Delaney Park Strip

A Touch of Anchorage History

Tucked in the heart of downtown Anchorage, you can find Delaney Park Strip - an 11-block long, 1-block wide stretch of green space that's been part of the city's identity since 1917. This isn't just any park; it's a living timeline of Anchorage's evolution.

Initially created as a firebreak between the growing township and the surrounding forest, this versatile space has worn many hats over the decades. In the 1920s, planes touched down here when it served as Anchorage's first airfield, while golfers practiced their swings on what was also the city's early golf course.

The 1940s saw the park transform yet again, with converted barracks providing much-needed housing during a population boom. Even today, you can still make out the distinctive runway shape - a quirky feature that has locals affectionately calling it "the park strip."

What You'll Find Today

Now stretching 13 blocks from A to P Streets between 9th and 10th Avenues, Delaney Park functions as a central gathering space where people come together to play, celebrate, and relax.

As you wander through, you'll discover open grassy areas great for lounging, interconnected walking paths, and thought-provoking memorials and monuments that tell stories of Alaska's past. The Veterans Memorial offers a quiet space for reflection that many find moving.

The Centennial Rose Garden stands out as a labor of love, carefully tended by local volunteers who bring splashes of color to the Alaskan landscape. It's a peaceful spot worth lingering in, especially during bloom season.

Train enthusiasts shouldn't miss Train #556, a preserved locomotive that stands as a tangible reminder of the vital role railroads played in developing this northern frontier.

Get Moving

No matter if you're looking to break a sweat or just stretch your legs, Delaney Park offers several options. The wide, flat lawns invite impromptu games of frisbee, kite flying, or just sprawling out with a good book.

For more structured recreation, take your pick of tennis courts, basketball courts, or volleyball courts. The park also includes fitness equipment for outdoor workouts, horseshoe pits for a bit of old-school fun, and baseball and soccer fields for team sports.

Dog owners, you'll appreciate the open spaces where your four-legged friends can get some exercise. The paths make for perfect walking routes, whether you're aiming for a quick lunchtime loop or a longer evening stroll.

Community at Its Heart

What really brings Delaney Park to life are the events that fill its calendar. The grassy expanse becomes center stage during Anchorage's Fourth of July Celebration and transforms into a winter wonderland during the Fur Rondy Winter Carnival.

Cultural celebrations like the Juneteenth Festival bring music, food, and community spirit to the park. Throughout the summer, you might stumble upon anything from local markets to outdoor concerts.

The park's long, straight layout makes it well-suited for road races and marathons, with Alaska's mountains providing a scenic backdrop for runners.

Practical Stuff

You can find picnic tables scattered throughout the park - meant for enjoying lunch outdoors or hosting a small gathering when the weather cooperates.

Portable restrooms are available, and trash bins are placed conveniently so there's no excuse not to keep this community treasure clean. The park welcomes visitors daily from 6AM to 11PM, accommodating both early birds and night owls.

In winter, don't write Delaney Park off - the snow-covered landscape offers its own kind of magic and becomes a fantastic vantage point for mountain photography. Each season brings something new to this ever-evolving piece of Anchorage heritage.