Anchorage Park Department prioritizes community parks through new scoring matrix

The Municipality of Anchorage held a worksession on February 8, 2025, to discuss the planning for the 2026 Capital Improvement Program (CIP). The meeting focused on the criteria for selecting projects and the importance of community engagement in the process.

During the session, officials highlighted the need to distribute capital improvements equitably across Anchorage. They emphasized leveraging external funding sources, such as partnerships with the Anchorage Park Foundation, which has contributed millions over the past two decades for various community projects. The discussions also underscored the significance of addressing health, safety, and welfare concerns when prioritizing projects, particularly in light of recent infrastructure issues.

A new scoring matrix was introduced to enhance transparency and record the needs of the community. This matrix will be used to evaluate projects based on several categories, including public support, operational impact, and environmental considerations. The assembly members reviewed specific parks, such as Forsyth Park and Goose Lake Park, assessing their conditions and community needs. Forsyth Park was noted for its need for rehabilitation of a bridge and playground improvements, while Goose Lake Park, which has been closed since the 2018 earthquake, requires significant attention to reopen.

The meeting concluded with a call for community involvement in the CIP process. Residents were encouraged to engage with their community councils and participate in surveys to express their priorities for local improvements. The department expressed its commitment to refining the CIP scoring matrix based on community feedback, ensuring that the planning process remains responsive to the needs of Anchorage residents.