South Anchorage Sports Park

How It All Began

South Anchorage Sports Park spans a generous 63.1 acres in Anchorage, Alaska. Back in June 1997, this park was established on land that once belonged to the Klatt family, who used it as a tree and sod farm. The Municipality of Anchorage acquired the property through a land trade, transforming the former homestead into the community park we know today.

Get Your Game On

If you're looking to play sports, there are numerous athletic facilities available. Baseball fans can choose between an American Legion baseball field and two little league fields. Soccer players have plenty of room to spread out across five soccer fields.

For those with a taste for something different, the park features an RC track where you can zoom around with remote-controlled vehicles. And if you're feeling particularly adventurous, paintball fields offer a more adrenaline-pumping experience.

Kid Paradise

The playground here goes beyond the basic swing-and-slide setup. It's a thoughtfully designed play space popular with families throughout South Anchorage. Kids particularly love the long roller slide flanked by turf climbing areas, and the impressive rope climbing tower that keeps older children challenged and engaged.

Younger visitors can enjoy various swings ranging from platform to leg hole to traditional seats. There's also a spinning globe for those with energy to burn, a generous sandbox complete with manual excavators for budding construction workers, musical bell chimes for the artistically inclined, and apple-shaped climbing structures for a touch of whimsy.

While the playground works well for children of various ages, it's especially suited for the younger crowd, but there's plenty to keep kids up through their early teens entertained.

Room to Roam

Dog owners will appreciate that Four-legged friends can run free in the dedicated dog park area. Many locals enjoy walking the approximately half-mile gravel track that winds through natural surroundings - it's become something of a social spot where regular dog walkers often meet and chat.

Beyond that, you'll come across open areas for impromptu games, a trail system fantastic for walking or jogging, and plenty of green space to spread out a blanket and relax.

The Practical Stuff

Need a spot for lunch or a family gathering? Head to the gazebo with picnic tables. While it occasionally needs a bit of TLC, this covered area provides welcome shade on sunny days.

When nature calls, porta-potties are stationed within the park. And no need to stress about parking - the lot rarely fills up, making visits hassle-free.

What's Coming Next

In 2014, Anchorage Parks and Recreation collaborated with community members to update the master plan for the park. This blueprint outlines improvements for the next 20 years, including additional picnic shelters to enhance your visit. There's also talk of adding a BMX track to complement the existing RC car track - something to look forward to for cycling enthusiasts.

Wildlife Heads-Up

Keep in mind that this is Alaska, after all. You might occasionally spot wildlife, including moose, wandering through the area. If you do encounter any wild animals, remember to keep a safe distance and enjoy the authentic Alaskan experience from afar.