Tanana Lakes Recreation Area: A Model of Collaborative Community Rehabilitation

About the Program

Category: Personnel Management, Employment and Training (Best in Category)

Year: 2009

The Fairbanks North Star Borough Parks and Recreation Department is working collaboratively with government agencies, non-profit conservation organizations, and constituents to develop an innovative, new recreation area and wildlife preserve. The Tanana Lakes Recreation Area (TLRA) will rehabilitate an industrialized and severely degraded wetland along the Tanana River just south of the City of Fairbanks, Alaska. The 750-acre multi-use park will serve the 97,500 citizens of Fairbanks North Star Borough, state residents, and tourists. TLRA will be a signature park facility for the community offering convenient access to a variety of new, year-round recreational, wildlife, cultural, and educational services. Early on, the project did not have many proponents. Skepticism from agencies regarding the potential impacts to migratory bird habitat nearly derailed the project. However, departments within the Borough, the Alaska Department of Natural Resources, the US Fish & Wildlife Service, and many other organizations and individuals have joined forces to develop innovative solutions to resolve issues and bring the project to fruition. Through this creative and collaborative approach, the Borough has increased citizen and youth participation in park development efforts, reduced project costs, and will provide new and enhanced recreational and educational services to Borough constituents.