[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6076588,"mediaKeyId","2969271-a1e58530caef265de2b4c56f716f1259","parentId",2969271,"title","Lake Lucille Park to get trail upgrades and expanded parking; $37,500 grant proposed for improvements","audioSeconds",384,"startMs",2074000,"endMs",2458000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2969271-a1e58530caef265de2b4c56f716f1259&start=2074&end=2458","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2969271-a1e58530caef265de2b4c56f716f1259/thumbnail_2074000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6076588/Wasilla/Matanuska-Susitna-Borough/Alaska/Lake-Lucille-Park-to-get-trail-upgrades-and-expanded-parking-37500-grant-proposed-for-improvements","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6076588-f14996a81668f752b042a6fbf8d137c8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771142702&Signature=kcSEV3J4WQJ1PDmAkBomWse8PicEzmOo~vV8vZxXZWs1nGPUK0mciid1gQjXWCNVVS0iHqx9ukhG8Th32XUq74hLV2lkT0LqkdL1k2IhlqjbXJM5BkxXII0-1GB7av4QH9Ghl4NKNZ7mQWjzbjD1g~T98mpOyGnpzx2o-LqEkMww~8meuKnL91JOTPdRZamH25LEkhyVOfhKUlnR6XOv~akL7mht8oNGddW18A6zuDxzXKpZ1-JT-Wqacr1PZY8bHpkGx2iNPKuSk0caMSGbtk5e6bvMOUQX4adAENnJbZz0q~ghuXY0oKEuK4iTbL5ihhldlHhR4TZghNID7SqSUg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Wasilla","date","2025-03-12T00:00:00Z","article","City staff reported March 12 that a $37,500 grant from the Mat-Su Trails and Parks Foundation is scheduled to be presented to the Wasilla City Council for appropriation and would fund construction and equipment rental to upgrade a trail segment at Lake Lucille Park.

Scott Powell described the trail project as intended to address steep grade changes between the soccer fields and an old amphitheater and to make the path closer to ADA standards so more users can access the lake and boardwalk. Deputy Public Works Director Robert Walden walked the trail with foundation members and recommended the priority.

Staff also presented photos and diagrams of recent parking realignments at Lake Lucille. The largest lot near the soccer fields was reconfigured with flow arrows and an estimated capacity of roughly 200 parking places; a second lot near the back campground (Bow Range area) was realigned to add an estimated 48 spaces and improved drainage; and a lake-adjacent lot was widened and realigned for trailers with roughly 32 spots and ADA-compliant parking at the boardwalk access. Staff said they have placed rock base and will top with asphalt after settling.

Powell and Parks Supervisor Jess described campground upgrades: removal of trees that left poorly graded tent sites, revised campsite layout for family recreation rather than long-term informal occupancy, salvaged playground surfacing, and plans to attract higher-quality camp hosts. Staff said about half of the campground’s electrical hookups provide power to RV sites (staff estimate). The city is exploring adding a dump station and other amenities to make the campground more attractive.

Powell said the city has been coordinating parking, drainage and campground improvements with stormwater projects and noted the recent work was intended to support larger events held at Lake Lucille, including dog events, LARP weekends and campouts.

Why it matters: The trail upgrade grant and parking realignments improve access and event capacity at a key city park; the campground changes are intended to reduce long-term occupancy and support family recreation.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Parks and Recreation Commission - 12 Mar 2025","oneSentenceSummary","City staff told the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission on March 12 that a $37,500 Mat-Su Trails and Parks Foundation grant is proposed to upgrade a trail at Lake Lucille Park and that recent parking realignments increased capacity and improved drainage.","taxTitle","Wasilla, Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Alaska","taxId",52178,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6076578,"Sevastila cleanup days to consolidate to single Saturday drop-off May 2025; no large public party planned",95,1931000,2026000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2969271-a1e58530caef265de2b4c56f716f1259&start=1931&end=2026","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2969271-a1e58530caef265de2b4c56f716f1259/thumbnail_1931000.jpg","/articles/6076578/Wasilla/Matanuska-Susitna-Borough/Alaska/Sevastila-cleanup-days-to-consolidate-to-single-Saturday-drop-off-May-2025-no-large-public-party-planned","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6076578-0bd20274354176ce95a41b6e75eb972e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771142702&Signature=G9rgv8YWXCCTqYMjjNcwXrFHoO30jqyj7Z9IO8bq3GNTCPIJd7rDmDuEijH5zQygupBDLz9G8puNrr4DrxzO0sYBuEBG8FGdXuzdLIgRyOq2k-FDqSOS5Hcwf~r7drpALk-iYVzjQat6cng8Ith7HugO3G1B2Rlv1nJ4DaNbCs9IWgYP4j9djcYGHCSKq4XTn486o-qhyjwMv3jFz6EyJvYUYmlFxDbv-41S4IADu~ndqmUJ3uhbEzAQdMy9coq5tIEz6GSC11h0Lw0y3SpJHJlCO2G3q~wtFfAg1tUq4l-A7W-AOf1Ikcxt9uSWEVsKE1gbA3hK2rEZbX3mGyqq4Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff told the commission that the Sevastila cleanup program will run May 5–10 but will consolidate collection to a single, staffed Saturday drop-off (9 a.m.–5 p.m.). Staff said previous weekday drop-offs had low public use and volunteer availability, and consolidating to one well-publicized Saturday will maximize resources while still offering a community disposal opportunity.

Staff said they will keep volunteer incentive elements such as drawings for groups that collect trash and provide Facebook recognition; they said there are no plans for the traditional post-cleanup festival or party this year.

Why it matters: Consolidating to a single drop-off day reduces volunteer staffing requirements while preserving an organized opportunity for residents to dispose of bulky items and participate in community cleanup efforts.

","The Sevastila cleanup event will run May 5–10 with a consolidated public drop-off scheduled for one Saturday (9 a.m.–5 p.m.), staff told the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission on March 12.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6076583,"Mat-Su Softball Association details summer season and improvements planned at Bumpus Ballpark",179,260000,439000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2969271-a1e58530caef265de2b4c56f716f1259&start=260&end=439","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2969271-a1e58530caef265de2b4c56f716f1259/thumbnail_260000.jpg","/articles/6076583/Wasilla/Matanuska-Susitna-Borough/Alaska/Mat-Su-Softball-Association-details-summer-season-and-improvements-planned-at-Bumpus-Ballpark","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6076583-24dfb0537757cabd7170cd811e130044/orig.mp4?Expires=1771142702&Signature=HQyx36Lk55RTcVnvDMi151Q2o6RR2Lr~HhXqYeunPbKtE1a3LJOb~jafzzs-0tgb8WxXsH5fzKjUU-txc5RlZY96wCFfhCEmylO6z5roU3tXRESYHMSlRfo~mXy2g7ab9qRdTCx-DYQxEenPqTkQfF4KRrqThgDMFEivTFOOMb02qZvcnDlmbeWzXHxgLMyNoKWrSUyYI~znYlVlVXHIkHNjynzfSU98xNFUfG8cdKlPSW91iWLz58uc4bvD9oAxpxXslVXiMYTrbW1VB36VMbnShmLA9RUOKkvhQXKL6-NFYXCgqR4E6ESs0kU9fvCR~BRm0WS9Ml5qETA6SdRpvQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Dan Fleckenstein, president of the Mat-Su Softball Association, told the commission on March 12 that the association is preparing for its 41st season at Bumpus Ballpark and outlined planned improvements and event expectations.

Fleckenstein said the association expects about 50 local registered teams for the summer league and roughly 750 players participating weekly across a 10-week season that runs from mid-May through August. He said league play occurs Monday through Thursday evenings and that the association will host at least four tournaments, including state championship events in August and a premier men’s tournament in July, drawing teams and visitors from outside the valley.

Planned repairs and improvements include infield maintenance, storm-damage repair to chain-link fencing, a new outfield gate to improve field maintenance vehicle access, replacement of dugout hardware and painting of bleachers and concession-trim. The association also plans to expand video security to deter vandalism and to add topsoil and replace bases and pitcher’s rubbers.

Fleckenstein asked the commission to consider ways it could help the association prosper; commissioners praised the group’s investment in the fields and noted that advocacy to council had helped fund new bathrooms at other city parks in the past.

Why it matters: Bumpus Ballpark hosts leagues and tournaments that bring players and visitors to Wasilla; facility improvements and better parking/access affect public safety, user experience and local visitor traffic.

","Dan Fleckenstein, president of the Mat-Su Softball Association, told commissioners the association expects about 50 local teams in summer leagues, multiple tournaments drawing out-of-town teams, and listed field repairs and facility improvements planned for spring and summer.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6076594,"Nunley Park cleared of trees; city outlines redesign, safety fixes and public process",299,2921000,3220000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2969271-a1e58530caef265de2b4c56f716f1259&start=2921&end=3220","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2969271-a1e58530caef265de2b4c56f716f1259/thumbnail_2921000.jpg","/articles/6076594/Wasilla/Matanuska-Susitna-Borough/Alaska/Nunley-Park-cleared-of-trees-city-outlines-redesign-safety-fixes-and-public-process","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6076594-4f9bb8b664cd36b4c0765663ddad3811/orig.mp4?Expires=1771142702&Signature=J3mcjBMMWgCN2hONaiRiwIQPU5Lr3bzwYBKgYwG4RlpJQykk8EGXIeBrWPuo85zQW3N16GasqQXEnLKSiKsrqZ5pp2~AFwA8emd6nOiRMFg1EDXCz3Z4JsVODEVYA~5GTrJXvPTQ7HKVCQHmyotk8IYGatDpeSJwpQ0N81iSKaIE0a1~y5vDpG3m63bIsu~4eHdqQ2a1QidryliOW7WKhOBBtFPfmlXDA5AOiwFbEODBGC7Pi29rRMr-nu3W9h3Pk5GCcRa4CPNuR3rnL6bcTsXOEkL1gPzsRa19BDVKMbBJCBuUkp0F0MmY9XxMlWw1JDigSfTpkzu3ko~KCPIM8w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City of Wasilla staff told the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission on March 12 that they cleared a significant stand of trees at Nunley Park at mayoral direction and that the city will now pursue a public redesign to address safety and accessibility.

Scott Powell, Recreational Services Director, and Parks and Property Supervisor Jess said the tree removal was timed in winter to reduce impact but that the work drew community concern because neighbors were not notified in advance. Staff said trees included specimens that were failing and that trenching to add electrical service for holiday lighting and proposed lighting features would have further compromised trees’ structural integrity.

Staff described several safety and liability concerns at Nunley Park. Powell said the park’s caboose “has lead paint on it, and it has asbestos components” and that the structure lacks proper fall protection. Powell said the caboose “doesn’t have any historic value” and that the city must either remove, relocate or substantially remediate it if the park redesign keeps it in place.

Staff also said two playground structures are approaching the end of their useful lives and that a redesign would consider co-locating new play equipment, adding swing sets removed earlier and improving drainage and ADA access. Justin, a parks crew member, said manufacturers offer multi-age play systems that can serve toddlers through older children; staff noted higher shipping costs for playground equipment into the region.

Powell said no major ground disturbance or construction will occur before July 4 so the park can host holiday events, and the mayor and council have asked for a public process before final approvals. Powell told commissioners that he anticipates requesting CIP funding in the next budget cycle; he referenced an approximate CIP placeholder figure discussed in the meeting that staff described as a starting point for planning.

Commissioners and staff discussed preserving the park’s family-friendly elements — fenced play areas and open lawn — while improving sight lines, drainage and parking connections. Staff said the commission will receive landscape-architect drawings before any final work and that the council recently passed a directive limiting ground disturbance until a plan is approved.

Why it matters: Nunley Park is a neighborhood park used by families with young children; staff framed the work as both a safety remediation and an opportunity to plan for longer-term community uses. The park’s future design and any city spending will require council review and public input.

","City staff described a plan to rebuild Nunley Park after an unannounced tree removal drew public attention. Staff cited safety, aging play equipment and electrical and sight-line concerns with an on-site caboose and said design work and public outreach will follow; no final construction will begin before July 4.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6076598,"Wasilla parks commission endorses marketing plan, will forward master-plan proposal to city council",1078,797000,1875000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2969271-a1e58530caef265de2b4c56f716f1259&start=797&end=1875","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2969271-a1e58530caef265de2b4c56f716f1259/thumbnail_797000.jpg","/articles/6076598/Wasilla/Matanuska-Susitna-Borough/Alaska/Wasilla-parks-commission-endorses-marketing-plan-will-forward-master-plan-proposal-to-city-council","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6076598-fb2c00da0cdc3a8218f5fc2d9a391f65/orig.mp4?Expires=1771142702&Signature=c5rloLfwKaTCUWyy1zbnTQx4xCmlyfwXFm-T3HfGqF~flky5QRD4StCPCx9AY60myX~fyXxBEvDUHAIh~8-CE6cQC7hqaeSWB7Iw4O3a2WlWx4FZTNN4yEzH5TeNKtbpIaiOZ2m9XnK5HNsrAbyR5nZ8AhwQQbBV38uLBl~7F91zB09SCqOab-S6n4hutp90EOELMnu5LrOCnQfi3RF24DlrhTVH1Oy9OFM5mG07h9J4gWgVYoaBpMb7GiG~X5LgBU6y8Hsk2R5PLSZ45sZJZxszpvqIaKIp03srkEElLR6qPMS5kIBdZlmxdzGJQMK2N4DC-u~pfFzJx8L12mj5rA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Wasilla Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission voted on March 12 to advance a commissioner-created marketing and action plan toward the City Council as part of an effort to update the city’s parks master plan.

The commission adopted two procedural steps during its meeting: it moved to operate as a committee of the whole to study the draft plan and then voted to forward the marketing plan and related materials to the council as an informational memorandum for potential inclusion in the city’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP).

Commissioner Leonard Jones, who prepared the draft, said the document was intended to give the city “a marching plan” that could replace an older 2020 plan and provide a road map for parks work “for the next 10, 15 years or longer.” Jones said the draft aimed to create committees, set tasks and produce a starting point for long-term planning rather than another feasibility study.

Public Works Director Eric Schall told the commission that council and mayoral support will be necessary to implement an updated parks structure. Schall said the city’s CIP drafts are produced in mid-April and reach the council in early May, and urged the commission to prepare any budget requests now so they can be considered in the current cycle.

Commissioners discussed the need for a long-term, funded plan and for clearer lines between parks operations and parks programming. Several commissioners said the commission should shift from ad hoc volunteer recruitment toward a coordinated plan that can be presented to council and the mayor for support and funding.

The commission agreed to continue work as the committee of the whole and to prepare materials for the council. Staff said the mayor planned to be away but would review the package upon return; staff also flagged that any special meetings to refine the plan would need public notice under the Open Meetings Act.

Votes at a glance

- Motion to operate as the committee of the whole to review the parks master plan and marketing proposal — motion offered and seconded; outcome: approved (voice). (Transcript evidence: meeting discussion and roll-call motion.)

- Motion to move the marketing plan forward to the City Council as an informational memorandum — motion offered and seconded; outcome: approved (voice; “Aye” recorded). (Transcript evidence: motion and verbal vote recorded.)

Why it matters: Updating the city’s parks master plan and producing a clear, funded implementation pathway are prerequisites for seeking consultant support, council CIP funding and coordinated public outreach. Commission and staff comments tied the timing to the city’s current CIP process and the upcoming comprehensive-plan outreach.

What’s next: Staff said it will submit the informational memorandum to the council and that the commission will continue work on the draft plan in future meetings. Commissioners were urged to participate in the citywide comprehensive-plan process and to prepare a prioritized list of immediate asks to present to council.

","The Wasilla Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission voted to move a commissioner-drafted marketing and action plan toward the city council for consideration as part of the parks master-plan work and CIP budgeting. Commissioners agreed to act as a committee of the whole and to forward the marketing plan for council review.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Lake Lucille Park to get trail upgrades and expanded parking; $37,500 grant proposed for improvements

Sevastila cleanup days to consolidate to single Saturday drop-off May 2025; no large public party planned

Mat-Su Softball Association details summer season and improvements planned at Bumpus Ballpark

Nunley Park cleared of trees; city outlines redesign, safety fixes and public process

Wasilla parks commission endorses marketing plan, will forward master-plan proposal to city council