​​​​Project Overview

Johnny Ellis Rainbow Bridge Park is located in the Fairview and South Addition neighborhoods along 15th Avenue and A Street. The park is named after the late Alaska State Senator Jonny Ellis who represented those communities in the legislature from 1987 to 2017. This project will add amenities, signage, and placemaking elements to honor the late Senator.​

In 2022 the Anchorage Assembly passed AO 2022-110 that officially named the 15^th Ave bridge over A Street the Johnny Ellis Rainbow Bridge and the adjacent park, extending from 15^th Ave to 13^th Ave along A Street, the Johnny Ellis Rainbow Bridge Park.​​

Parks and Recreation worked with Friends of Johnny Ellis to select amenities and improvements for an initial phase to support placemaking in the park. See the proposed draft improvements JERBP Phase I Proposal.pdf.

​Timeline

• 2024: Design and Planning with Friends of Johnny Ellis​ 
  
• ​2025: Public outreach to Fairview and South Addition Community Councils
  
• 2025: Public hearing to be held by Parks and Recreation Commission
  
• 2025: Installation of benches, ​signage, and interpretive information - pending community approval
  

​​​Funding

• 2024: Voter approved bond for $100,000
  
• 2025: Anchorage Park Foundation Challenge Grant for $5,000 to the Friends of Johnny Ellis Rainbow Bridge Park.