- 6/9/2006 - The entire portion of the trail is, and has remained for 3 weeks, devoid of graffiti. Thanks to parks and rec & graffiti busters. Campbell Creek is not turbid now.
- Campbell Creek Trail 6/2 - The railroad bridge graffiti has been painted over. For the first time in three years the trail from Fairbanks St to Northwood is free of graffiti in the tunnels. A great job.
- Creek is somewhat turbid. West of Minnesota where a new pond has been installed there is a plume of dirt in Campbell Creek where the drainage enters Campbell. There also appears to be dirt and soap chemicals entering the Creek from a drainage about 50 yards downstream on Lynwood. The stream also seems to be more turbid than previous years beginning at the new Seward highway. It may be caused further upstream. Reported to Health Dept & Anch. Waterways.
- Racist graffiti located on trail between Dimond and O'Malley on west side of trail.Reported to graffiti busters 6-6-06. Reported to APD 6-6-06
- 5/29/06 12:15 PM Bicycle Trail tunnel under Minnesota Drive (parallel to Intl Airport Rd) Last week and again today I encountered a fellow lying down in a sleeping bag. He was near the east entrance. Presumably homeless. At 1:15, when returning to the tunnel the fellow was gone but a blanket and athletic shoes were still there.
- There is a vehicle parked at Lake Otis Campbell Creek park which looks like it has been there awhile. It is a dark-colored (?navy/blue) small SUV (?Bronco II), with AK license CRC598. It was parked on the dirt at the entrance on May 18,19,20,21,24,25,26, with a little dust on the windshield that makes me think it hasn't been driven anywhere. Reported to APD 6-5-06
- Unleashed dogs on the trails is still a problem, and in my opinion one that can become very serious soon. Users encountered with loose dogs.
- Bike commute from Postmark Drive to Muldoon via Coastal Trail and Chester Creek. Lots of trail users out today. Helped small child who had fallen off bike near East High. Gave mom some supplies from my first aid kit. Lots of loose gravel on trail near Northern Lights and Patterson. Reported to P. Maint 6-5-06
- A fire was lit in the middle of the trail. The ashes did not brush away (stuck to trail). Reported to P. Maint 6-1-06
- There is a large, family-style tent just south of the trail along Campbell Creek. It is by the first bridge east-bound from Lake Otis Pkwy. It's been there for almost a week. No people seen.
- Follow-up on graffiti: The underpass at Campbell Creek and C Street looks much better now that the graffiti is painted over.
- Campbell Trail.. Two motorcycle riders riding on bike path, not slowing or stopping when signaled to do so. Reported to APD 5-17-06
- Campbell Trail.. Trail has large quantities of graffiti at the tunnels under Intl Airport, ARR bridge & C Street. There is also damage to the fishing lure light Arctic Blvd (the worst). A bicycle is in the middle of the creek under C Street bridge. A yearling moose was spotted near Minnesota. Reported to Maintenance 5-17-06. Reported to graffiti busters 5-17-06. Reported to APD 5-17-06
- Campbell Trail ...Vandals are starting to bend the newly installed trail watch / ConocoPhillips signs at Minnesota and Arctic underpasses. Trail lighting project from C Street to Taku to The ARR bridge is well underway.
- Chester Creek Trail ...Perhaps half a dozen camps visible in the woods-south side of Cal Worthington Ford, south side of Cal's fence. The woods just west of Cal's have had the underbrush removed, and there are no visible camps. Lots of graffiti in tunnels. Graffiti in Boniface tunnel has been removed, though. Thanks, Graffiti Busters! Reported to Maintenance 5-17-06 and Reported to graffiti busters 5-17-06
- Lots of moose along the trails, four into Kincaid past the Sewage treatment plant and two more in the middle of the trail between Tikishla Park and Lake Otis. Lots of early season cracks including widening ones between Lake Otis and New Seward on the Chester Creek Trail and on the mushing tunnel overpass between APD and Lake Otis. Reported to Maintenance 5-17-06
- The Campbell Creek trail tunnel under Arctic Blvd !!!!! The light were destroyed by vandals four years ago... This issue has been reported, discussed and discussed. NO ACTION...A classic example of government finger pointing. Muni does not own it...State does not own it..Someone does...Why cant it be fixed... I remember the Mayor at a TW meeting when this was discussed...This must be a monumental problem...perhaps the local TV channels would like to take this on !!Reported to Maintenance 5-11-06
- Encountered a cyclist with a flat tire and stopped to talk with him. He was well able to make his own repairs as he uses the trail to commute daily. He had not heard of trail watch. I gave him a TW business card and encouraged him to sign up...He said he would do that yet today.
- THANKS FOR THE TRAIL WATCH INTERSECTIOON SIGNS AT MAJOR CROSSINGS...THANKS...THANKS CAMPBELL CREEK SIDE AND FEEDER TRAILS STILL REQUIRE MARKING AND SIGN REPLACEMENT (THIRD YEAR THAT THIS HAS BEEN REPORTED AND DIISCUSSED)
- Campbell Creek trail...The Arctic boulevard underpass is a graffiti disaster area. This tag display is the worst I have seen.. Campbell Creek Railroad bridge north of Taku Graffiti need removal. Fairbanks Street Campbell Creek Heavy ongoing beaver destruction of trees. These critters need to be trapped and relocated.Reported to Maintenance 5-11-06 and Reported to graffiti busters 5-11-06
- 5-8-06 8:20 p.m. Called APD non-emergency line to request CSP pickup for female inebriant. I heard a female crying out in the woods off the trail. Upon checking the scene found 2 females. The younger of the two was laying on her back on the ground very much inebriated. She volunteered that she was drunk on beer & had smoked marijuana. She wasn't able to stand. The female with her didn't seem to know her. Location: Chester Creek Trail south side of creek at bridge near the Sullivan Arena/Skate Board Park/Track.Reported to APD 5-11-06
- 2006-05-07 Olympic athlete for the US Women's Hockey team, Pam Dreyer was at the Kincaid Chalet with her bronze medal.
- On the bridge between the Coastal Trail and Westchester Lagoon, (near the antenna), the top part of some of the bolts are sticking up and are creating a potentially hazardous condition. Reported to Maintenance 5-11-06
- Between Lyn Ary Park and Fish Creek there are wooden pallets on the beach. It looks like it could be for a fire?Reported to Maintenance 5-11-06
- Several tents in the woods between Valley of Moon Park and Goose Lake area. Reported to APD 5-11-06
- Gang and racial graffiti "asians are coming for you niggers" in the underpass at A street. Pass to Graffiti busters please.Reported to graffiti busters 5-11-06
- Daily glass breaking on trail from Dimond trailer park, through tunnel, down across wooden bridge, through underpass beneath Minnesota, continuous vandalism, how about remote video camera? Willing to donate partial funds? Reported to Maintenance 5-11-06
- Diesel and I have been spending the past couple of weeks on the Campbell Creek trail between Bragaw and Lake Otis as University Lake Dog Park and other areas still muddy... All the snow is off the trail from University Lake to Lake Otis and trail is in pretty good shape. The construction work on the Bragaw extension has created a detour in that area, in which you need to cut thru the Muni Bus Maint. parking lot to connect the trail. Haven't seen any critters until this evening when a Lynx popped out onto the trail for a moment near the Wright Street trail access point between Piper and Folker. Otherwise, just noted a lot of Spruce Beetle killed trees and very dry moss / undergrowth. The snow along Campbell Creek either sublimated or evaporated with very little run-off. The creek is very low and some trees have fallen into the stream due to bank collapse, and some channels have narrowed considerably. Without a good rain or 2 two flush things out, rafters are going to have a very hard time finding enough water to float even a inner-tube. Bike and walking traffic has begun to increase during the past week in response to sunshine and snowmelt.Reported to Maintenance 5-11-06
- A dangerous hole in the trail on the inlet side of the trail about 120 yards from the Alaska railroad tunnel and the sewer plant. This particular hole has been reported for at least three seasons with no apparent results. Lets get with it and do some repairs where repairs are needed.The Campbell Creek trail tunnel under Arctic Blvd !!!!! Reported to Maintenance 5-11-06
- There are at least six itinerant alcohol camps easily visible along the Chester creek trail from Valley of the Moon to just short of Seward highway.A particularly nasty abandoned camp in need of clean up is located east of the A street underpass behind the centerfield fence of the ball field. Bring your hazmat clothes for this one. All of these camps are easily visible from the trail. Lets pass this problem to APD and responsible alcohol retailers early in 2006.....Reported to APD 5-11-06
- "5-1-06 9:30 PM Chester Creek Trail between C Street & Valley of the Moon Park on the north side of the trail [NOT the creek side] is a camp with lots of blankets/packs/garbage. Didn't get so close as to see how ""fresh"" a camp it was, but heard several voices in the trees beyond the camp. "
- "Incident report of 5-1-06: 9:45 PM at Valley of the Moon Park. 3 females who appeared to be minors threw 3 liter size glass beer bottles on the grass & walkway area from the parking lot. A powder blue classic car was picking the girls up, but the girls yelled to the driver to ""split"" as they were being chased [by me?]. "
- Except for ice in the tunnel near Westchester Lagoon, the coast is clear!! Get on your bikes and RIDE! Reported to Maintenance 04-28-06
- Heavy graffiti on back of restrooms in Valley of Moon Park facing trail. Racial graffiti under A St. Bridge.Reported to graffiti busters (04-28-06)
- Cell Phones would be very important in the event of an emergency but there is little/no coverage from the Kincaid Raspberry Parking lot to Pt. Woronzof. Can the Muni highly encourage expansion of coverage over this area. (as well as most of Bicentennial Park)
- There are remnants of two small bon-type fires immediately west of the mile 2 marker at the big corner where the two benches are on the Coastal Trail.
- Less than an eighth mile east of mile marker two is a large culvert that goes under the trail. Today (4-2-06) I noticed that the culvert must be plugged and the run-off from the creek appears to be flowing above the culvert, but under the trail. My concern is that when the ground eventually thaws the trail will crumble in that area.
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Earlier this winter, I reported what appeared to be an illegal camp on the north side of the bike trail between Karluk/20th and Lake Otis. The trail to the camp begins near lamp post #115. My belief that the camp has continued to be used was confirmed today when I saw someone exiting the bike trail with several long spruce logs that had been limbed. I was too far away to see the person's face. I had noticed earlier on my walk that the side of the trail was freshly littered with small branches and twigs, which indicates that other wood had been hauled to the campsite in the last day or so. From footprints and wood litter, it appears the wood came from the same location that I had reported last time. Reported to APD (03-06-06)
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I was out running this evening about 4:45 pm on the Chester Creek trail by the ball fields off Lake Otis. There was a man (maybe 40-50 years old- he looked and dressed as though he might be homeless though I hate to make that assumption)walking by himself towards me and he was carrying a hockey stick. I had my dog with me and there were other people in the vicinity so I wasn't too concerned. But after I passed him, there was an older couple that had been walking behind him, told me to be careful of him. They mentioned that he is out walking the trail everyday, carrying the hockey stick and intimidating people with it, following people, making odd comments about how he is a cop and he'll shoot them and then holding the hockey stick like its a rifle. She seemed very shaken by him and both the husband and wife kept telling me to be very careful of him and aware of him because they think he could be potentially dangerous. If, like she said, he is walking out there about the same time everyday he shouldn't be too difficult to spot. I don't know if I have too much more information then that, but please don't hesitate to contact me. Thank you, Julie
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Walking east from the bridge at Karluk and 20th, I observed a shoveled path running north from the trail, just past light post #115 (only the #1 remains on the pole). I also observed a man with an axe hauling a limbed spruce. The tree had been cut from an area just south of light pole 107. He was hauling the tree east on the trail, probably back to what I suspect is a camp near light pole #115. Two years ago, I observed trees cut in the same area, and the man looks familiar.
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