Commission proposes expanding Wasilla parks

WASILLA -- Citing a need to look to the future of Wasilla and preserve open spaces for hiking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing and other activities, the city's Parks and Recreation Commission recently proposed a resolution that the Wasilla Planning Commission expand the Bumpus Ball Field park complex by acquiring nearby undeveloped land.

The property, named after former Wasilla Mayor Charlie Bumpus, contains the largest public pristine forest within the city limits and provides multiple opportunities for outdoor recreation, including wildlife observation, map orienteering and outdoor sports such as softball, baseball and soccer.

With Wasilla being the fastest-growing city in Alaska between 1990 and 2000, the parks commission recommended expanding the 120-acre Bumpus Ball Field site if land becomes available.

"We just wanted to let the city council know that this is something they should consider," said Bruce Urban, recreation and cultural services manager for Wasilla. "We are just looking out for the future."

In a summary report to the council, the Parks and Recreation Commission said that due to rapid population growth, available land is becoming increasingly difficult to acquire. The report goes on to state that any added park land is important to the quality of public life.

"Anytime you can provide outdoor recreation opportunities for citizens, the better it is for the people," Urban said.

Funding for new park land, however, is nonexistent, according to Public Works Director Archie Giddings. He said the recommendation by the Parks and Recreation Commission is more to raise awareness, at this point.

"From a parks perspective, as Wasilla develops, there will be less and less opportunities to have parks," Giddings said.

Dave Tuttle, chairman of the Parks and Recreation Commission, said that while the Bumpus Ball Field facility is great for the city, it will likely have to expand as population and community needs expand. Tuttle said there are already a few new warehousing businesses that have gone in recently near the park and he doesn't want to wait until it's too late.

"I guess the biggest thing is that I don't want to be the one that says we shoulda, coulda, woulda."

Contact Joel Davidson at joel.davidson@frontiersman.com.