When the Anchorage Park Foundation opened nominations for the 2025 Park of the Year, we were unprepared for overwhelming community support for a park most commonly referred to as “Golden Girls Park.”
“The little revamp of the park has not only brought the surrounding community together to utilize the new playground and newly resurfaced pickleball/tennis courts but it has also attracted other members throughout the Anchorage bowl. The only thing missing from this little hidden gem is a restroom. Besides that, it’s perfect and should be voted Park of the YEAR 2025!”
–nominator
The enthusiasm carried through, and the abundance of nominations gave the quaint park a chance to be an official candidate for Anchorage Park of the Year 2025. During the voting period in late 2024, this mighty little park continued to hold its own, winning out over the heavy-hitting park Russian Jack Springs and the UMED-loved Goose Lake Park.
“It’s the best and newest investment in community, collaboration, and positivity in Anchorage. I can’t think of another place with as many people working together, supporting each other, and teaching each other in town.”
— nominator
Scenic Park, nestled in east Anchorage, is a testament to community resilience, collaboration, and innovation. This little green space has a giant impact on the people who live nearby. It is the quintessential neighborhood park best reached by walking or biking.
Initially developed in the ’70s and ’80s, Scenic Park started as a simple trail to Scenic Park Elementary School and a basic playground. Despite setbacks, including a devastating act of vandalism in 2003 that destroyed play equipment, the neighborhood rallied to restore and enhance the park. Scenic Foothills Community Council spearheaded a 2013-15 renovation with funds from the Anchorage Park Foundation, the State of Alaska, and the Alaska Tennis Association. These endeavors revitalized the playground, resurfaced the tennis courts, and added picnic tables, benches, and trash cans.
A local group called the “Golden Girls” adopted the park, volunteering to keep it clean. Their sign and level of commitment have led to the park’s nickname, “Golden Girls Park.”
Laurie Ford sweeps the pickleball/tennis courts summer 2024 in preparation of a final coating. Vandals broke into the fenced court scuffing the surface and leaving trash and dirt before the court was ready for use.
In 2022, Laurie Ford, Midnight Sun Pickleball, and others were eager to embrace the growing popularity of pickleball and received an Anchorage Park Foundation Challenge Grant to convert the tennis courts into dual-purpose courts. The pandemic and further vandalism caused a few setbacks, but volunteers persevered and completed the project in 2024.
“This is a gorgeous park with awesome pickleball courts. Although there was an issue with vandals initially, the pickleball courts has been taken care of since. Very quiet neighborhood and just a great place to meet and play with friends.”
— nominator
Through the arduous work of neighborhood volunteers, Scenic Park has transformed into a vibrant hub. With its inclusive atmosphere, scenic views, and newly renovated facilities, it is wonderful to recognize this community treasure. Congratulations to the 2025 Anchorage Park of the Year Scenic “Golden Girls” Park!
Scenic Park by Valisa Higman
Celebrate Scenic “Golden Girls” Park with art by Alaskan artist Valisa Higman and show your support with official merch from our store, only available in 2025. All proceeds go towards improving parks and trails in Anchorage.
