About Town Square Park
Town Square Park is an important park and civic space located in the heart of downtown Anchorage. More than a park, Town Square Park is a catalyst for the development of Downtown Anchorage’s commerce and cultural exchange.
Town Square Park was created in 1984 through a citizen-led initiative. At the time, the park was envisioned as an oasis from the urban environment of Alaska’s largest city. Over the years, use of the park has evolved, as have public preferences for what Town Square Park should be.
Today, Anchorage residents envision Town Square Park not only as a green oasis but also as an active and vibrant public space, a hub for activity downtown, and a place where friends meet, families gather, and the community celebrates.
Project Overview
In 2019, following two years of public involvement and plan development, the Town Square Park Master Plan was approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission. The master plan provides a 20-year vision that seeks to address issues, prioritize improvements, and identify strategies to ensure that Town Square Park is a safe and thriving public space for all.
From 2023 to the present, the Parks and Recreation Department has been working to improve safety within the park through event activation, lighting upgrades, and improving sight lines into the park.
2026 Implementation and Park Activation
In 2025, the proposed bond of $2.9 million was passed for the implementation of the master plan. The efforts moving forward will incorporate the goals expressed in the master plan document alongside historical, current, and future context and budgetary considerations.
Summer 2025
Security Enhancements -Seven security cameras have been purchased and installed during the summer of 2025. Once online, they will be monitored by APD’s Real-Time Crime Center. APD and MOA IT are collaborating to ensure system readiness.
Sightline Improvements – For park safety and security, select tree clearing/limbing and invasive tree species removal have taken place to improve sightlines and visibility into the park.
Phase 1 – Site Reconstruction - $2,835,000 Million (Bond Funded)
The 2026 Implementation concept is rooted in the 2019 Master Plan. The concept overlays current site conditions with design goals, focusing initial investments—supported by a $2.9 million bond—on:
Design priorities include creating more inviting park entrances, improving ADA accessibility.
Phase 2: Future Upgrades - $2 Million +/- (not yet funded)
String Lights and Additional Lighting
Playful Site Feature
New Site Amenities, Benches, Trash Receptacles
Iconic Lighted Sculpture(s)
Summer 2025 Park Activation
Exciting programming took place during the summer of 2025 to energize the park. This included:
Biker Buddies Tuesdays: A youth cycling program
Live After Five Thursdays: Hosted by Anchorage Downtown Partnership
Friday Night Market (Opening June 6th): After-work events with music, vendors, and food until 9 PM
Timeline
Upcoming Events
Urban Design Commission - Public Hearing 65% Design
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Date/Time: Wednesday, December 10, 2025, 6:30 pm
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Location: Loussac Library - Assembly Chambers (3600 Denali Street, Anchorage, AK 99503)
May 2026 - Construction Begins
Anchorage Parks and Recreation Commission
Thursday, September 11, 2025, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Community Open House Preliminary Design Review
Tuesday, September 9, 2025, 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Downtown Community Council Meeting #2
Wednesday, September 3, 2025, 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Friday Night Market - Tabling Event
Friday, August 1, 2025, 5:00 pm - 8:30 pm at Town Square Park
Live After Five - Project Tabling Event
Thursday, July 24, 2025, 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm at Town Square Park
Biker Buddies - Project Tabling Event
Tuesday, July 22, 2025, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm at Town Square Park
Stakeholder Advisory Group Meetings #1 & #2
Monday, April 21, 2025 & Tuesday, July 14, 2025
Master Plan Working Group Meetings #1 & #2
Wednesday, April 30, 2025 & Tuesday, July 22, 2025
Downtown Community Council Meeting #1
Wednesday, May 7, 2025, 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm
City Hall, Room 155, Anchorage, AK 99501