Margaret Eagan Sullivan Park

Natural Features

Margaret Eagan Sullivan Park, also known as Westchester Lagoon, is a popular urban park located in Anchorage, Alaska. Spanning approximately 89.3 acres, this park serves as a peaceful and recreational oasis within the city.

The park features an 11-acre lagoon, which serves as a focal point for many activities. Wildlife enthusiasts and birdwatchers will find the park particularly appealing, as the lagoon and surrounding areas attract various waterfowl, including ducks and geese, especially during summer and fall.

Moose sightings are also common year-round in the park.

Recreation Opportunities

In the summer, the lagoon is available for small boats, kayaking, and paddleboarding. During winter, it transforms into a popular ice skating area, complete with regular bonfires for warmth and ambiance.

The park is notable for its extensive trail system. It lies at the convergence of two of Anchorage's most popular trails—the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail and the Chester Creek Trail.

These trails provide excellent opportunities for walking, running, biking, and in winter, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. In winter, portions of the park are groomed for cross-country skiing, adding to its year-round appeal.

Amenities

The park underwent significant renovations in 2013, particularly to its playground equipment. The playground now features multiple zones designed for different age groups, making it one of Anchorage's premier play areas for children.

Additionally, there is a fitness area with equipment suitable for older children and adults, providing opportunities for body-weight oriented workouts.

The park provides several amenities to enhance visitor experience, including parking areas, a shelter, and access to portable restrooms.

History

Margaret Eagan Sullivan Park's history dates back to the 1960s when it was part of an urban renewal project. Originally used as a ski area with a rope tow on Romig Hill, the park has evolved over the decades to become a multifaceted recreational space.

Its development included the construction of a dike, an underpass, and a tide gate, as well as the creation of islands in the lagoon for nesting birds.