Russian Jack Springs Park and Golf Course
Selkregg Chalet is situated within the 300 acre park, one of the oldest city parks transferred from BLM in 1948. Other facilities located in the park include the Mann Leiser Memorial Greenhouse within the Municipal Greenhouse Complex, Cartee and RJS Softball Complexes, soccer fields, tennis courts, picnic/playground areas laced with nine miles of bike/ski trails.
The park has a colorful history. Jacob Marunenko, a Russian immigrant who arrived in 1915 homesteaded the location of the park in the early 1930’s. He became known as Jake Marchin or "Russian Jack". During World War II, the army needed expansion areas. The homestead reverted back to the federal government control. Later in 1948 it was given to the city with intent to be a park. In the interim, the area of the greenhouse and golf course became a minimum security prison farm for APD housing inmates who committed minor offences involving alcohol. The "Prison Farm" was known for its vegetables, particularly cabbages and potatoes grown there until the early 60’s. It was also the city’s water source in case of an emergency. With demands for recreation growing the prison farm was moved in 1968 and is now known as the Clithrow Center.
The park chalet, like many facilities in the park system, leads a double role. In the winter the Chalet serves as a meeting place for ski classes, Junior Nordic League and Ski Patrol, and is a warm up lodge for the sledders and skiers as well as rental space for weddings and parties. In the summer, the chalet becomes the club house for the 9 hole golf course, hosting weddings and parties, with the ski trails turning into trails used for biking, walking, jogging and special events.
Reservations
- Main Room (includes small kitchenette)-- $50/hr.,
900 sq. ft., max. occupancy --50 seated with tables/75 theater seating
- Lower Level Room - $20/hr., max. occupancy --20
- Alcohol Waiver (beer/wine only) -- $264 waiver fee + room rental
To apply for a rental, forward a facility permit request/letter of intent to Parks & Recreation, Attn: Lidia Selkregg Chalet, P.O. Box 196650, Anchorage, AK 99519-6650 or fax requests to 332-1676. For requests that include alcohol, an Alcohol Waiver must be submitted as well. See the Parks & Recreation fee schedule for an in depth listing.
- Little Nordic Ski Lessons
- Adult Ski Lessons
- Stories with Clay
- Green Thumb Series
- Game Master Workshop Series
- Roleplaying Game Night
Return to top