Contributed by Crystal J. Nygard, Deputy Administrator, City of Wasilla
With over 240 acres of parks inside the city limits, Wasilla, Alaska offers a variety of recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike. Located in the scenic Matanuska-Susitna Valley, Wasilla features mountain views, lakes, and access to the Alaskan wilderness, making it a prime spot for outdoor fun and community activities.
Armed Forces Honor Garden: Located on the east side of Iditapark, this garden features flower-lined walkways and flags representing all branches of the Armed Services, honoring both current and former military personnel.
Bumpus Recreation Area: This area includes baseball, softball, and soccer fields maintained in partnership with the American Legion, Mat-Su Softball Association, and Wasilla Youth Soccer Association. It hosts statewide tournaments with over 1,000 visitors annually and features the trailhead for the Maureen McCombs Equestrian Trail.
Carter Park: Situated on the east end of Lake Lucile, Carter Park offers playground equipment, a picnic area, and a beach. Open daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
City Trails: Wasilla is home to multiple trails for non-motorized use, snow machines, equestrian riding, and ATVs. Notable trails include Downtown Trails, Lucas Road Trail, Southwest Wasilla Trails, Lake to Lake Trail, West Holiday Drive Trail, Peck Street Trail, Denali Street Trail, Riley Avenue Trail, Cottonwood Creek Greenbelt Trail, Lucille Creek Greenbelt Trail, Bumpus Connector Trail, South Thomas Street Trail, and Bumps Equestrian Trail.
Community Garden: Located across from City Hall on Herning Avenue, the garden offers approximately 20 plots (4’ x 10’) with a choice of 12' or 24' depth for seasonal growing. Parking and water are available onsite. Contact Public Works to reserve.
Cottonwood Creek Park: This greenbelt park between the Parks Highway and Palmer-Wasilla Highway includes a planned trail system and trailhead with a pedestrian bridge over the creek.
Lake Lucille Park: Features pavilions, soccer fields, camping, a dog park, boat launch, and walking dock.
Newcomb Park at Wasilla Lake: Offers picnic areas, a swimming beach, fishing and boating access, and lakefront walking trails.
Nunley Park: Great for young children, Nunley Park includes climbing, sliding, and swinging playground equipment. Located across from City Hall, it also features picnic tables and benches and is open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Pedersen Park: Donated by the Pedersen family in 2013, this one-acre park on Old Matanuska Road includes a greenbelt, sitting area, picnic table, and playground.
Wasilla Sports Complex (The Menard Center): The Menard Center is a 104,000 sq. ft. indoor facility on 60+ acres with an NHL-size ice arena, indoor turf court, walking track, batting cage, meeting rooms, and a commercial kitchen. The outdoor grounds include a one-mile trail. Upcoming events include the REV Alaska Auto Show & Business Expo (June 1), and Plant Hockey (July 21–25 and July 28–Aug 1). Visit their website for booking details.
Camping & RV Parking – Lake Lucile Park: Open from late May through Labor Day Weekend. Tent and RV spaces are available for up to 14 consecutive days. Book early.
4th of July Parade & Mayor’s Picnic: Among the largest parades in Alaska, this event draws around 14,000 spectators and features over 100 floats, music, and entertainment. Held July 4, the day also includes the Mayor’s Picnic, hot dog eating contest, and the Music in the Park finale. For parade info, visit cityofwasilla.gov or call Public Works at (907) 373-9010, option 1.
Wonderland Playground and Iditapark: Wonderland Playground has picnic areas and walking/biking trails. Iditapark offers a skate park, winter trails, and playgrounds, and hosts community events year-round. The park will host the Music in the Park series every Saturday in June from 3–9 p.m., with a finale on the Fourth of July after the parade and Mayor’s Picnic. Visit musicintheparkwasilla.com for more information.
www.cityofwasilla.gov