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2008 CAPITAL PROJECT REQUESTS
2008 Capital Project Requests Brochure (2 MB)
City Wide Map (923 KB)
Abbott Loop Community Park (Full Brochure & Map 2.76 MB)
Abbott Loop Community Park is one of the newest parks in Anchorage and provides for year round family and community recreation as well as linkage to the Far North Bicentennial park trail system. Summer activities include little league baseball, soccer, horseback riding, picnicking, walking, jogging and biking. Winter activities focus on Nordic skiing as the park is a major access to the larger groomed trail network. A large amount of construction work was completed in 2006 including the paved parking lot, irrigation upgrades to the league fields, dugouts, and utility extensions to provide future lighting, picnic pavilion and pedestrian pathways.
This state funding request would be used to implement the remaining elements of the Community Park Master Plan Vision, including a paved Little League circulation area, playground, sledding hill, security lighting and , concession stand design .
Anchorage Public Swimming Pools Upgrades
(Full Brochure & Map 2.62 MB)
Anchorage Parks and Recreation operates five municipal pools, each in need of various major upgrades and repairs. The indoor pools are utilized year round by Anchorage families for water safety classes, recreational and fitness activities.
Anchorage voters have the opportunity to approve a $2 million pool bond this April, to serve as a public commitment matching a $2 million state legislative request.
Funds requested will provide mechanical upgrades, electrical panels, HVAC, tiles, liner repair, lighting and painting. Bartlett, Dimond, and Service High School Pools are in the greatest need and represent 75% of the funding requested. West and East High School Pools will also receive repairs.
Anchorage Multi-Use Athletic Fields (Full Brochure & Map 2.62 MB)
Anchorage has 110 athletic fields to serve the community and state needs for recreation and competition. Athletic fields play an important role, offering Alaska the venue to help young athletes develop positive life skills. Anchorage hosts state soccer competition, regional little league and adult softball tournaments on these public fields.
User groups such as the Anchorage District Soccer Federation, Anchorage Sport Association (softball), and the area little league baseball clubs have signed cooperative agreements to help upkeep the fields. Private funding is available through the Anchorage Park Foundation to match state contributions for neighborhood, competition, and championship field upgrades. We can all pitch in to help!
Funds will be used for resurfacing, grading, hydro seeding, irrigation, and eliminating hazards.
Anchorage Neighborhood Parks (Full Brochure & Map 2.69 MB)
Neighborhood parks form the backbone of the Anchorage park system. They are close to home and include areas for informal play, family and community building. They also create a sense of identity to neighborhoods. These important community assets are in need of upgrades to provide safe, healthy and secure places for our families and children. Much of the neighborhood park system was built in the 80’s and has received extensive use. Equipment is at the end of its life cycle, and is in need of replacement.
This state funding request would be used to implement a comprehensive playground and neighborhood park upgrades package to address serious safety and security concerns. The plan elements will include the rehabilitation/replacement of existing facilities and the development of complimentary park amenities to enhance the neighborhood park experience. Improvements include better lighting, trash receptacles, fencing, signs, restroom screening, safe play equipment and more.
In 2005-2007, over 90,000 volunteer hours have been spent ‘Cleaning and Greening’ municipal parks. Volunteers have completed simple tasks like painting bollards, gates and benches, removing graffiti, planting flowers and trees and brushing vegetation for park safety. The Department anticipates a growth of volunteer support to improve neighborhood parks with private funding matches available through the Anchorage Park Foundation.
Anchorage Veteran’s Memorial Improvements
(Full Brochure & Map 2.55 MB)
The Anchorage Veteran’s Memorial is intended to be a place that inspires and nurtures all visitors -- veterans, non-veterans and especially school children – for a heightened sense of patriotism and an appreciation for the sacrifices endured by the veterans from the 49th State. The current Veteran’s Memorial in Delaney Park experiences many limiting features and there is a strong desire within the community for the memorial to adequately reflect the contributions of our Alaskan veterans. The proposed memorial improvements will re-orient the existing Veteran’s Memorial to recognize the use of the space that has evolved over many years. The existing memorial will be modified by orienting the area to the west, re-organizing the existing elements and constructing new elements. These improvements will provide a space for public ceremony while recognizing the needs of many for a space for quiet remembrance. It will provide space to acknowledge the campaigns of America’s military while recognizing the specific sacrifices of Alaskans and their contributions to the protection of liberty.
Improvements will make the memorial fully accessible to the disabled, will provide sound attenuation from nearby roadways, and provide lighting and visibility that meets the needs of our veterans and citizens while providing a safe and secure public space. The power of the memorial elements and the park surroundings into which it is placed will enable all visitors to contemplate both the cost of America’s liberty and the memory of those men and women who have paid it through their military service.
Campbell Park (Full Brochure & Map 2.70 MB)
Campbell Park, among other popular features, provides the public access to an incredible salmon stream – Little Campbell Creek. This heavily used community park in Anchorage’s Central Park District needs attention.
This state funding request would be used to stabilize the stream bank and restore vegetation to control erosion and enhance stream habitat; to create outdoor classroom venues; to provide safety upgrades to the popular playground and picnic area; and to improve public access.
Carr-Gottstein Park (Full Brochure & Map 2.48 MB)
Carr-Gottstein Park is an undeveloped park that can serve the recreation needs of the Bayshore-Klatt Community Council area in the Southport subdivision. The park is about 12.97 acres and is uniquely situated on the coast providing spectacular views to the Alaska Coastal Wildlife Refuge and the west. A large sloping hill identifies two distinct areas of this park. These areas can provide for a wide range of recreational opportunities from passive open space to active recreational amenities such as playground equipment to service the neighborhood.
Chester Creek Sports Complex (Full Brochure & Map 2.47 MB)
The Chester Creek Sports Complex is Anchorage’s (and Alaska’s) premier athletic venue, featuring the Sullivan Arena, Mulcahy Baseball Stadium, the Anchorage Football Stadium, Ben Boeke Ice Arena, and the Kosinski Baseball Fields. The facility is also home to the Anchorage Aces, UAA hockey and basketball programs, Pilots and Bucs baseball teams, the American Legion, and a variety of high school and community-sponsored football, soccer, and hockey events. Major facility upgrades, replacement and repair are needed.
The Chester Creek Sports Complex is one of the most important areas for Anchorage organized sports and community events. Players and spectators deserve safe and accessible facilities.
Anchorage voters will have the opportunity to approve $3 million towards the Sullivan Arena roof in April.
Cuddy Family Midtown Park (Full Brochure & Map 2.73 MB)
Cuddy Family Midtown Park is the “Central Park” for Midtown providing the central gathering area for special events, festivals, music and activities related to the library and surrounding businesses. Construction is currently underway for the expansion of the existing theatre, enhancement of trails and pedestrian facilities, development of a great lawn for large music festivals, inclusion of a speed skating oval, and development of a storm water retention pond to mitigate flooding along Fish Creek.
Cuddy Family Midtown Park provides a unique opportunity to create a physical and symbolic heart in a part of the Anchorage community, where one does not currently exist. It is important to use the park’s improvement to as a catalyst for redefining a broader Midtown area vision. Another important opportunity is connection of the park with the Loussac Library, which is already one of the major anchors of the neighborhood. Imagine if the library provided a much stronger connection between the park and the surrounding community. This plan will provide that connection and a as well as a visible place where recreation, relaxation, and public events can take place. Also, un-maintained areas to the south of the library will be reshaped and landscaped, facilitating winter maintenance and helping to address local area flooding while enhancing summer public use.
Funding is requested to implement the shared library-park parking lot and promenade, better trail connections to adjacent access points, gateways, improved turf and landscape plantings, a children’s playground, a picnic shelter, and active recreation opportunities within the center of the speed skating oval.
Davis Park (Full Brochure & Map 2.52 MB)
Davis Park is a well used, well loved park in the heart of Mountain View. Life cycle upgrades are needed to protect the community’s investment in Davis Park.
Funds will be used for new turf, irrigation, playground safety upgrades, picnic shelter, parking lot improvements, trail connections, signage, and more.
Delaney Park (Full Brochure & Map 2.41 MB)
Delaney Park is one of Anchorage’s oldest and most celebrated parks. It was first established as a fire break during the initial town building phase in the 1920’s and later served as the first airport and golf course for the city. During the war, troops were housed there and the first park plans were developed in the 1950’s. Statehood was celebrated here, Pope John Paul II visited, and each year the Governor’s Picnic is held in the park. Like the National Mall, this park is home to a number of memorials to our military and past historic events in Alaska.
An extensive master plan effort has occurred over the past two years with an active Citizen Advisory Group and public comment. The initial phase of the project approved by Anchorage Voters in 2007 will upgrade basic park amenities. New funding will make repairs to include safe walking areas, appropriate landscape buffers, tennis court rehabilitation, outdoor hockey rink improvements and higher quality turf for sports and statewide events.
Far North Bicentennial Park (Full Brochure & Map 2.73 MB)
Far North Bicentennial Park is Anchorage’s largest park, providing year-round outdoor recreation opportunities for the entire community. The park is home to the Hilltop Downhill Ski area, the Alaska Botanical Garden, over 100 miles of trails, many of which are lit and important connections to Chugach State Park. The park has over 1 million visitors each year, contributing to the social, economic and ecological well being of Anchorage.
2007 Park Bond funding is currently implementing a Trails Action Plan to inventory all trails including their condition and current use, establish soft-surface trail standards, classifications and trail crew specifications, and identify critical missing links. The Trails Action Plan will be a comprehensive and strategic trail project list endorsed by the trail community.
New funding would be used for immediate safety upgrades to the existing Tour of Anchorage Trail bridges and other project identified in the Trails Action Plan. Funds are intended to systematically upgrade trails over a multi-year period with strong local as well as private trail organization support to match the State funding request. This project is strongly supported by the Far North Bicentennial Park Trail Users Committee which has stakeholders from every trail user group as well as representatives from adjacent landowners.
Goose Lake Park (Full Brochure & Map 2.53 MB)
Goose Lake Park provides a wide range of recreation opportunities including one of Anchorage’s most popular lakes for summer swimming.
Requested funds would be combined with funds from the Anchorage Park Foundation and municipal park bonds to primarily replace the ‘Boathouse’ with a new facility that reflects the character of Anchorage’s beloved community park. The facility would be designed with restrooms, showers, café, storage and life guard station. Other plan elements would be to improve safety and security at the park, including the beach and lifeguard areas, parking lot, and play areas. Funds would also be used to provide or upgrade items such as benches, waste receptacles, signage, fencing, and trail connections. Beach and bank improvements will include water quality protection measures.
Greenbelt Trail System (Full Brochure & Map 2.56 MB)
Trails provide non-motorized links between residential areas, parks and schools, close-to-home recreation, and a sense of community. Trails increase economic development potential and contribute to a healthy community with clean air, clean water, flood control, wildlife habitat and healthy recreational opportunities. Anchorage enjoys several premiere Greenbelt trails where residents can enjoy wildlife, spawning salmon and natural habitat that is becoming scarcer within city limits along all of these trail systems.
Greenbelt Trail System – State Request: $500,000.
The Municipality has over 250 miles of trail and there are recent indications of failing infrastructure. Funds would be used to implement a comprehensive repair program to address serious safety and security concerns. The plan elements will include the rehabilitation/replacement of existing trails and bridges, asphalt patching, resurfacing, amenity upgrades and trail signage.
Campbell Creek Trail & Lake Otis Crossing – State Request: $150,000
The pedestrian crossing of Campbell Creek Trail and Lake Otis Boulevard is inconvenient, resulting in pedestrians dashing across the busy street to avoid a long detour. Funds would be used to complete preliminary engineering of a grade-separated crossing of Campbell Creek Trail at Lake Otis Boulevard.
Fish Creek Trail Extension - $1,000,000
Funds will be used to construct the Fish Creek Trail extension from Spenard Road to Northwood Park, a priority for the Spenard Community Council for many years. Fully engineered drawings are on track for completion in 2008.
Tony Knowles Coastal Trail to Fish Creek Trail Connection – State Request: $150,000
A greenbelt trail connection between these town major recreation trails has been recommended for many years to enhance commuting and recreation opportunities. Even though there is not an official trail currently, many people trespass along the railroad right of way, creating a safety problem for pedestrians and train traffic. Funds would be used to complete preliminary engineering study.
Jewel Lake Park (Full Brochure & Map 2.86 MB)
Jewel Lake Park provides a wide range of recreation opportunities including one of Anchorage’s most popular lakes for summer swimming.
Requested funds would be combined with funds from the Anchorage Park Foundation primarily to improve safety and security at the park. Improvements include the beach and lifeguard areas, parking lot, and play areas. Funds would also be used to provide or upgrade items such as benches, waste receptacles, signage, fencing, and trail connections. Beach and bank improvements will include water quality protection measures.
Lyn Ary Park (Full Brochure & Map 2.52 MB)
Turnagain Community Council neighbors are engaged in improving Lyn Ary Park, which serves all of Anchorage as a Coastal Trail access point. The Community Council passed Resolution 2008-01 at their February meeting in support of the following:
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Reconfiguring the trail to allow for a safer and more aesthetically pleasing trail;
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Reconfiguring the ball fields to accommodate the reconfigured trail;
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Consolidating existing conex buildings on a single pad near parking; and
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Preserving the Anchorage Park Foundation Grant funds for future park improvements unrelated to items 1, 2 and 3.
Anchorage West Little League is supportive of the proposed changes so long as the changes are consistent with AWLL Resolution 2008-01.
Margaret Eagan Sullivan Park (Westchester Lagoon)
(Full Brochure & Map 2.58 MB)
South Addition Community Council neighbors have designed a children’s play area for the western end of Margaret Eagan Sullivan Park. Private funds will complement 2006 state legislative funding for these and other large park improvements.
Additional park improvements include safety upgrades to the Trail Watch headquarters, trail safety improvements, parking, lighting, and winter access improvements to the skating area.
Muldoon Community Park (Full Brochure & Map 2.62 MB)
Muldoon Community Park is Anchorage’s newest acquired undeveloped park for East Anchorage. Acquired in October of 2006, this park is about 12 acres of land that includes a portion of the headwaters to Chester Creek. Muldoon Community Park is also located adjacent to the Muldoon Town Center as proposed in the Anchorage 2020 Plan. The 2006 Anchorage Bowl Parks Plan identified a deficiency of community use park facilities in the Northeast community council area of town. In 2003, the Northeast Community Council area showed a deficit of 22 acres of park land per 1,000 residents based on the Parks Plan’s recommended level of service. By 2020, this deficit is proposed to be 57 acres. In addition, opportunities for connectivity to Chugach State Park have been impacted by recent development patterns. The park provides a critical link between the State Park and municipal park land for wildlife habitat and other outdoor recreational opportunities. The acquisition of this park was the first step in addressing this level of service issues in the area. Consistent with our Parks Plan, a master plan for the park is required to determine the uses and amenities appropriate to the park and the surrounding neighborhood.
Recreation Facilities (Full Brochure & Map 2.49 MB)
Anchorage Parks and Recreation operates two full recreation centers and three outdoor recreation centers or ‘chalets’. Recreation centers are the hub of all recreation activities within the expansive Anchorage Parks and Recreation system. Facilities receive nearly 700,000 visitors each year, making them a vital and integral part of the success of the entire system. All of these facilities are more than 20 years old, have not received routine, normal upgrades/improvements, are deficient in health and safety standards, as well as deficient in meeting normal operating standards – all which place them in need of immediate repairs and improvements such as emergency and functional lighting, door alarms, ceiling tile repairs and replacements, communication and electrical wiring.
The Fairview Recreation Center is 24,600 square feet and is the gathering place for community events within the Fairview community. The community council is eager to work with the municipality to fulfill center improvement objectives. The center needs functional design improvements as the facility once received an add-on and is outdated, effecting the management, safety, and usability of the facility. Redesign, including significant community involvement, is underway to develop an action plan for future funding.
Lidia Selkregg Chalet is the smallest facility at approximately 2,400 square feet and is the one most often at capacity hosting daily recreation programs and rentals. The Chalet serves as a regular meeting place for partner user groups such as Nordic Skiing Association of Anchorage and First Tee; serves as a primary warming place for outdoor winter enthusiasts using the sled hill and ski trails; and realizes more than 60,000 visitors each year. The Russian Jack community council has been vocal and active in its support of this park and its amenities and demands more services from this Park District.
Kincaid Park hosts an amazing number of skiing and running events for community fun and premier world class competitions, including Word Games and Junior Olympic events. Kincaid Outdoor Chalet serves as the headquarters of the Nordic Skiing Association of Anchorage and is the focus of efforts of the Kincaid Project Group, and receives phenomenal support for facility enhancements.
Spenard Recreation Center, by contrast, is 32,500 square feet and has been slated for future expansion. Design work, including community involvement, is underway to assess and define the expansion plan. Spenard community council is also eager to work with the municipality to fulfill center improvement objectives.
Russian Jack Springs Park (Full Brochure & Map 2.70 MB)
Russian Jack Springs Park is located in Northeast Anchorage in a highly-populated and under-served area. The park provides a variety of park and recreation services to the entire community. Major improvements are planned for Russian Jack’s existing nine-hole, three-par golf course to make it a PGA-authorized First Tee Learning Center with grass greens, automated irrigation, a practice area, and pitch and put area. The rebuilt 9-hole course will be a quality, ADA-accessible course designed to accommodate both a junior/senior golf learning center as well as usage by families. The Municipality is working in partnership with First Tee, a non-profit organization associated with the PGA of America, the Tiger Woods Foundation, and other professional golf associations that provide free golf instruction for low-income kids.
Upgrades to Russian Jack Springs Park are currently being discussed through a community involvement process.
Other park improvements can include relocation of picnic areas for enhanced visibility, and a children’s playground. Planned winter recreational improvements include a safe sledding hill, a skating pond, and a lighted multi-use trail. Pedestrian amenities, trail improvements, and signage are also planned.
Ruth Arcand Park & Equestrian Center (Full Brochure & Map 2.42 MB)
The William Chamberlin Equestrian Center in Ruth Arcand Park was developed in the early 1980’s and hosts a wide variety of equestrian related activities as well as community recreation events. Funds would be used to addressed growing public use needs and upgrades to the aging facility. Specific health and safety upgrades include an ADA-accessible learning center, bridge repairs, trail hardening and storm water management, and playground equipment replacement.
In addition public improvements will include expanded picnic and play areas, development of community gardens, and trail access to surrounding neighborhoods.
In 2007 voters approved a long-term lease with Anchorage Horse Council and the Rainbow Connection, for maintenance and operate the equestrian facilities at Ruth Arcand Park. These groups are pursuing private funding to construct a year-round therapeutic riding facility for disabled youth and adults.
Section 36 Park (Full Brochure & Map 3.07 MB)
Section 36 is located in the Southeast Park District which has the largest concentration of natural use areas and the lowest amount of developed parks in the Anchorage Bowl. The population growth expected in the next fifteen years will have an impact on the level of parks and recreation services that will be needed to meet future demands. Section 36 is currently held in the Municipal Heritage Land Bank and existing bond money will be used to complete a master plan for 600 acre park. Section 36 will be transferred to Parks and Recreation when the master plan is complete and when funds are identified for maintenance and management if the park.
The State funds requested will be used to implement improvement projects identified within the Section 36 Master Plan which is currently being discussed through a community involvement process.
Storck Park (Full Brochure & Map 2.52 MB)
Storck Park is located in Bear Valley, in the SE Park District, and will serve as a Gateway Park to the future Section 36 Park.
Funds will be used to rehabilitate playground equipment, turf, trails, and signs.
Taku Lake Park (Full Brochure & Map 2.77 MB)
Taku Lake Park provides a wide range of recreation opportunities including a skateboard park, a major trailhead for the Campbell Creek Trail and one of Anchorage’s most popular lakes for fishing.
Taku Lake Park has had several Anchorage Park Foundation ‘Clean and Greens’ over the past few years and the community is ready to support further upgraded park amenities. Requested funds would be combined with funds from the Anchorage Park Foundation to improve safety and security at the park including the parking lots and play areas as well as benches, trash receptacles, signage, fencing, and trail connections. Lake and stream bank improvements will include water quality protection measures.
Town Square Park (Full Brochure & Map 2.69 MB)
Town Square Park is Anchorage’s primary public plaza and the heart of Downtown Anchorage. It provides venues for summer flowers enjoyed by tourist and residents, music in the park, civic events and festivals, winter ice skating -- all of which promote tourism, civic pride and economic development for related downtown businesses. The upgrades planned for Town Square Park will enhance the park for public events and improve visibility and connectivity to surrounding business and public areas including the Performing Arts Center, new Dena’ina Convention Center, the Egan Center and E/F Street Pedestrian corridors.
Improvements planned for the park include a permanent summer reflecting pond/winter ice skating rink, improved lighting, enhanced visibility from 6th Avenue, information kiosk, outdoor seating areas, electrical upgrades, repair or replacement of the brick walkways, installation of an irrigation system, and signage. Upgrades are currently being discussed through a community involvement process.
University Lake Park (Full Brochure & Map 2.42 MB)
Situated between Alaska Pacific University and the Alaska Native Medical Center in the U-Med District, University Lake Park is a popular recreational respite. The park is heavily used by students, employees and patients of adjacent universities, office buildings and hospitals. In addition, the park is a favorite for off-leash dog walkers as one of the Municipality’s designated off-leash-dog areas. The park faces the challenge of serving diverse user groups and has not had facility upgrades to keep pace with demand.
State funds would supplement the Anchorage Park Foundation contributions to address key needs, including parking, amenities for off-leash-dogs, and lake and stream protection. Initial improvements include safety and security upgrades, stabilization and re-vegetation of the lake and stream banks, upgrades to park trails, and amenity upgrades including benches and trash receptacles, fencing, signage, water access, and landscaping.
Valley of the Moon Park (Full Brochure & Map 2.34 MB)
Valley of the Moon Park is one of Anchorage’s most popular and well used recreation areas. Located close to Downtown, the park offers picnic and play areas including the city’s tallest play structure as well as open field space for neighborhood football and soccer games. The park is also a part of the Chester Creek Greenbelt and offers trail users a respite from their athletic activities on the trail. Due to its ideal location, the park also draws a very culturally diverse user group that represents the many nationalities that inhabit the Anchorage Bowl. Unfortunately, the popularity and extensive use of the park has left visible signs on the park infrastructure. The park has developed the need for safety upgrades for play equipment, upgraded turf areas including irrigation, stabilized and enhanced stream bank areas for habitat protection, and to provide improved signage, park amenities and landscaping.
Requested state funds would be used to leverage municipal and Anchorage Park Foundation funds for needed improvements to the park.
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