It’s officially election season—Anchorage park style!
The Anchorage Park Foundation’s Park of the Year tradition is back, celebrating the local parks that give this city its heart, its views, and its best excuses to go outside.
This year’s candidates are a powerhouse trio: the brand-new Potter Marsh Watershed Park, neighborhood favorite Cheney Lake Park, and the something-for-everyone Jewel Lake Park. Each one brings its own flavor of charisma, scenic charm, and community bragging rights to the ballot—so good luck choosing just one.
Cast your vote December 1–10 and help elect the 2026 Park of the Year—the park that earned your loyalty, your laughter, or at least your favorite memories.
Polls open soon… may the best park win.
Meet the Candidates
Potter Marsh Watershed Park
Anchorage’s newest park arrives with major main-character energy. Potter Marsh Watershed Park brings wilderness charm, big sky drama, and a front-row seat to some of the best wildlife watching in the city. It’s not just a new park—it’s a living postcard competing hard for the crown.
Cheney Lake Park
Cheney Lake Park is the old friend Anchorage keeps bragging about—a beloved, well-used, well-loved gem where dog walkers, anglers, birders, families, and sunset-chasers all find their happy place. Calm water, lively trails, year-round beauty… this park’s not just in the running, it’s setting the pace.
Jewel Lake Park
Jewel Lake Park sparkles with swim-friendly waters and sandy beach vibes—plus a pirate-ship-themed playground and a crowd-favorite zipline that make it a family adventure zone. When the snow flies, ice fishing and snow-day play keep the park buzzing year-round. This park plays hard all year—and wants the title just as much as Anchorage wants sunshine.
