Anchorage’s First Intergenerational Health and Healing Park is located in U-Med Neighborhood
Folker Park Grand Re-Opening
3:30 pm – Walk the reflexology path
4 pm – Ribbon cutting and ice cream
2701 E 42nd, Anchorage, Alaska 99508
The public is invited to enjoy a new walking path and outdoor music equipment at a ribbon-cutting celebrating volunteers at Folker Park – Anchorage’s first intergenerational health park. Located in the U-Med district, it is in walking distance to hospitals and health care facilities.
The Community Reflexology Foot Path was designed and built by members and friends of the Alaska Reflexology Association (AKRA). They raised more than $100,000 in cash, volunteer labor and in-kind donations over the past three years as part of a match to a $21,000 Community Challenge Grant from the Anchorage Park Foundation. “A decade ago, local reflexologists envisioned a space where people could come together and learn about and experience reflexology in a peaceful, public setting. That vision is now a reality at Folker Park,” said Chloe Clark-Berry, a local massage therapist and reflexologist, and current president of AKRA. “Reflexology is a non-invasive, drug free complementary health practice that is recognized and practiced worldwide and we look forward to sharing this therapeutic experience with the community.”
Another feature in the park includes six new pieces of outdoor music equipment sponsored by AARP through their Community Challenge Grant program. “This is a perfect project for us to support,” said AARP Alaska State Director Teresa Holt, “because it allows people of all ages to play music and enjoy the park together.” The $15,000 AARP Community Challenge grant was awarded to the Anchorage Park Foundation in 2021.
Beth Nordlund, Executive Director of the Anchorage Park Foundation, will have the big scissors and red ribbon and invites everyone to attend. “Every day is a day to celebrate volunteers in parks and trails.”
Volunteers will be meeting over the next month to plant forget-me-not seeds to mimic a stream running through the park. Forget-me-nots are Alaska’s state flower and a neighborhood favorite.
Previously completed park elements include an ADA-accessible pathway in the shape of a Celtic Healing Knot, an all-ages fitness area that includes a Tai Chi wheel for improving mobility and balance, and a meditative labyrinth. The event is hosted by Anchorage Park Foundation, Anchorage Parks and Recreation, AARP Alaska and Alaska Reflexology Association. Residents of the nearby Providence Horizon House will be decorating their walkers and wheelchairs in celebration of the park’s improvements. An opening blessing will be provided by Buz Daney, a traditional healing cultural advisor with Southcentral Foundation, and Mayor Bronson will be present to give remarks. The event will also feature a Wild Scoops ice cream social.
