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Some of you may remember when Anchorage's Town Square Park was dominated by old buildings, including a Burger King. Forty years ago, our community shared a vision to create a park in the heart of our city, a clean, safe open space where residents could enjoy and gather. At the time, we were learning lessons from other towns around the country that weren't thinking about the future of growing cities like ours. With the support of the community, then-Mayor Tony Knowles acquired the land, demolished the old buildings and created a new park in downtown Anchorage. This was a groundbreaking move for downtown and the growing city around us.
This all happened when Anchorage's population was about 200,000 people, Facebook didn't exist, computers were dominated by IBM 286 PCs, cell phones were only found in the rich's cars and weighed a ton, there was no Minnesota Drive Bypass or Benson Boulevard, and there were no neighborhood recreation centers.
Back then, the park was used by everyone in the community. People could listen to live music, attend events, and even go ice skating in the winter. On sunny days, it was common to see families, children, and nearby office workers at the park on their lunch break. There was something for everyone.
Unfortunately, Town Square Park has become a mess. Children no longer play in the park, and downtown workers and tourists are no longer enjoying the park. People find it unsafe to walk in the park or avoid it. The only time it feels somewhat safe is when organizations like the Anchorage Downtown Partnership host events in the park and people gather. But as soon as those activities end, the unpleasant activities start up again. Simply put, Town Square Park is a mess. It doesn't have to be this way.
More than five years ago, Anchorage residents began an effort to reimagine Town Square Park with an eye to the future. After much discussion and many ideas, a new plan was developed to improve safety and bring regular community use back to Town Square. But a lack of leadership has left the plan sitting on a shelf somewhere.
Some will say you can't afford it. Some will say you can't get it done.
Well, when I was Mayor of Anchorage, I heard the same thing about the construction of the new Dena’ina Civic Conference Center, the renovation of Lake Otis Drive and Tudor Road, the expansion of the Anchorage Museum at the Rasmuson Center, the construction of the Mountain View Library, the Girdwood Community Center/Library and Fire Station, the Eagle River Library, etc. But we came together as a community and got it all done.
I have no doubt that if we work together and make this a priority, we can return Town Square Park to the clean, safe community gathering place it deserves.
Imagine a fully renovated Town Square Park — a bright, vibrant, safe space where families and visitors can gather year-round and that serves as a gateway to our beloved Alaska Performing Arts Center. The weekend pop-up markets and holiday gatherings we currently host are better situated in the heart of Anchorage, and families can enjoy even more winter recreational activities like ice skating and curling, as we've seen in the past. This is the Anchorage we should live in.
On Monday afternoon, our community will come together in Town Square Park to celebrate the inauguration of our new Mayor, Suzanne LaFrance. We are excited about the new energy her leadership will bring to our city, and we all hope this event will be the first step in restoring a safe and clean Town Square Park for the entire community to enjoy.
Mark Begich is a former U.S. senator and mayor of Anchorage.
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