Anchorage Parks and Recreation

Russian Jack Springs Park Singletrack Trails

​Trail Map

The new trails are open! Check out the map​ and enjoy the trails.​​

Project Overview

In partnership with Anchorage Parks and Recreation, Alaska Trails funded and constructed new singletrack mountain biking trails in north Russian Jack Springs Park. The Russian Jack Springs Park Master Plan recommended singletrack trails to provide new recreational opportunities and repurpose an underused space in the park that was formerly used as a Girl Scouts day camp. 

The trails form beginner and intermediate loops designed for the safe progression of mountain biking skills. Russian Jack Springs Park is one of Anchorage's larger parks and accessible for thousands of neihboring families and youth. The paved trails connect park users to surrounding neighborhoods, public transportation, and the Chester Creek Greenbelt trail system. 

Timeline

During the master planning process, the public preferred north Russian Jack Springs Park out of three location options presented for singletrack development. This preference was confirmed by the Master Plan Community Advisory Group, the Parks and Recreation Commission, and the Planning and Zoning Commission. Alaska Trails raised funds to implement this project and received broad support upon bringing a more detailed concept to the Russian Jack, Northeast, Airport Heights, and University Area Community Councils. 

  • 2022​: 
  • ​​​2023:
    • Presentation to Airport Heights Community Council
    • Approvals:
      • ​Parks and Recreation Commission (2023-02)
      • Urban Design Commission (2023-003)
    • Construction: Phase I 
  • 2024
    • Construction: Phase II
    • Ribbon Cutting July 9, 2024

Funding

2022: Anchorage Park Foundation Challenge Grant awarded to Alaska Trails ($35,000)

2023: Additional awards to Alaska Trails:

  • $13,000: Mighty Bikes
  • $1,000: Individual donations
  • $1,000: TREK Bike Store
  • $187,328: Recreational Trails Program (RTP) grant through the State of Alaska