Park History and Overview
University Lake Park is a 64 acre park located in the UMED District of Anchorage. The park is classified as a Natural Resource Area in the 2006 Anchorage Bowl Parks, Natural Resource Use, & Recreation Facilities Plan.
University Lake Park is located east of Elmore Rd. between Alaska Pacific University and the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium medical campus. To the east and south is a popular multi-use trail connecting the Chester Creek Trail and the Campbell Creek Trail.
In 1984, negotiations began for the purchase of what is now University Lake Park. The property was acquired through a land trade with Heritage Land Bank (HLB) for the purpose of Parks and Recreation.
University Lake, formerly Behm Lake, was a gravel pit used in the 1960's to develop lands in the University Area. Around 1980, Chester Creek was diverted to flow through University Lake. In 2003, the Anchorage Assembly passed AO No. 2003-108(s) authorizing off-leash dog park spaces at five municipal parks including University Lake Park.
In 2016, Anchorage Parks and Recreation worked with an advisory group to develop a master plan for University Lake Park. The master plan received resolutions of support from the University Area Community Council, the Parks and Recreation Commission, and the Planning and Zoning Commission.
The University Lake Park Master Plan was approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission in January 2017.
Project Overview and Timeline
Youth Employment in Parks was able to complete bank resortation and trail reroute during the 2023 Summer Season. Wayfinding and surface improvements will continue and wrap up during the summer of 2024. These improvements continue to build off of the work completed in 2021 focusing on non-motorized circulation improvements, parking lot expansion and lighting installation.
This work built on the principles and goals established in the University Lake Park Master Plan, approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission in January 2017.