The Fairbanks North Star Borough Parks and Recreation Department preserves and creates an inclusive community culture by providing places and programs designed to enrich the quality of life.
HEARFROMUS
Sign up for our Parks and Recreation Newsletter andFLiPprogram.Afunwaytoknowaboutallthe events happening in your parks and facilities! Receive VIP access to various park events and special coupons in our monthly e-newsletter! Don’tmissout!Signuponlineatparks.fnsb.govor at the Parks and Recreation office in the Big DipperIceArena.
FEES,CHARGES&CLASSTIMEDISCLAIMER:Feessetinthisactivityguide are subject to approval by the Fairbanks North Star Borough Assembly. Fees are subject to change at any time. Class dates/times are subject to change.TheFNSBParksandRecreationDepartmentreservestherightto cancelactivitiesduetolackofregistration.
REFUNDANDCANCELLATIONPOLICY:Pleaseseepage5.
The Fairbanks North Star Borough is committed to a policy of nondiscriminationandpursuestheequaltreatmentofallpeopleitserves. The Borough will make reasonable modifications and adjustments to services, programs, and activites, provided such adjustments would not result in a fundamental alteration of the affected service, program, or activity,lowerthestandardoftheprogram,orresultinanunduefinancial or administrative burden, and provided that the individual with the disability’s participation does not pose a direct threat to the health and safetyofothers.TheEEO/ComplianceOfficerisdesignatedastheBorough ADACoordinator.
WELCOMETOFNSB
PARKS&RECREATION
DearResidentsandVisitors,
WelcometotheFairbanksNorthStarBoroughSummerActivityGuide!AstheDirectorof ParksandRecreation,Iamthrilledtopresenttoyouanarrayofexcitingopportunitiesto make the most of the long summer days ahead. Our Borough’s parks, trails, and recreationalfacilitiesareteemingwithpossibilitiesforfunandrelaxation,andthisguideis yourkeytounlockingthemall.
Frominvigoratinghikesthroughourpicturesquelandscapestotranquilafternoonsspent picnickingbytheriver,there’snoshortageofwaystoreconnectwithnatureandrecharge your spirit. At Parks and Recreation, we are passionate about promoting wellbeing and fostering a sense of community through recreation. We believe that engaging in recreational activities not only benefits individual health and happiness but also strengthensthebondsthatuniteusasacommunity.
I encourage you to take full advantage of the resources available in this guide and to embrace the spirit of adventure and discovery that summer brings. So, grab your calendar,gatheryourlovedones,andlet'smakethissummeramemorableonefilledwith laughter,learning,andsharedexperiences!
RefundOptions: Accountcredit Refund(pleaseallow2-4weeksforprocessing.) Refunds are subject to approval from the Parks & Recreation Director. Createanaccountifyoudon'thaveonealready: CreateaHouseholdAccountbyclicking “CreateAccount”
May is Older Americans Month. To celebrate, a catered luncheon and awards ceremony will be hosted at the Carlson Center.
20102ndAve,Fairbanks 10:00AM-1:00PM
JUNE
Summer Trails Challenge
Looking to get out on the trails but unsure where to go? Check out our trails challenge! Maps to the trail heads and trail maps available.
TrailslistedintheChallenge Guide
AUG 10
Pioneer Park Block Party
MThe Block Party is a celebration of Fairbanks! Come out for music in the gazebo, train rides, and many other fun activities for the whole family!
2300AirportWay,Fairbanks
SEP 2
Pioneer Park Labor Day
40th Annual Fairbanks Labor Day Parade and celebration. Starting at Noel Wien and ending at the Moose Creek Pavilion with a picnic to follow 2300AirportWay,Fairbanks
MAY 25
Pioneer Park
Living History
Join Pioneer Park at its summer season kickoff! Enjoy added activities and the traditional ones such as the train, carousel, and ice cream!
2300AirportWay,Fairbanks 12:00PM-4:00PM
JULY 4
Pioneer Park July 4th Celebration
The biggest bash of the summer! Come out to Pioneer Park as we celebrate the Nation’s Birthday! Enjoy many added activities.
2300AirportWay,Fairbanks
AUG 20
Joy Community Center Recreation Night
Come out and enjoy one final day in the park before fall sets in. Featuring yard games, chalk, soccer, and much more!
24MargaretAve,Fairbanks 4:30PM-7:00PM
OCT 11
Tanana Lakes Spooky Trail
Come out to Tanana Lakes’ Sandpiper trail for a spooky themed trail walk. Candy hand out the first hour, thrills & chills the second hour.
4400SCushmanStExt,Fairbanks
MAY 27
Pioneer Park Memorial Day Ceremony
Pioneer Park’s annual gathering to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
2300AirportWay,Fairbanks 12:00PM
JULY 13
Chena Lake Art & Music Festival
Come out to Chena Lake and enjoy local festive fun, food, music, and sunshine. Fun is where you make it, so take it to Chena Lake!
3780LauranceRd,NorthPole 2:00PM-7:00PM
AUG 31
Pioneer Park Museum Day
The last weekend of the park season, come visit the museums for free! There will be historical demonstrations held by the various museums.
2300AirportWay,Fairbanks
OCT 26
Halloween Trick or Treat Town
Safe trick or treating while enjoying Halloween activities abound! Come out to Pioneer Park for the biggest kid friendly Halloween Party in town.
2300AirportWay,Fairbanks
COMMUNITY RECREATION
The Fairbanks North Star Borough Parks and Recreation Department puts focus on creating inclusive special events and recreational programstobringpeopleofallagesandabilities together.Wedesignandhostactivitiesthatcater to the needs and interests of youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities, we create a supportive and welcoming environment for everyone to engage and have fun! We promote participationfromawiderangeofindividualsand fosterasenseofcommunityandbelonging,while alsocelebratingtheuniqueskillsandtalentsthat eachpersonbringstothetable. Comejoinusfor somefunandmakesomememoriesthissummer.
Ready for another summer of fun? The FNSB Parks & Recreation Play Passport is here! Complete 20 activitiesinanyorderandcollectafunprize! ReturnyourPassporttotheParks&Recoffice andbeentered inourGRANDPRIZEdrawing!
Dates May28th,2024-August,23rd,2024
SCAVENGERHUNT
Parks&RecOfficeoronlineatparks.fnsb.gov
SENIOR RECREATION
Schedules subject to change. Some program information may have changed after this guide has been printed. The online version is available for download at: parks.fnsb.gov.
Ifyouhaveanyideasorconcernsthatbearupon the welfare of senior citizens and are within the powersoftheFairbanksNorthStarBorough,you may contact any member of the Senior Citizens AdvisoryCommission.
Visitfnsb.gov/406/boards-commissions
TRANSPORTATION
Transportation to our activities is available through Van Tran for those within its operating areas. If you would like more information on requesting rides for our senior outings and programs please call the Recreation Program Managerat(907)459-1097.Thetransportationis at no cost to you when attending designated Parks&RecreationSeniorProgramsandOutings.
MOREINFORMATION
Questions,commentsandconcernsfortheSenior Recreation Program should be directed to the ProgramManagerat (907)459-1097.
DO YOU LIKE THIS GUIDE? WE HAVE ONE JUST FORSENIORS: https://fairbanksak.myrec.com/info/activities/pro gram_details.aspx?ProgramID=29905
ADAPTIVE RECREATION
Schedules subject to change. Some program information may have changed after this guide has been printed. The online version is available for download at: www.parks.fnsb.gov.
INFORMATION
INFORMATION
The Parks & Recreation Adaptive Program offers community-basedrecreationandleisureactivities specially designed for individuals who have a disability and/or special needs. Our services are designedtoassistpeopleindevelopingandusing their leisure time in ways that enhance their health, well-being, and quality of life. These programs promote independent individual interaction in a supervised group setting. If you are interested in any of these programs, or have questions,comments,orconcerns,pleasecontact theProgramManagerat(907)459-1097.
ARTCLASSES
TRANSPORTATION
Transportation to our activities is available through Van Tran for those within its operating areas. If you would like more information on requesting rides for adaptive outings and programs, please call the Recreation Program Manager at (907) 459-1097. The transportation is at no cost to participants when attending designatedParks&RecreationAdaptivePrograms andoutings.
Join our group swim time at Mary Siah Rec Center and enjoy thepoolandhottub!Participantswhoneedassistanceinthe lockerroommusthaveacareprovider,andtheprovidermust stay in the building while participants swim. Join us for Art rightafterswimming!!
Thursdays 1:00-2:15PM MSRC* Free
*HeldatHAMMEPOOLduringMSRCshutdown
ART
YEARROUND
After swimming, we head to the Activity Room, downstairs at MarySiah.Letthecreativeenergyflowwithfunanddifferent projects!Musicandfunguaranteed!
Need a space to cool off over the summer? Open year round, Parks and Recreation has 3 indoor public pools.Ourpoolshostawidevarietyofprogramssuchasswimlessons,waterexerciseclasses,lapswim,and openswim.SwimLessonInstructorsarecertifiedusingtheRedCrossLearn-to-Swimcurriculum.
Are you a good swimmer? Do you like people and kids? Do you want to work in a fun but challenging environment,teachswimlessons,andhelpensurepoolsafety?Askusaboutbecomingalifeguard! We offer American Red Cross Lifeguard and Water Safety Instructor Courses several times a year. Casual, Part-time,andpermanentjobsavailable.
TheRedCrossLifeguardcertificationcoursetaughtbycertifiedBoroughinstructors.Thiscourseisrequired to work as a lifeguard. Participants must be 15 or older at the completion of the class. Must pass the prescreeningtesttoparticipateinclass.
Several classes offered each year. Dates to be announced. Call for more information.
WATERSAFETYINSTRUCTORCOURSE
Ages16andolder
This is the Red Cross Water Safety Instructor certification course. This class is required for teaching swim lessonsandrequiredwithin6monthsofhireformostpoolpositions.Participantsmustbe16yearsoldand abletoswimeachofthesixLearn-To-Swimstrokeswithalevel4proficiency. ParticipantsMUSTattendallclassdates.
Parks and Recreation offers spaces for you to host birthday parties at five facilities availableatthesametimeasRecSkate,OpenSwimorthePlayzone.Allreservations are for a 2 hour time slot. Please note an additional activity fee is required to skate, swim,orplayinthePlayzone.
Additionally, the Big Dipper hosts an indoor ice rink, available year round with the exception of a onemonth summer maintenance closure. There is open recreational skating available nearly every day, with skatesavailabletorent. Skate
Did you know the Big Dipper is part of a larger recreation complex called the Hez Ray Sports Complex? Covering 82 acres, the complex includes the Big Dipper Ice Arena, summer outdoor pickleball courts, an outdoor running/walking dirt track, an indoor walking track, the Kiwanis Football Field, two artificial turf fields,theFYSAsoccercomplex,andtheGoldenHeartSoftballAssociationsoftballfields.
Startedin1961,WEIOisacelebrationofthetraditionalactivities carried out in communities throughout the state and beyond. The games that are played display the preparedness one neededforsurvival.Theyrequireskillaswellasstrength,agility, and endurance. WEIO - WORLD ESKIMO INDIAN OLYPMICS July 10-13th
Thisawardwinningeventandtraditioncontinuestodaywitha gathering of the Alaska Native Community at the Big Dipper. LEARNMOREatweio.org
HEZRAYCOMMUNITYPARTNERS
GoldenHeartSoftball
FairbanksYouthSoccer
FairbanksIceDogs
HockeyClubFairbanks
FairbanksGrizzlies
CatholicSchoolsofFairbanks
ArcticLionsHockey
FairbanksWomen’sHockey
OldTimer’sHockey
FairbanksYouthFootball andCheer
FarthestNorthPickleball
BIGDIPPERICEARENA
TheBigDipperIceArena,commonlyreferredtoas "The Dipper," hosts public skating, figure skating, youth and adult hockey, and is the home of the FairbanksIceDogs.Awalkingtrackisavailableand freetothepublicduringscheduledhours.Oncean airplane hangar in Tanacross, the structure was reassembled and repurposed, through the volunteer efforts of Hez Ray, as an ice arena in Fairbanks in 1968. Most areas of the facility, including the ice, are available for private rentals andevents.
KIWANISFOOTBALLFIELD
Looking for a location to practice sprints or walk laps? Check out the outdoor track behind the Big Dipper. Open to the public, this space provides an informaltrackavailableforrunnersandwalkersof all ages. Kiwanis Field is located inside the track andlinedforfootballlaterintheseason.Thisfield is available for reservation for many sports and activities.
ARTIFICIALTURFFIELDS
The Artificial Turf Fields (1966 Davis Rd) opened in 2015 after being constructed with the support of funding from the Rasmuson Foundation, Tanana Valley Youth Sports, Fairbanks Youth Soccer, and theStateofAlaska.Thefirstfieldstobeclearinthe spring,theyarepopularforspringsports.Thereare two full sized fields, several sets of bleachers, and portablerestrooms.Fielduseisbyreservationonly and books up quickly in the spring. The fields are more frequently available once the grass fields dry out.
PICKLEBALLCOURTS
When the ice melts, the outdoor ice skating rinks become pickleball courts! Featuring 10 asphalt courts,thereisalwaysroomandthereisNOFEEto play. The Skate Room inside the Big Dipper has a limited number paddles and balls to borrow at no cost. The Farthest North Pickleball Club frequents thecourtsatspecifictimeseachweekandisagreat resourceforbeginners!
CARLSON CENTER
TheJohnA.CarlsonCenterisNorthernAlaska’spremiermulti-purposefacility.Locatedonthebanksofthe ChenaRiver,theCarlsonCenteristhesecondlargestarenainthestatewithamaximumcapacityof6,000 and over 115,000 Square feet of space, The Carlson Center has hosted national touring entertainment including Elton John, Harlem globetrotters and a host of expos and conferences. The facility also has the abilitytohostbanquetsupto1000personswithinhousecateringoptionsavailable.Itisthehometothe UniversityofAlaskaNanooksDivision1hockeyteam.
PioneerParkwasestablishedin1967asthegroundsfortheAlaska’67CentennialExposition.Theintentof theExpositionwastocelebratethe100thanniversaryofthepurchaseofAlaskafromRussia.TheSSNenana was floated onto the property along a trench dug from the Chena, and multiple log cabins and older structuresfromtheoriginalFairbankstownsiteandothersitesnearbywererelocatedtotheproperty.
ThereisnoadmissionfeetoenterPioneerPark.FeelfreetocometotheParkandexperienceaself-guided tourofourartifacts,buildingsandgrounds!YoucanalsoenjoytheplaygroundandBearArtGalleryatno cost! Some museums and activities charge a nominal fee. Summer season hours, from Memorial Day weekendthroughLaborDayweekend,are12:00pm-8:00pm.TheAlaskaSalmonBakeisopendailyduring theSummerseasonfrom5:00pm-9:00pmfordinnerandthePalaceTheateroffersadailyshowat8:15pm.
RV
PARKING
Pioneer Park welcomes RV visitors to stay in our parking lot for $12 a night (maximum of 5 consecutive nights). No reservations required. There are no hook- ups available. Restrooms are availableinthepark.
CONSTRUCTION
Ahistoricparkisinconstantneedofmaintenance. Lastsummerwereplacedsomerestrooms,roofs, floors, and repaired the first floor of the SS Nenana. This summer we will be continuing repairs on the SS Nenana, preparing for replacementofplaygroundstructures,andmore
MUSEUMS
SSNenana
The “Last Lady of the River” was built in Nenana, Alaska and launched in 1933. This 210 foot wooden hull boat carried both passengers and freight operating on the Yukon and Tanana rivers until 1954 and she was named a National Historic Landmark in 1989.
KittyHensleyHouse
Our pioneer lady, Kitty Hensley arrived in Fairbanksin1907andwastheoriginalowner of this Queen Anne style house and of the riverboat the “Florence S”. Stop in and visit thisuniquemuseumwhichreflectshowearly day pioneer homemakers were an integral partofsettlingFairbanks.
HardingCar
Also known as the Denali Car, President Warren G. Harding rode in this car when he came to Alaska in 1923 to drive the Golden SpikefortheAlaskaRailroad.Visitthiscarto learnmoreaboutwhatthismeantforAlaska!
WickershamHouse
Originally situated on the corner of 1st Avenue and Noble Street, this was the first house in Fairbanks built with milled lumber. Built for $175 in 1904, this house was placed ontheHistoricNationalRegisterinApril1979.
PARKPARTNERS
AlaskaSalmonBake
OperatinginhistoricPioneerParkforover40 years, the Alaska Salmon Bake offers an authentic Alaskan dining experience in a trulyuniqueenvironment.
The Folk School Fairbanks offers year-round classesandprogramsforallagesin traditional crafts, woodworking, outdoor skills,andhands-onartsandsciences.
Contact:907-457-1219 info@folk.school
OpenDaily12:00pm-8:00pm
MemorialDayWeekend-LaborDay Weekend
Come and view many authentic displays. Learn about the early pioneer’s daily challenges and let your mind experience whatwasneededtosurviveinthenorth.
Housed in the gold dome, the Interior and Arctic Alaska Aeronautical Foundation operates a historical aviation museum. The museum features aircraft and memorabilia fromtheAlaskaairadventuresofyesteryear.
Engine #1 was restored over a ten year period by the Friends of the Tanana Valley RailroadandisondisplayintheMuseum.It is the oldest operating steam locomotive in AlaskaandtheYukonTerritory.
BearArtGallery
Located on the third floor of the Centennial Center for the Arts, this free art gallery is opentothepublicyearround. Hours:Monday-Saturday12pm-6pm
NorthernLightsCouncilofDancers
The dance hall at Pioneer Park is maintained by the Northern Lights CouncilofDancers.Manydifferentdance organizations use the hall to provide classesonmultiplestylesofdance.New dancers are always welcome! For more information, call the Northern Lights Council of Dancers at 907-699-2345 or contactthematinfo@dancealaska.org.
CanoeAlaska
Paddle the Chena River from Pioneer Park! CanoeAlaska offers canoe, kayak, inflatables and stand up paddle board rentals.Theyarelocatedattheboatlaunch in the park. For more information and pricingvisittheirwebsite.
Sinceit’sbeginningin1967,PioneerPark(Alaskaland)hasbeenknowforit’shistoricalsignificance.Gold RushTownhasbeenananchoroftheFairbanksvisitorexperiencefordecades.The100+year-oldcabins now house local craft, food, and gift vendors, waiting to share their Alaska story with you. Get into the pioneering spirit with one of our most popular vendors, Old Time Photo while in the park! And don’t forgetanicecream,availableatseveralvendors.AlaskaranksNo.1inicecreamconsumedpercapita! GoldRushTownisanchoredbythehistoricSSNenana.LearnmoreattheFriendsoftheSSNenanacabin.
Join Pioneer Park at its summer season kickoff! Enjoy added activities and the traditional ones such as the train, carousel, and ice cream!
JUNE
Color Gold Rush Town at Pioneer Park! Create a colorful chalk design with prizes awards to top creations voted on by a panel of Parks and Recreation staff. Be sure to register ahead of time!
JULY
Summer is here! Have fun with music in the gazebo, free face painting, balloon artists and other great activities for kids to enjoy!
25 26 27 15 4 21 10 26 31
The Block Party is a celebration of Fairbanks! Come out for music in the gazebo, train rides, and many other fun activities for the whole family!
The biggest bash of the summer! Come out to Pioneer Park as we celebrate the Nation’s Birthday! Enjoy many added activities.
Pioneer Park’s annual gathering to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
JULY
Join us for this hilarious and fun tradition in Pioneer Park! Make a team and race through the streets of Gold Rush Town in a tub full of water OR bring the whole family to watch! Either way you'll have a blast! This event is FREE for spectators!
Free entrance to all museums at Pioneer Park. Celebrate our Fairbanks history by visiting the Pioneer Museum, Tanana Valley Railroad museum, or Pioneer Air Museum!
Safe trick or treating while enjoying Halloween activities abound! Come out to Pioneer Park for the biggest kid friendly Halloween Party in town.
CHENALAKERECAREA
NorthPole,AK99705
ParkOffice: (907)488-1655
BoatRental: (907)450-9024
Chena Lake Recreation Area is a 2,178 acre park located east of North Pole. The park offers multiple outdooractivitiesincludingcamping,boating,swimming,hiking,biking,andfishing.
Managed by the FNSB Parks and Recreation Department in conjunction with the Army Corps of Engineers, the park consists of two distinct sections, The Lake Park and The River Park. The Lake Park features51campsites(summeruseonly),including6siteslocatedonanislandonlyaccessiblebynonmotorizedboat.59acreChenaLakehasasandswimbeach,twopavilions,aboatrentalstationanADA accessiblefishingdockandanADAcanoelaunch.
AMENTIES INCLUDE:
RVandTentCamping
Non-motorizedBoatLaunch
SwimmingAreasw/sandybeaches
Multiplelake&riveraccesspoints
ADACanoeLaunch
DayUsePicnicSitesw/FireRings
3ReserveablePavilions
PavedandGravelBikePaths
Non-motorizedBoatLaunch
2FishingDocks
PotableWaterStations
10+milesoftrails
The River Park is a more secluded area with two different camping areas (summer use only), a pavilion,fishing,hikingtrails,picnicsites,andboat accesstotheChenaRiver.
RiverParkCrossCountrySkiTrails are available for year- round use. Choose from 3 loops for up to 7 kilometers (4.35 miles) of trails nestledalongtheChenaRiverand the flood control collection channel. Please remember to be alerttothepresenceofwildlifeon thesetrails.
Findamap here!
CAMPING $20/night Tent, $30/night Camper
Chena Lake has two campgrounds; one at the LakeParkandoneattheRiverParkfora totalof 80 campsites, with potable water pumps and outhouse style restrooms. The Lake Park island hasanadditional6tentcampingsites,whichcan onlybeaccessedbynonmotorizedboat.Camping Available May - September; Sites are first come, firstserve.Tent,Camper,Vehicle,etc.mustbein thesitetoclaim.Onceyouarriveinasite,please filloutthegreencardandplaceitinslotonpost. A Park Ranger will collect your payment during your stay. Camping Rules: Fires allowed in fire pits only. No cutting of trees, brush or bark. Burning pallets is strictly prohibited. Firewood is available for sale from Park Rangers. Quiet time hours:10pm-6am.Checkouttimeis2pm.
BIKING
Chena Lake Recreation Area has 5.5 miles of paved bike trails and 3.6 miles of unpaved bike trails. With multiple parking areas and easy access on and off the trails, make Chena Lake your next biking destination! All trails are flat, with little to no elevation gain. Bike Rentals are available between Memorial and Labor Day in theLakePark.
FISHING
Chena Lake Recreation Area is stocked with RainbowTrout,SilverSalmon,KingSalmon,and ArcticChar.Fishingcanbegoodfromallareasof the lake and is especially good from boats on the lake (non-motorized). The Alaska Department of Fish and Game regulates fishing in Alaska and requires licenses for almost all people age 16 and over. Licenses are available online at adfg.alaska.gov. Call their Fairbanks Officeformoreinformationat907-459-7207.
PAVILIONRENTALS
Pavilion Rentals are available at both the Lake Park and River Park.$10perhour.Choosefrom the Island View Pavilion, Riverside Pavilion, or Swim Beach Pavilion. Other area reservations are also available. Specialeventfeesmayapply.
BOATING
The Lake Park area invites all non-motorized watercraftuserstoenjoythelake,butweaskthat you do so responsibly. No boats are to be within the buoys marking the swimming beach area. Boat rentals are available in the Lake Park. Onsite boat rentals are offered through Alaska DreamAdventures. Check: alaskadreamadventures.com for pricing. OpenMemorialDaythroughLaborDay.Theboat launch into the Chena River located in the River Park is recommended for very experienced boatersonly.
TANANALAKESRECAREA
Conveniently located just minutes from downtown Fairbanks, Tanana Lakes Recreation Area is a 750 acremulti-userecreationarea.Thisparkoffersplentyofoutdooropportunitiesyear-roundforpeopleof allagesincludingboating,swimming,hiking,biking,walking,photography,andfishinginthesummer.
This summer construction will continue on a new access road, upgraded parking lots, accessible trails, and several new outhouses. Bear with use through this construction as we will all love the improvementswhentheyarecomplete.
AMENTIES INCLUDE:
4+milesofTrails
FishingDocks&ADABoatLaunch
StockedfishingbyADF&G
Non-MotorizedandMotorizedLakes
Twoplaygrounds
SwimBeachwithVolleyballCourt
SouthCushmanRifleRange
PavilionRentals
Birdwatching Picnicsites
Tanana Lakes Recreation Area invites all motorized and non-motorized watercraft users to enjoy the lakes, but we ask that you do so responsibly. No motorized boats allowed on CushmanLake.TananaLake,whichallowsentry to the Tanana River (river levels permitting), is open to motorized boats. On-site boat rentals areofferedthroughAlaskaDreamAdventures. Check:alaskadreamadventures.comforpricing
SWIMMING
Tanana Lakes Recreation Area offers two sandy beaches and swim areas for visitors to enjoy, includingpicnictablesandtwobeachvolleyball courts. Swimmer’s itch can be an issue during some parts of the summer, so be sure to follow anypostedrecommendations.
FISHING
Tanana Lakes is stocked annually by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game with Rainbow Trout and Chinook Salmon. The Tanana River has Arctic Grayling, Northern Pike, Whitefish, and Burbot that are found occasionally at Tanana Lakes. Fishing can be good from all areas of the lake and is especially good from boats on the lake (non-motorized). The Alaska Department of Fish and Game regulates fishing in Alaska and requires licenses for almost all people age 16 and over. Licenses are available online at adfg.alaska.gov. Call their Fairbanks Officeformoreinformationat907-459-7207.
RIFLERANGE
Open 8:00 am - 10:00 pm Daily; Closed Wednesdays 8:00 am - 12:00 pm (noon) for Maintenance and Cleaning. The discharge of firearms, bows, or crossbows are generally prohibitedforpublicsafetyreasonsanywherein the recreation area, except at the outdoor shootingrange.
TRAILS
In the summertime, Tanana Lakes hosts motorized and non-motorized trails throughout the park, as well as a section of gravel service roads. In summer, the 6.4 km loop around the parkisagreatoption.TheSandpiper,Eagleand OverlookTrailsoffershortertreks.
TheBirchHillSkiCenterisperfectforyournextevent!Weddings,corporateevents,familygatheringsor birthday parties. The facility calendar fills up quickly so book your event early. Reservations may be approvedupto18monthsinadvance.TheLodgeisopenbyreservationonlyfromApril15-October15. 101WildernessDrive Fairbanks,AK99701
TheBirchHillRecreationAreaisoneofthepremiercross-countryskiingdestinationsinthecountrywith seeminglyendlesstrailsweavingthroughtherolling,forestedhillsaboveFairbanks.Duringthesummer theskitrailsoffergreatopportunitiesforabikeorstrolloraroundofdiscgolf.Althoughyoucanusethe trails at any time, the gate to the recreation area is closed and locked from 10:00pm to 7:00am each night.Thelogwarmuphut,withwaterrestroomsandwater,isopen24/7.
AMENTIES INCLUDE:
Over 40 kilometers of trails for summer running, hiking, and biking. (avoid soft or muddytrails)
18 hole Disc Golf Course winding through hillytrails(bringbugspray)
Warm-Up Hut with 24-hour restrooms and changingfacilities
Largelawnarea
ReserveableLodge
TRAILSOFFICE
The Trails Office is here to help with all your trail needs. Although the office is frequently working on backgroundthingssuchascode,signage,andaccess,wedohosttheSummerTrailsChallengeyearly.The TrailsOfficewouldliketoencourageyoutogetout,explore,andseewhatbeautyyoucanfindinnature.
SPRINGTRAILETIQUETTE
Assnowmeltsandthegroundthaws,the trails become extremely muddy. Using muddytailsatthistimecanresultinruts that stay all summer when the trails dry out. Those ruts can make the trails difficult to use all summer and into the next winter. Ruts create erosion by keepingwateronthetrails.Berespectful andwaitfortrailstodryoutinthespring by using hardened surfaces like bike pathsandroads.
Interior Alaska Trails Newsletter, April 2024
Findmapshere!
WHOHASTHERIGHTOFWAY?
When on trails, look for signs like the onefeaturedheretoknowwhohasthe right of way. Generally, bikes yield to walkers & horses, walkers yield to horses,andmotorizedvehiclesyieldto horses.Agoodruleofthumbistoyield tothoseinleastcontrol.
Bluebell Park
This park was the first park of the Borough’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Small Park Replacement project and was fully completed in 2022. The Borough received grant funding from the Rasmusson Foundation to renovate parts of the existing park. Partners such as the Tanana Chiefs Conference even donated funding to put towards the new renovations. Bluebell playground received new equipment such as a small rock climbing play piece, a new playhouse structure, accessibility improvements and new park signage.
South Cushman Shooting Range
Isberg Recreation Area
The Borough received Pittman Robertson grant funding from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game to renovate the shooting range to improve overall safety and accessibility. Improvements that can be enjoyed at the range include accessible paved pathways, ADA parking at both the pistol and rifle range, replacement of the rifle range roof structure, the addition of a single vault toilet, adding of a center berm for safety and allow for reserved events for education to even take place on one side. The range will be receiving final improvements as part of the Pittman Roberston grant program in the summer of 2024 which will include the paving of the parking lot.
Before
Two sections of Isberg Trail were renovated with Recreational Trails Program (RTP) grant funding in two phases, with construction taking place at various times from 2020 through 2022. Trail restoration included massive re-hardening efforts to raise the trail out of the wet and deeply trenched areas to improve motorized and multi-use accessibility for year-round use.
Accessible Pathway
Growden Pathway was renovated and completed in 2022. The pathway spans roughly from Pioneer Park and meanders on by the Chena Riverwalk, passing by the Ruth Burnett Sport Fish Hatchery, the Kiwanis Club playground, the John Weaver Memorial Skate Park, and the Goldpanners Stadium. The Growden pathway also brings you close to volleyball courts along with the local Growden Park and Kiwanis Club Playgrounds. Park goers can also enjoy the picnic area adjacent to the pathway.
John Weaver Memorial Skate Park
The John Weaver Memorial Skate Park was renovated and celebrated with a ribbon cutting ceremony on October 8, 2022. The Parks and Recreation department collaborated with the Fairbanks Skate Park Coalition (FSPC) to best discover the needs and desires of the user group that could best serve the community. The FSPC also raised funds and received funding from Doyon Limited Corporation and the Tony Hawk Foundation among several other donors to help fund this project. The newly revitalized skate park has been a huge hit for all ages in the community to get out and enjoy the new concrete skate park. This park is the only concrete skate park in the Fairbanks North Star Borough!
Growden Park & Kiwanis Club Park Playgrounds and More!
Growden Park Complex is home to two playgrounds, both offering various play styles for youth. Kiwanis Club playground has swings available for both child and guardian to enjoy together, known as ‘parent tot-swings’. Growden is also home to volleyball courts, a roof covered picnic area, a viewing spot overlooking the new skate park, and numerous baseball fields including the home field of the Fairbanks Goldpanners baseball team. Growden Park Complex offers a little bit of everything for visitors!
Our tentative reopening date is June 1st, and we can't wait to welcome you back! You can expect to see all new furnishings, expanded Berry Room and YoungAdultareas,acafé,andmuchmore!
We are always on the go! If you wish to get in touch with the Bookmobile Services staff, please call (907) 459-1031oremailbookmobile@fnsb.gov.
Please check the library calendar online for current hours and the most updated schedule at fnsblibrary.org!
LIBRARYSERVICES
COMMUNITYGARDEN @NORTHPOLELIBRARY
SUMMERREADINGPROGRAM ATFNSBLIBRARIES
SummerReadingProgramisback!JoinusatNoel Wien or North Pole Branch for activities and storytimesthroughoutthesummermonths.More information available on the library website at fnsblibrary.org!
MOVIENIGHT @NORTHPOLELIBRARY
Join us on May 13th from 4-6pm for Movie Monday.We’llbeshowinganewanimatedfamily film. All ages welcome and snacks will be provided.
Interestedingardening,butdon’thavethespace?SignuptobeapartofourCommunityGarden.Helpout on planting day June 8th, take a turn watering and weeding, harvest throughout the summer, then help cleanupsometimeinearlySeptember.CalltheLibraryat907-488-6101formoredetails.
