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DOT, Michael Baker present preliminary Pioneer Park boat‑launch and riverbank concepts; commissioners urge riparian approach
Summary
Michael Baker International and DOT presented two preliminary concepts for a Pioneer Park boat launch, parking and riverbank improvements. Designers showed options with and without a proposed cleaning channel; commissioners urged alternatives to rock revetment and noted Canoe Alaska’s concerns about the site’s suitability for launches.
Travis Donovan of Michael Baker International presented preliminary design concepts to the Chena Riverfront Commission on April 23 for a Pioneer Park project that would add a pedestrian path, a new parking lot and riverbank improvements including boat‑launch access.
The project’s three components are a pedestrian connection from Airport Way to the riverwalk, a reconfigured parking lot and associated “plug‑ins,” and riverbank work to improve public access near the current informal boat‑launch area. Donovan said designers prepared two general concepts: one that would cut a small launch channel to encourage flow and self‑cleaning, and a second without the channel focused on creating flatter, more usable riverbank terraces.
“We’re trying to create some more flat usable space up close to the river,” Donovan said, describing ramps and drop‑off zones for non‑motorized craft and potential reconfiguration of an existing pavilion.
Designers told the commission the hydraulics for the proposed channel concept are not yet proven: early analysis indicates the channel would not generate sufficient velocity to remain self‑cleaning and therefore may not prevent silt accumulation. Commissioners and public commenters urged the design team to consider riparian‑zone solutions rather than heavy rock revetment. One commissioner said a riparian approach could work better with the known siltation patterns and would better preserve the park’s natural character.
Commission staff member Kellen placed the project in the broader context of the 2021 Pioneer Park Master Plan and said the parking work aligns with a long‑range vision that could support a future multipurpose facility. The project is principally funded with federal highway funds through FAST planning and DOT; Kellen said roughly 91 percent of the project cost is expected to be covered by those federal dollars.
Commissioners and staff discussed access: Canoe Alaska and other non‑motorized users indicated the current riverbank is difficult but used; Canoe Alaska suggested an upstream bank on railroad property might provide a better launch area, though that land may be out of scope. Designers said one ramp could be made ADA‑accessible while another, steeper ramp would suit typical canoe/kayak use.
Designers said an open house will be scheduled later this summer and that the project is still in preliminary design. Commissioners pressed for alternatives to riprap and asked staff to ensure connectivity to other park features; staff confirmed the project will return for additional review and public outreach before final design and construction.
