Growing Jordan Lake Park
Contributed by Larry A. McKinstry, Director, Big Lake Community Council / Co-Chair, Jordan Lake Park Development Committee
In November 2024, a committee formed by the Big Lake Community Council began raising funds and planning improvements to Jordan Lake Park in central Big Lake. This effort was initiated in response to the Jolly Creek Diversion Project being undertaken by the Mat-Su Borough beginning in 2025.
The project plan called for spring runoff from Jolly Creek to be diverted through a culvert along Hollywood Road, terminating in the southeast corner of Jordan Lake Park, with flows estimated at up to 100,000 gallons per hour. At the time, no plan existed to direct the runoff once it reached the park.
The area where the runoff would be released was a former dump site with mosquito ponds, gravel piles, and thick brush and saplings that grew after the 1996 Miller’s Reach Fire. Jordan Lake Park, also known as the Jordan Lake Nature Area, is a 44-acre parcel in central Big Lake. In 2002, the Mat-Su Borough adopted a comprehensive plan for the site. Improvements included construction of the Big Lake Library, a picnic pavilion, a lake overlook platform, and a short interpretive trail explaining the Miller’s Reach Fire. Since then, the park has remained largely unchanged and underused.
Faced with the potential impact of the diversion project, the Big Lake Community Council renewed efforts to develop the park according to the 2002 plan. Over the past year the committee has raised more than $150,000 in donations and grants, including $26,000 from the Borough and $64,000 from local foundations and organizations.
In 2025, working with Borough staff and local contractors, the committee cleared, leveled, and hydroseeded approximately four and a half acres in the southeast corner of the park. Contractors also provided more than $13,700 in in-kind services, and another business donated over 320 cubic yards of topsoil. Volunteers, with support from a Home Depot grant, planted more than 40 flowering trees along the Big Lake Road frontage. Cedar rail fencing was funded through a $10,000 grant from the Mat-Su Valley Community Credit Union.
Additional contributions helped expand the project further. A local resident donated $38,000 for construction of two pickleball courts, and another resident and contractor donated installation of a well that will provide water to the park.
These accomplishments reflect a strong collaboration between the Mat-Su Borough and Big Lake residents, businesses, and nonprofit foundations. Together we are building a park the community can enjoy for years to come.
As the committee moves into 2026, planning and fundraising continue. This year we plan to complete the well installation with construction of a well house and bring electrical service into the park. The Borough’s trail construction crew will build a 1,600-foot perimeter gravel trail for walking, jogging, biking, and winter cross-country skiing, at an estimated cost of $40,000. An 8–10 station fitness course will be installed along the trail with support from a $25,000 grant from the Mat-Su Health Foundation.
Additional improvements include a brick entry gate and driveway, donor recognition plaques, and a permanent kiosk recognizing early supporters of the project. The soccer field and pickleball courts will also be completed and opened for use.
Planning continues for 2027 and beyond. Future goals include a 225-seat outdoor amphitheater and stage for community events, two picnic pavilions, a full-size basketball court, two bocce courts, and additional seating and picnic areas. Plans are also underway for development of a 2.5-mile nature trail providing access to Jordan Lake and the surrounding wetlands.
As development of Jordan Lake Park continues, community members are invited to help. Support can include tax-deductible donations, volunteering time on park projects, providing suggestions, or attending monthly Jordan Lake Park Development Committee meetings.
For more info, visit the Big Lake Community Council website or contact Jordan Lake Development Committee Co-Chairs Jim Faiks (907) 354-8482 or Larry A. McKinstry (541) 218-6871.