Shaping Tomorrow's Trails: Denali Borough's Visionary Outdoor Recreation Plan

A view of Otto Lake, featuring a boat and kayak launch, gathering area around a fire pit, and a playground in the distance.

To enhance outdoor recreation opportunities across a region the size of Vermont and Delaware combined, the Denali Borough has crafted a comprehensive Community and Outdoor Recreation Plan designed to transform how residents connect with their spectacular surroundings.

A Vision Born from Community

This two-year initiative, led by the Denali Borough's Community Development Director and supported by the National Park Service – Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance program (NPS-RTCA), represents a groundbreaking approach to community-driven planning. Kristin Pace, an Outdoor Recreation and Community Planner with NPS-RTCA, had deep roots in the community which helped bridge the traditional wariness toward federal involvement in local affairs. For Pace, watching former neighbors thoughtfully shape their community into the place they had always envisioned was particularly meaningful. Today, the plan stands as much more than a document; it serves as a launchpad for numerous community-enhancing projects.

Strategic Partnerships

The collaboration between the Denali Borough, Denali National Park and Preserve, and the nonprofit organization Alaska Trails—along with support from the Alaska Department of Transportation, created a robust foundation for success. Notably, Denali National Park and Preserve provided trail crew assistance to a featured project, appointed a liaison to the Community and Outdoor Recreation Committee (CORC), and maintained consistent representation throughout the planning process.

Preserving Local Identity

A cornerstone of the plan is its dedication to preserving community identity and historical uses. For the first time, generations of oral history regarding local trails and recreational areas have been documented, creating a written record of traditional knowledge. This emphasis on heritage reflects the community's desire to protect their way of life as the area grows and changes.

Two residents hiking in Suntrana Canyon.

Strategic Public Engagement

Pace led a planning process that involved three distinct phases of community input—focusing on the mission and vision, recreation patterns, and project prioritization. This approach, supported by outreach at public events, ensured that the final plan was responsive to residents’ needs.

CORC brought together various perspectives from across the Borough. Their readiness to engage in thoughtful, sometimes challenging discussions resulted in stronger and more comprehensive solutions that resonated with the broader community.

Members of the Community and Outdoor Recreation Committee.

Transformative Impact

The Community and Outdoor Recreation Plan outlines ambitious projects, including dedicated highway bike paths, multi-purpose trail systems, enhanced connectivity with Denali National Park, and improved active transportation infrastructure. Importantly, the plan was strategically developed to align with specific funding opportunities, increasing its potential for implementation.

Looking to the Future

This plan not only provides a roadmap for the next decade but also opens doors to grant funding opportunities. Its focus on public land management, accessibility, health, and heritage creates a balanced approach to community development that honors both current and future needs.

The Denali Borough's approach offers a model for other communities that are seeking to enhance their recreational infrastructure through meaningful engagement. The success of this initiative demonstrates how local leadership, combined with strategic planning support and community involvement, can transform a community's recreational landscape while preserving its essential character.

Check out Denali Borough's Community and Outdoor Recreation Plan to learn more!

The cover page of the Denali Borough's Community and Outdoor Recreation Plan.