Wasilla is a vibrant city located in southcentral Alaska, approximately 40 miles north of Anchorage. Known as the “Gateway to Alaska,” Wasilla provides access to incredible natural landscapes and an abundance of outdoor recreational activities. One of the top attractions that draws residents and visitors alike are Wasilla’s numerous beautiful parks.
| No. | Park Name | Features |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Newcomb Park | Waterfront views, picnic areas, walking trails. |
| 2 | Wonderland Park | Playgrounds, picnic shelters, sports fields. |
| 3 | Iditapark | Walking paths, memorials, open play areas. |
| 4 | Carter Park | Baseball fields, skate park, basketball courts. |
| 5 | Echo Lake Park | Fishing, boating, nature trails. |
| 6 | Finger Lake State Park | Water activities, camping, scenic views. |
| 7 | Mat-Su Resort Park | Golfing, dining, entertainment options. |
| 8 | Mirror Lake State Park | Boating, swimming, picnic spots. |
| 9 | Edmonds Lake Park | Fishing, canoeing, bird watching. |
| 10 | Settlers Bay Coastal Park | Hiking trails, wildlife viewing, beach access. |
| 11 | Lucile Lake Park | Ice fishing, snow machining, winter sports. |
| 12 | Wasilla Creek Wetlands | Nature walks, bird watching, educational signage. |
Wasilla has over a dozen parks that offer a wide variety of amenities and picturesque Alaska scenery. Several parks feature lakes, creeks, woods, and mountain views that provide the perfect backdrop for walking, picnicking, playing sports, and enjoying time with family and friends. Some parks also have playground equipment, sports fields and courts, and open green spaces for games and events.
In the summer, Wasilla’s parks come alive with kids playing, families barbecuing, and residents gardening in the lengthy daylight. When winter arrives, several parks transform into prime locations for snowmachining, ice skating, sledding, skiing, and snowshoeing. Year-round, Wasilla’s parks give residents access to Alaska’s natural splendor with convenience right in town.
This article explores 12 fantastic parks found in Wasilla for outdoor recreation and relaxation all year long. Each park’s key features, amenities, and activities are highlighted to showcase everything these public spaces have to offer.
1. Wasilla Lake Park
Name and Location: Wasilla Lake Park is located on the shores of Wasilla Lake in Wasilla, Alaska.
History and Significance: Wasilla Lake Park is a popular recreation area that has been serving the community for many years. It provides a scenic setting for outdoor activities and community events.
What to Expect: Visitors to Wasilla Lake Park can enjoy a variety of activities, including fishing, boating, picnicking, and walking along the lake shore. The park features a boat launch, picnic areas, and a playground for children.
Visitor Information: Wasilla Lake Park is open year-round and is accessible by car. Parking is available on-site, and the park is free to enter. Visitors should follow park rules and regulations, including properly disposing of waste and respecting wildlife.
One of Wasilla’s most popular parks is Wasilla Lake Park, spanning over 120 acres with ample amenities. The park surrounds the north and west sides of Wasilla Lake, providing excellent lake access.
Walking Trails
Wasilla Lake Park features over three miles of wood chip walking trails that wind through beautiful birch forests and meadows filled with wildflowers in warmer months. Several trails lead right along the lakeshore, offering prime views.
Boating & Fishing
The boat launch area provides access to Wasilla Lake for canoes, kayaks, float planes, and other non-motorized watercraft. The lake is stocked annually with rainbow trout and supports populations of Arctic char, lake trout, and silver salmon, making it a popular fishing hole.
Sports Fields & Courts
For sports enthusiasts, Wasilla Lake Park contains a skate park, basketball court, two tennis courts, two full-size soccer fields, and a playground. The playground has swings, climbing structures, and toys like many other Wasilla parks.
Events
With expansive green space and lake frontage, Wasilla Lake Park hosts some of Wasilla’s beloved annual events like Windsock Weekend and Wings over Wasilla. The park also accommodates concerts, charity runs, craft fairs, and festivals.
2. Dorothy Page Park
Name and Location: Dorothy Page Park is located on East Spruce Avenue in Wasilla, Alaska.
History and Significance: Dorothy Page Park is named after Dorothy Page, a prominent figure in Wasilla’s history who was instrumental in the city’s development. The park serves as a tribute to her legacy and contributions to the community.
What to Expect: Dorothy Page Park offers a peaceful setting for outdoor recreation and relaxation. Visitors can enjoy walking along the park’s trails, picnicking, and taking in the scenic views. The park also features a playground and open spaces for games and activities.
Visitor Information: Dorothy Page Park is open to the public year-round, and admission is free. The park is accessible by car, with parking available on nearby streets. Visitors are encouraged to keep the park clean and respect other users.
Dorothy Page Park is a quaint 4-acre park set on the shores of Lake Lucille right off Parks Highway, offering pretty views and a charming character.
Lake Access
The park consists of a wide grassy area gently sloping down to the calm waters of Lake Lucille. Fishermen can try their luck catching rainbow trout. Families enjoy picnicking on the lawn while kids wade into the lake.
Playground
Dorothy Page Park has a small, modern playground area with climbing structures, slides, monkey bars, swings, and more for kids to enjoy. Parents can relax on benches nearby while watching over their children.
Walking Path
Connected to the northern end of the park is the paved one-mile-long path circling Lake Lucille. This route is popular with walkers and joggers in Wasilla for getting exercise with lake views. Interpretive signs describe the history and highlights of Lake Lucille along the way.
Dogs
Leashed dogs are allowed in Dorothy Page Park, making it a great place for dog owners to exercise their pets. Owners should clean up after their dogs while visiting.
Concerts & Events
Thanks to its lakeside location and lawn seating, Dorothy Page Park hosts free summer concert series and movie nights sponsored by the city. The park also serves as the finish line for the annual Mayor’s Midnight Sun Marathon held every summer solstice.
3. Recycling Center Park
Name and Location: Recycling Center Park is located on North Hyer Road in Wasilla, Alaska.
History and Significance: Recycling Center Park is a unique park that combines outdoor recreation with environmental education. It is adjacent to the Matanuska-Susitna Borough Central Landfill and promotes sustainable waste management practices.
What to Expect: Visitors to Recycling Center Park can learn about recycling and waste reduction through educational displays and exhibits. The park also features walking trails, picnic areas, and a playground, providing opportunities for outdoor enjoyment.
Visitor Information: Recycling Center Park is open to the public during the landfill’s operating hours. Admission is free, and parking is available on-site. Visitors should follow the park’s guidelines for waste disposal and recycling.
Formerly an old landfill site, Recycling Center Park is uniquely located adjacent to Wasilla’s Recycling Center. This park provides open space with sports facilities.
Baseball & Soccer Fields
The main feature is Recycling Center Park’s full-size baseball field with dugouts, perfect for local little leagues and softball teams. Two regulation soccer fields with goals flank the baseball field for summer practices and games.
Trail System
A system of mushing trails weaves behind the park, which dog sled teams and snowmachiners utilize in winter. The wide trails also serve hikers exploring the areas in warmer months.
Parking
With few other parks boasting large parking areas in Wasilla, the long driveway and giant lot here provide ample parking for sports team practices, regional tournaments, and other events needing extra vehicle space.
Views
Despite bordering the recycling center, lovely views of the Talkeetna Mountains grace the background – when clear, Denali can even be seen. Interpretive signs describing the former landfill’s renewal into this public park have been installed.
4. Nelson Park
Name and Location: Nelson Park is located on Nelson Avenue in Wasilla, Alaska.
History and Significance: Nelson Park is a community park that provides a gathering space for residents and visitors alike. It is named after a local family who donated the land for the park’s development.
What to Expect: Nelson Park offers a variety of recreational amenities, including a playground, picnic areas, and open fields for sports and games. The park also features walking paths and benches for relaxation.
Visitor Information: Nelson Park is open year-round, and admission is free. The park is accessible by car, with parking available on nearby streets. Visitors should follow park rules and regulations, such as keeping dogs on leashes and properly disposing of waste.
Centrally located Nelson Park spans just over 5 acres in downtown Wasilla along Nelson Road. Mature pine trees populate this park.
Wooded Trails
A network of narrow wood chip trails winds through the park, following Gold Creek hidden beneath the trees. Several small footbridges cross the creek in places. Quiet paths make this park ideal for walking dogs, wildlife viewing, or just enjoying nature despite its central location.
Sports Field
Nelson Park contains one full-size soccer field along with a backstop and small baseball/softball field for summer and fall league sports, especially youth teams. Dugouts and bleachers line the edges.
Children’s Programs
The park serves as a gathering space for Wasilla children’s summer programs like Vacation Bible School. Kids play games on the fields and have lunch in the open field or the small picnic shelter.
Creek Access
The trails provide creek access for observing spawning salmon in late summer as they return from the ocean to reproduce and die along their natal Gold Creek waters. Interpretive signs educate visitors about the lifecycle of these iconic Alaska fish.
5. Cottonwood Park
Name and Location: Cottonwood Park is located on Cottonwood Loop in Wasilla, Alaska.
History and Significance: Cottonwood Park is a neighborhood park that serves the local community. It provides a space for outdoor recreation and socializing among residents.
What to Expect: Visitors to Cottonwood Park can enjoy a range of amenities, including a playground, picnic tables, and open grassy areas for games and activities. The park also features walking paths and benches for relaxation.
Visitor Information: Cottonwood Park is open to the public year-round, and admission is free. The park is easily accessible by car, with parking available on nearby streets. Visitors should respect park rules and keep the area clean.
Nestled along Cottonwood Creek off Bogard Road lies cozy 3.5-acre Cottonwood Park, which contains a playground, skating area, and open field.
Playground
The highlight is the inclusive playground installed in 2020, Wasilla’s first designed especially for differently-abled children featuring specialized surfaces and equipment like sensory play panels. The playground has slides, climbing areas, and ground-level play suited for kids of varying physical and developmental abilities to enjoy together.
Multi-use Area
In winter months, an area floods to create a skating pond for ice skating, hockey practice, and general winter play. The large open field also accommodates pickup soccer games and kite flying when thawed.
Creek Access
Trails along Cottonwood Creek running through the park allow people to observe spawning salmon runs in late summer. Interpretive signs provide information about the unique varieties of salmon returning to spawn after maturing in the ocean.
Picnicking
Scattered picnic tables, a small pavilion, and grills are available for gatherings in the birch forest. Visitors enjoy having barbecues or packed lunches while children entertain themselves at the playground during warmer seasons.
6. Colony Days Park
Name and Location: Colony Days Park is located on Bogard Road in Wasilla, Alaska.
History and Significance: Colony Days Park is named after the historic Matanuska Colony, which was established in the 1930s as part of a New Deal resettlement program. The park celebrates the colony’s heritage and significance in the development of the Matanuska-Susitna Valley.
What to Expect: Colony Days Park offers a variety of recreational facilities, including a playground, picnic areas, and sports fields. The park also features interpretive displays and exhibits that showcase the history of the Matanuska Colony.
Visitor Information: Colony Days Park is open to the public year-round, and admission is free. The park is accessible by car, with parking available on-site. Visitors should follow park guidelines and respect the historical and cultural significance of the area.
Colonel Days Park occupies about 7 acres adjacent to Wasilla High School along Bogard Road. It contains sports facilities and pays tribute to Wasilla’s history.
Baseball & Softball
The park features four softball/baseball fields, including a tournament field and tee ball field. Dugouts, bullpens, batting cages, bleachers, and concession stands accommodate competitive tournaments.
Wasilla’s History
As the park’s name suggests, interpretive signs describe Wasilla’s early history as a colony founded in 1917. Other signs highlight Alaska’s flag, state symbols, and notable events that have occurred in Wasilla over the past century.
Proximity to School
With Colony Days Park bordering Wasilla High School, the fields and surrounding track see heavy use from student sports teams for practices, pep rallies, and games. The park hosts key events like the annual Wasilla Invitational track and field meet.
Trail System
A series of mushing trails connects Colony Days Park to Wasilla Lake Park, allowing people to walk or bike between the two green spaces via peaceful birch and spruce forest trails with mountain views. These multi-use trails are popular with dog walkers as well.
7. Traditional Park
Name and Location: Traditional Park is located on Traditional Place in Wasilla, Alaska.
History and Significance: Traditional Park is a neighborhood park that serves the local community. It provides a space for outdoor recreation and community gatherings.
What to Expect: Visitors to Traditional Park can enjoy a range of amenities, including a playground, picnic areas, and open grassy spaces for games and activities. The park also features walking paths and benches for relaxation.
Visitor Information: Traditional Park is open to the public year-round, and admission is free. The park is easily accessible by car, with parking available on nearby streets. Visitors should respect park rules and keep the area clean.
Honoring Wasilla’s Alaska Native heritage is lovely small Traditional Park found along Knik-Goose Bay Road, just north of Wasilla High School.
Alaska Native Culture
Traditional Park celebrates Dena’ina Athabascan history and culture in the Wasilla region. Interpretive signs share translations of Dena’ina place names while artwork depicts Native stories and symbolism.
Nature Trail
A peaceful quarter-mile nature trail loops past native vegetation and Cottonwood Creek running along the park’s edge. Wandering this trail allows visitors to enjoy nature as the Dena’ina once did centuries ago.
Traditional Games
In the open field, you’ll find game outlines painted on the grass like dart and arrow targets that modernize traditional Alaska Native games once popular for developing hunting skills. Kids enjoy trying their hand at these fun games.
Gathering Place
With picnic tables, public art, and cultural elements, Traditional Park serves as a gathering place honoring Alaska’s First People. The park has held Athabascan dances, drum circles, and storytelling events.
8. Kristensen Veterans Memorial Park
Name and Location: Kristensen Veterans Memorial Park is located on South Seward Meridian Parkway in Wasilla, Alaska.
History and Significance: Kristensen Veterans Memorial Park is dedicated to honoring veterans and their service. It serves as a tribute to the men and women who have served in the armed forces and provides a space for reflection and remembrance.
What to Expect: Visitors to Kristensen Veterans Memorial Park can pay their respects to veterans and learn about their sacrifices. The park features a memorial wall, flagpoles, and interpretive displays that commemorate the service of veterans.
Visitor Information: Kristensen Veterans Memorial Park is open to the public year-round, and admission is free. The park is accessible by car, with parking available on-site. Visitors should be respectful of the park’s solemn nature and observe proper etiquette.
Honoring service members is Kristensen Veterans Memorial Park, a dignified small green space in downtown Wasilla.
Monuments
The focal point is a central black granite monument etched with images of soldiers representing each military branch. Surrounding it are individual monuments recognizing those killed in action, POWs/MIAs, Purple Heart recipients, and Wasilla residents who lost their lives serving our country.
Ceremonies
Kristensen Park hosts Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Fourth of July ceremonies, providing a place for the community to gather, reflect, and honor those who sacrificed for America’s freedoms. Color guards, 21-gun salutes, flag retirements, and other patriotic events occur here.
** Gardens**
Encircling the monuments are flower beds filled with red, white, and blue annuals each summer. Landscaping rocks and benches nearby provide visitors spots to sit and reflect while appreciating the floral beauty.
9. Menard Sports Complex
Name and Location: Menard Sports Complex is located on South Mack Drive in Wasilla, Alaska.
History and Significance: Menard Sports Complex is a state-of-the-art sports facility that serves the Matanuska-Susitna Valley. It provides a venue for various sports events, tournaments, and recreational activities.
What to Expect: Visitors to Menard Sports Complex can enjoy a range of sports facilities, including soccer fields, baseball diamonds, and a track and field complex. The complex also features a playground, picnic areas, and concession stands.
Visitor Information: Menard Sports Complex is open to the public during scheduled events and activities. Admission fees may vary depending on the event. The complex is accessible by car, with ample parking available on-site. Visitors should follow the complex’s rules and regulations.
Boasting 22 acres off Seward Meridian Parkway, Menard Sports Complex is Wasilla’s largest park dedicated to sports facilities and activities.
Baseball & Softball
Menard contains four softball/baseball fields – including a tournament field – with dugouts, bullpens, batting cages, and concession stands to host games and competitions.
Soccer & Football
Two full-size soccer fields work for high school soccer and football practices. Removable goalposts allow the fields’ conversion for either sport dependent on the season and usage needs.
Skating
During winter months, one area floods to create Wasilla’s largest outdoor ice skating rink that locals enjoy for hockey practice, open skating sessions, and broomball games.
Latest Amenities
As Wasilla’s newest sports complex, the park boasts the most modern amenities like electronic scoreboards with wireless remotes, high-tech lighting, covered dugout benches, and high-capacity drainage. An expansive parking lot accommodates major regional tournaments.
10. Triple J Park
Name and Location: Triple J Park is located on West Triple J Loop in Wasilla, Alaska.
History and Significance: Triple J Park is a neighborhood park that serves the local community. It provides a space for outdoor recreation and community gatherings.
What to Expect: Visitors to Triple J Park can enjoy a variety of amenities, including a playground, picnic areas, and open grassy spaces for games and activities. The park also features walking paths and benches for relaxation.
Visitor Information: Triple J Park is open to the public year-round, and admission is free. The park is easily accessible by car, with parking available on nearby streets. Visitors should respect park rules and keep the area clean.
Slightly outside Wasilla proper, Triple J Park spans 15 acres in nearby Palmer along the Glenn Highway. The Matanuska-Susitna Borough owns and maintains this park as part of their larger park system outside individual cities.
Baseball & Softball
Triple J Park contains four baseball/softball fields to accommodate Little League teams and summer adult softball leagues across the Mat-Su region. Each field features covered dugouts, batting cages, and bleacher seating.
Pro Shop
The onsite pro shop offers equipment rentals and purchases from gloves, helmets, bats, to full baseball and softball uniforms and accessories. This makes organizing team sports quick and convenient.
Batting Cages
Two large indoor batting cage facilities allow teams and individuals to practice hitting and pitching year-round. Automated machines can launch baseballs or softballs from 25 to 80 miles per hour. Pitching mounds and nets fill the enclosed batting cages.
Concessions
No good ballgame is complete without snacks and hot dogs! A full concession stand provides traditional ball field fare like hot dogs, popcorn, candy, soda, and sports drinks for hungry players and families. Picnic tables give people places to sit and refuel during games.
11. Independence Park
Name and Location: Independence Park is located on East Nelson Avenue in Wasilla, Alaska.
History and Significance: Independence Park is a neighborhood park that celebrates the spirit of independence and community. It provides a gathering space for residents and visitors alike.
What to Expect: Visitors to Independence Park can enjoy a range of recreational amenities, including a playground, picnic areas, and open fields for sports and games. The park also features walking paths and benches for relaxation.
Visitor Information: Independence Park is open to the public year-round, and admission is free. The park is accessible by car, with parking available on nearby streets. Visitors should follow park rules and regulations, such as keeping dogs on leashes and properly disposing of waste.
Found along the Parks Highway north of Wasilla is Independence Park, owned by the Mat-Su Borough, spanning 20 acres full of recreation facilities amid beautiful views.
Sports Fields & Trails
Two full-size soccer fields accommodate summer and fall youth sports along with a network of meandering trails perfect for running and walking dogs with Talkeetna Mountain views.
Skating Rinks
For winter fun, the park contains a covered pavilion that transforms into an ice skating rink from November through March, while outdoor rinks provide more ice surfaces for hockey and free skating.
Children’s Events
Thanks to ample open space, facilities, and scenery, Independence Park hosts major Mat-Su community events like Children’s Winter Games and Alaska Kid Concerts drawing families from across the region to participate and watch.
Disc Golf Course
Independence Park contains an 18-hole disc golf course with tee boxes and targets set among the trees and fields. People enjoy navigating the course by tossing flying discs into the above-ground targets in as few throws or shots as possible per hole.
12. Lucas Lagoon
Name and Location: Lucas Lagoon is located on East Lucas Road in Wasilla, Alaska.
History and Significance: Lucas Lagoon is a scenic park that offers a tranquil setting for outdoor recreation and relaxation. It is named after a local family who played a role in the development of the area.
What to Expect: Visitors to Lucas Lagoon can enjoy the peaceful surroundings and natural beauty of the park. The park features a small lagoon, walking trails, and picnic areas. It is a popular spot for birdwatching and nature photography.
Visitor Information: Lucas Lagoon is open to the public year-round, and admission is free. The park is accessible by car, with limited parking available on-site. Visitors should respect the park’s natural environment and wildlife, and follow leave no trace principles.
Sitting just outside Wasilla city limits along Lucas Road is Lucas Lagoon, owned by the Mat-Su Borough. It offers walking trails circling a small lake perfect for summer strolls.
Lake Loop Trail
A peaceful 1.3-mile paved loop trail encircles the Lucas Lagoon waterway. Since it’s flat and stroller-friendly, families enjoy going for walks around the lake. Interpretive signs describe the lagoon’s bird and wildlife inhabitants.
Fishing Dock
A small fishing dock with railings juts into Lucas Lagoon, allowing anglers a chance to catch stocked rainbow trout or see what other fish might be biting. The dock provides the only lake access point.
948 Lucas Lagoon
Adjacent to the park sits 948 Lucas Lagoon, a non-profit coffee shop run by adults with disabilities who also maintain park trails year-round. Patrons can purchase hot drinks and snacks inside while enjoying lake views on the porch before or after their park stroll.
Winter Activities
Once frozen, the Lucas Lagoon loop trail converts into a popular track for ice skating, fat biking, Nordic skiing, and snowshoeing through the peaceful birch forest and lakeside landscape all winter long.
Conclusion
Wasilla boasts over a dozen fantastic parks that highlight Alaska’s incredible natural beauty while providing excellent recreation facilities for residents and visitors. Cool summer breezes, vibrant fall colors, snowy winter adventures, and budding spring greenery can all be experienced among these parks’ birch and spruce forests, wildflower meadows, mountain peaks, and peaceful waterways.
Whether you want to play youth baseball, walk puppies, have a family picnic, try disc golf, watch salmon spawn, skate under the stars, or make the most of Alaska’s long summer days and nights exploring Wasilla’s parks, you’ll find what you’re looking for with this guide to 12 top parks in the Gateway to Alaska.