Anchorage Parks and Recreation

Taku Lake Park Master Plan

Taku Lake Park Master Plan

8200 Stormy Place & 100 E. 76th Ave (View Map)  

PROJECT OVERVIEW

In 2016-17 the Anchorage Parks and Recreation Department worked with an advisory group comprised of residents, community council members, representatives from user groups and local businesses to update the Master Plan for Taku Lake Park.

The Taku Lake Park Master Plan was approved by the Parks and Recreation Commission and the Planning and Zoning Commission in 2018. 

The Taku Lake Park Master Plan provides a 20-year vision for Taku Lake Park and establishes a framework for the future development of the park.  The Master Plan seeks to balance the development of new facilities with the preservation of existing natural areas.

The Parks and Recreation Department will begin implementation of the Taku Lake Park Master Plan in 2019 with construction of improvements in the South Gateway area. 

Stay tuned for opportunities to participate in the planning and design of upcoming improvements. 

Click on image to view the master plan.  Print version available here.

The Taku Lake Park Master Plan proposes the following improvements:

  • ADA Accessible Fishing Docks and Boat Launch
  • Additional Lighting for Improved Safety
  • Expansion of the North Parking Lot to Minimize Overflow Parking
  • Replacement of the Playground (burned down in 2014)
  • Upgraded Skate Park
  • Upgraded Trails to Improve Circulation and Minimize Conflicts between Users
  • A New Basketball Court
  • ADA Access Improvements
  • A New Picnic Shelter to Support Community Use and Events in the Park
  • New Amenities and Upgrades to Existing Facilities

ABOUT TAKU LAKE PARK

Taku Lake Park is a 53 acre park located along the Campbell Creek Greenbelt in the Taku/Campbell neighborhood of Anchorage. 

The park is classified as a Community Use Park in the 2006 Anchorage Bowl Park, Natural Resource and Recreation Facility Plan.  The park features both developed facilities and natural areas.  Natural areas include Taku Lake and Campbell Creek as well as surrounding wetland and riparian habitat.  Developed facilities include: two tennis courts, a small skate park, a picnic shelter and open space area, adult fitness area, a rain garden, as well as paved and soft surface trails.

Taku Lake Park Boundaries (PDF)

PROJECT CONTACT

Steve Rafuse, MOA Park Planner

E: rafusesj@muni.org 

P: 343-4586

HISTORY

Taku Lake was originally formed as the result of gravel extraction in the area.  In 1973, the Municipality acquired the property and in 1978 two tennis courts were constructed off of Rainy Place.  During this time, access to the park was difficult.  When King Street was developed, new access and parking was created off of 76th Ave.  During the 1980's, the park began to develop with the addition of two new parking lots, an adult fitness area, trails and open space.  In 1989, the Anchorage Kiwanis Club donated a floating dock with ADA access.  In the 1990's, Taku Lake Park saw further development with the addition of a picnic shelter and the development of the Campbell Creek Trail.   In 2003, a playground was built but was later destroyed in 2014 by arson.  In 2004 a small skate park was build and later upgraded through an Anchorage Park Foundation Challenge Grant in 2011.  Also in 2004, a bridge across Campbell Creek was developed.