A full renovation of this playground’s equipment, completed in 2013, makes this one of Anchorage’s best playgrounds for kids and adults. Located at the northwest corner of Westchester Lagoon, and next to the Coastal Trail and Westchester Bike Path, the playground’s groupings of equipment create a brilliant play environment that is fun and challenging. A workout zone is ideal for older kids and beyond, providing all the tools necessary for an excellent body-weight oriented workout. Though you can get some of these amenities at other of Anchorage’s parks, the setting here is especially inviting: Ducks and geese are frequent visitors to the lake during the summer and fall, and the bike path and ready parking make the play zone convenient. During the winter, some of the playground is still accessible, though the groomed ski trails and ice skating area (with regular bonfires) tend to get far more attention.
Features
Parking for 15 cars in west lot. Parking for 6 near "kids don't float" display.. Parking for 4 at Kiwanis Overlook. Parking for 10 at 19th & Spenard Rd. Parking for 20 at Duck Walk. Portable restroom may be available year round. Nature trail, Shelter (duck walk side), Trails for running, biking, walking, skiing & snowshoeing, Lake 11 acres in size available for small boats in summer on Lagoon side (not duck walk), Ice skating in the winter, Fitness area, "Kids don't float" program, Access to coastal trail, Frisbee Golf course, Kiwanis Overlook at West High side, Trail Watch Building, Located in Chester Creek Greenbelt.
History
In 1962 money was available for a preliminary study for the proposed lagoon. Development of Westchester Lagoon was part of Urban renewal in 1963. The area was originally used as a ski area with a rope tow on Romig Hill. The dike was constructed in 1968, the underpass in 1967 and the tide gate in 1970. In 1974 the city began acquiring other properties near the lagoon. In 1975 a waterfowl sanctuary was proposed, the lagoon was drained for several weeks while misc. improvements were made and islands were built in the lagoon for nesting birds. A park plan was developed in 1976. The Dept. of Fish & Game and the Audubon Society planted native grasses at the site which were rescued from the road project at Eklutna Lake. The trail designed for the lagoon was the first ADA trail built in Alaska.
Size
89.3 acres
