Valley of the Moon Park

Location and Overview

Tucked between downtown and midtown Anchorage, Valley of the Moon Park spreads across nearly 22 acres of prime Alaska landscape along the Chester Creek Greenbelt. The park is located at the intersection of the South Addition and North Star neighborhoods, with Chester Creek creating a natural southern border along the western two-thirds of the park.

You can find the park bordered by 16th and 17th Avenues to the north, with a decent-sized parking lot that makes access easy - though fair warning, it fills up fast when the weather's nice!

History and Development

This Anchorage spot has been evolving since 1960, when the city acquired the land as part of the Chester Creek Greenbelt project. Over the decades, it's become one of the well-known parks in town.

In 2010, the park got a serious upgrade when the Municipality poured $500,000 into improvements. The facelift included a second picnic shelter, modernized play equipment, better ADA accessibility, and some much-needed landscaping and stream bank restoration work.

Natural Environment

Valley of the Moon offers a mix of developed amenities and natural landscape. About half the park remains beautifully undeveloped, cloaked in a thick birch, poplar, and spruce forest that feels miles away from city life.

Chester Creek meanders through the grounds, creating not just a pretty view but a soothing soundtrack of flowing water. The creek runs shallow but swift - a spot where kids often cool their feet during Alaska's warmer months.

Recreation Facilities

### Playground

The playground features more than just the standard equipment. The standout feature has to be the rocket-shaped slide and tower that lives up to the park's lunar name, giving kids a chance to play astronaut for the afternoon.

Beyond the rocket, you can find swings, jungle gyms, and climbing structures scattered throughout the play area. There's even a separate section designed specifically for toddlers, making this a go-to spot for families with kids of different ages.

### Dog Park

What was once a baseball diamond has been transformed into a spacious, fenced-in dog park where four-legged friends can run wild. This off-leash area is popular with local dog owners and sees regular use throughout the year.

Amenities

When it's time to refuel, you've got options. The park offers both covered gazebos and open-air picnic tables within the grounds. Several picnic shelters with concrete foundations can accommodate larger gatherings, making this a popular spot for everything from family reunions to birthday celebrations.

During peak seasons, you'll come across portable toilets maintained on-site - a practical necessity given the park's popularity. The expansive open grassy fields provide plenty of room for impromptu sports games, frisbee tossing, or just sprawling out on a blanket with a good book.

Visitor Experience

With more than 100,000 visitors each summer, Valley of the Moon is a popular destination. It hosts various community events, family get-togethers, and recreational activities during the year. You'll see everything from birthday parties to casual weekend BBQs taking place here.

One of the park's biggest perks is its connection to the larger Chester Creek Trail system, developed back in the 1970s to link children to schools, parks, and libraries across Anchorage. The well-maintained paved paths winding through the park are well-suited for a morning jog, afternoon stroll, or casual bike ride.

Seasonal Features

While Valley of the Moon welcomes visitors year-round, Alaska's distinct seasons definitely transform the experience. Winter brings its own charm, but some facilities and trails may be less accessible under snow cover. Spring and summer paint the park in vibrant greens and blooming wildflowers, while fall treats visitors to a spectacular color show before winter reclaims the landscape.