What year was your department established?
While Anchorage Parks & Recreation doesn’t have one official founding date, the department’s roots can be traced back over a century. The growth of parks and recreational services in Anchorage reflects the city’s evolution, shaped by its people, geography, and community spirit. Early Beginnings
- 1917 – Delaney Park Established Delaney Park (also known as the Park Strip) became Anchorage’s first official park as part of the original township plat.
- 1923 – A Multipurpose Space Locals cleared and leveled Delaney Park for use as both a golf course and a runway. That same year, pilot Noel Wien made history by departing from the Park Strip on the first commercial flight to Fairbanks.
- 1954 – Early Recreation Development Anchorage began shaping Delaney Park into a hub for community recreation, adding facilities for ice skating, softball, and horseshoes.
- 1970s – Trails and Green Space Vision A growing interest in outdoor activity led to ambitious plans for interconnected bicycle trails and greenways. These plans included amenities like rest stops and nature-viewing areas—some realized, others inspiring future growth.
- 1975 – City and Borough Merger The formation of the Municipality of Anchorage, uniting the City of Anchorage and the Greater Anchorage Area Borough, reshaped how Parks & Recreation was managed and funded.
- 1984 – Town Square Park This beloved downtown park came to life through a citizen-led initiative, offering a cultural gathering place and green oasis in the heart of the city.
- 1986–1988 – The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail One of Anchorage’s crown jewels, this 11-mile paved trail along the scenic coastline was constructed between 1986 and 1988. Today, it’s a favorite route for walkers, runners, and cyclists.
What are some defining moments - the good, the bad, or the wild - that shaped your department?
Every department has moments that shape its path—ours just happen to include teenagers with shovels, millions raised for parks, and a whole lot of community spirit. Here are a few milestones that have helped define who we are:
2004 – Anchorage Park Foundation is Born
One of the biggest turning points in our history came in 2004 with the creation of the Anchorage Park Foundation. This nonprofit organization has been a powerhouse partner ever since—raising over $35.6 million to support parks, trails, and recreation projects across the city. From neighborhood park upgrades to major trail systems, the Foundation helps turn ideas into reality.
2007 – Youth Employment in Parks (YEP)
Youth Employment in Parks, a program that’s as much about leadership and life skills as it is about trail work and restoration. Over the past 18 summers, more than 450 Anchorage teens have been hired through YEP, completing 144 park improvement projects while exploring the outdoors and giving back to their community. It’s hands-on work, and it’s changing lives.
Name a few key staff or community members that have shaped your department and share one or more stories that reflect their impact.
- Nicolette Dent: As a Senior Park Planner with the Municipality of Anchorage Parks and Recreation Department, she is a catalyst for shaping a more creative, vibrant, and resilient future. With a deep commitment to inclusive community engagement and collaborative planning, she leads transformative public processes that bring people together to envision and Co-create the next generation of public spaces.
- Stephan Stonerock: As General Foreman of Anchorage Park Maintenance and Horticulture, Stephan has played a pivotal role in advancing the Anchorage Parks and Recreation Maintenance Operations Department. Stephan brings a hands-on leadership style and a forward-thinking approach that has greatly improved efficiency, safety, and team collaboration across maintenance operations.
- Cathy Janigo: As Citywide Event Coordinator since 2009, Cathy plays a central role in delivering Anchorage Parks and Recreation’s most visible and impactful programs. She leads major city events like the Mayor’s Marathon, Bonny Sosa Races, Enchanted & Haunted Trails, Westchester lagoon Family Skate and Winter Solstice Festival, while also managing the Community Gardens. Through creative, community-driven programming, Cathy helps strengthen public engagement and supports the department’s mission to connect people through parks and events citywide.
Where can people learn more about your department?
Anchorage Park Foundation - Improving Parks & Trails website
Parks and Recreation Parks and Recreation website
Tell us an interesting fact about your department's history.
Most people don’t know that our department cares for over 10,946 acres of municipal parkland; 224 parks with 82 playgrounds; 250 miles of trails and greenbelts linking neighborhoods with surrounding natural open spaces and wildlife habitat (135 miles of paved trails); 110 athletic fields; five pools; 11 recreation facilities.
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