Taku Lake Park South Gateway Improvements 2020

ABOUT TAKU LAKE PARK

Taku Lake Park is a 53 acre park located along the Campbell Creek Greenbelt in the Taku/Campbell neighborhood of Anchorage.

The park is classified as a Community Use Park in the 2006 Anchorage Bowl Park, Natural Resource and Recreation Facility Plan. The park features both developed facilities and natural areas. Natural areas include Taku Lake and Campbell Creek as well as surrounding wetland and riparian habitat. Developed facilities include: two tennis courts, a small skate park, a picnic shelter and open space area, adult fitness area, a rain garden, as well as paved and soft surface trails.

Taku Lake Park South Gateway Improvements 2020

8200 Stormy Place (View Map)

PROJECT OVERVIEW

Anchorage Parks and Recreation is finalizing planning and design for improvements at Taku Lake Park. Improvements are scheduled for 2020 and will focus on the South Gateway area.

Proposed improvements include skatepark upgrades, a new inclusive playground, picnic areas, circulation improvements, safety upgrades and lighting, as well as new amenities.

PROJECT BACKGROUND

In 2014, the playground at Taku Lake Park was destroyed by arson. Since that time, the area has experienced a decline in use and an increase in negative activity.

In 2016, the Parks and Recreation Department began a master planning effort to address issues and identify community priorities for the future.

In 2018, the Taku Lake Park Master Plan was approved by the Parks and Recreation Commission and the Planning and Zoning Commission, paving the way for fundraising and investment in the park.

In 2019, the Parks and Recreation Department began planning, design, and fundraising for improvements to the South Gateway at Taku Lake Park. Construction is scheduled to begin in the summer of 2020, with the donation of a FitLot Adult Exercise equipment system through AARP, and when the project reaches full funding in 2020, the remainder of the project is slotted to be constructed by the fall of 2021.

PROJECT FUNDING

Over the past few years the members of the Anchorage Community have supported the different phases of this project through voting for bonds in 2016, 2018 and 2020. In addition to bond funds, Anchorage Park Foundation has leveraged private donations for inclusive play, and also awarded local business owners and community advocates with a Challenge Grant in 2019. Finally, the project was awarded funding through the Tony Hawk Foundation Skate Park Grant, which further helps leverage support for this project. Currently, the project is funded up to $1,530,000, with additional funds needed to meet the current cost estimate for the project.

2016 Park Bond		$400,000
2016 Park Bond		$250,000.00
2020 Park Bond		$500,000.00
APF		$350,000.00
Challenge Grant - APF Match		$20,000.00
Challenge Grant- Tony Hawk		$10,000.00

PROJECT CONTACTS

Taylor Keegan, MOA Landscape Designer

E: keeganth@muni.org

P: 343-4518

Project Updates

The Urban Design Commission gave final approval to the project (1/8/2020)

Look for Taku Lake improvements on the April 2020 Municipal Bond.

HISTORY

Taku Lake was originally formed as the result of gravel extraction in the area. In 1973, the Municipality acquired the property and in 1978 two tennis courts were constructed off of Rainy Place. During this time, access to the park was difficult. When King Street was developed, new access and parking was created off of 76th Ave. During the 1980's, the park began to develop with the addition of two new parking lots, an adult fitness area, trails and open space. In 1989, the Anchorage Kiwanis Club donated a floating dock with ADA access. In the 1990's, Taku Lake Park saw further development with the addition of a picnic shelter and the development of the Campbell Creek Trail. In 2003, a playground was built but was later destroyed in 2014 by arson. In 2004 a small skate park was build and later upgraded through an Anchorage Park Foundation Challenge Grant in 2011. Also in 2004, a bridge across Campbell Creek was developed.