State parks report record visits, add cabins and urge faster seasonal hiring

Deputy Commissioner Brent Goodrum, who introduced himself as the Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation deputy commissioner, told the Senate Finance Subcommittee the division operates the nation’s largest state park system and saw record use last year.

Goodrum said the division improved its reservation and permitting systems, reported a 13% year‑over‑year increase in authorizations, installed 108 electronic fee stations to reduce cash handling, and supported about 15,000 participants through 453 boating safety classes and 54 pool sessions. "Last year, your state park rangers participated in 63 search and rescue missions," he said, expressing gratitude for ranger service.

Committee members pressed Goodrum on seasonal hiring. Senator Cronk said seasonal positions "probably should be filled by now" and warned of losing candidates if hiring lags; John Crother replied the department is working through hiring processes for Alaska Conservation Corps positions and expects resolution soon. Goodrum said the division currently manages 94 public‑use cabins, with nine new cabins being constructed this year (two in the Chena River State Recreation Area, two at Kasugi Ken Campground in Denali State Park, two in Eagle River campground, one at Bird Creek Campground and one at Johnson Lake near Kasiloff).

Goodrum also summarized construction and grants: the Office of Design and Construction awarded $6.6 million in FY25 contracts and completed 12 construction projects in calendar year 2025, and the Office of Grants maintains 112 active and pending outdoor recreation grants statewide.

The committee asked Goodrum to follow up with exact hiring counts and timelines. The department said it will continue work to fill seasonal roles ahead of the visitor season and will provide members further information as requested.