Why Parks Matter
Anchorage Trails Make the Moose Loop
Anchorage has one of the best urban trail systems in the United States, with hundreds of miles of paved and multi-use trails connecting our city. Our four main multi-use trails—the Lanie Fleischer Chester Creek Trail, the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, the Campbell Creek Trail, and the Ship Creek Trail—can be connected to each other to form a 32-mile bike loop, an almost-complete urban greenway that is in the shape of a moose!
Arielle Himelbloom interned for the Anchorage Park Foundation’s in Spring of 2021 as part of the University of Alaska Anchorage Health Sciences Honors Program. Her project was to develop pathways to engage with the Moose Loop in segments so users can relate to the Moose identity without requiring them to complete the route in one traverse.
Mountains to Sea Video Trail Guide
This video provides details for a half-day adventure called Mountains to Sea, which links existing trails in a traverse from Chugach State Park’s new Hemlock Burn singletrack trails down through parks and paths, ending at the sea in downtown Anchorage.
Indigenous Place Making Movement
The Indigenous Place Making Project is a movement to bring Dena’ina culture to our built environment and place name signage in Anchorage.
Inclusive Play: The Gallagher Family
Being outside and active is a priority for the Gallagher family. When the pandemic hit and students were forced to stay home from school, that goal became even more important. This Anchorage family found solace in parks, places that allowed their children with special needs to feel safe and full of adventure.
Inclusive Play: Leah and Anna Boltz
More than a decade ago one Anchorage mom set out on a mission to ensure Anchorage parks were fun and inclusive for ALL children. Today Leah Boltz and her family celebrate a movement that started with the motto of Parks for All! Learn more about inclusive playgrounds in Anchorage.
Inclusive Play: Megen and Oscar’s Story
Oscar like most 5 year olds loves to run and play. His autism diagnosis adds an added layer for his mom Megan to consider. She is grateful for the number of inclusive parks in Anchorage that keep her son safe and offer him the unique stimulation he needs.
Inclusive Play: Cheryl and Justin’s Story
Inclusive play is about removing barriers. It encompasses the philosophy that children and adults of all abilities benefit from being able to play and interact together. It’s a philosophy that drives our mission at Anchorage Park Foundation. Meet Justin and Cheryl and learn how inclusive parks impacted their lives.
Schools on Trails
Schools on Trails is designed to get Anchorage students outside. An opportunity to ignite their adventurous spirit and encourage a love of learning and a connection to their environment closest to them.
It’s Winter, Time to Get Outside!
Winter is the perfect time to get outside and play! It can feel daunting when the days are short and the air is cold but a few layers later and you will have zero regrets! Getting outside is good for every part of you and your family.
