Pioneer Park Boat Launch/Parking/Plug-ins & Peger Road Path Project numbers NFHWY00891/0002547

The existing beach area and boat launch at the Pioneer Park parking lot off Peger Road.

Alaska DOT&PF is working with the Fairbanks North Star Borough and FAST Planning to expand the parking lot near the Chena River within Pioneer Park and enhance non-motorized access in the area.

The project includes:

• Expanding the current parking lot to the south and doubling current capacity with over 100 parking spaces. A southbound left turn lane into the parking lot from Peger Road is being considered.
• Adding motor vehicle plug-ins to the parking lot (approximately 16 spaces). The existing parking lot is not maintained during winter months but will be after this project is complete. A proposed preliminary parking lot concept is shown below, with a larger view here.

Proposed parking lot concept and left turn lane from Peger Road.

• Improving the riverbank for kayakers, canoeists and rafters to launch (no motorized boat access). A proposed preliminary concept is shown below, with a larger view here.

Proposed vehicle circulation and improvements near the river bank.

• Adding a separated path for bicycles and pedestrians on the east side of Peger Road from Airport Way to the Chena River that connects to the new parking lot and the Chena Riverwalk path

Southern portion of proposed Peger Road path see proposed concept

Why this project?

Pioneer Park and the Chena River are key attractions in Fairbanks for community members and visitors. This project aims to improve access to the park and river, and support future development.

Improvements to the boat launch and north entrance were identified as phase 1 and 2 priorities in the Pioneer Park Master Plan, which was adopted in 2021. The video below shows how elements in this project fit into the larger vision for the future of Pioneer Park.

Improvements to the boat launch
The floating dock at the boat launch has not been installed for nearly a decade because of silt build-up. This build-up can also make it difficult to launch canoes, kayaks, rafts, and other watercraft because of the shallow, muddy water and the way the water flows in an eddy formation. Constructing improvements to the riverbank will make it easier to launch kayaks, rafts or canoes.

Expanded north end parking lot and plug-ins
The existing gravel parking lot is frequently at capacity in the summer months and is difficult to maintain in the winter. The flow in the parking lot also leads to disorganized parking and congestion. The new parking lot will provide additional capacity, provide better flow and access to the boat launch, and will be easier to maintain in the winter. The addition of motor vehicle plug-ins will provide better service to the community in the winter and help improve air quality.

The expanded parking lot will also provide access to a future multi-purpose center that is planned to serve as a replacement to the Centennial Center, which is nearing the end of its useful life.

Peger Road path
Peger Road does not currently have a sidewalk or path on its east side between Airport Way and the river. Pedestrians and bicyclists must currently travel out of their way through the park, use the sidewalk on the west side of Peger, or use the road shoulder to access the river. The new path will provide a more direct and safer non-motorized connection between Airport Way, the Chena Riverwalk, and the north side of Pioneer Park.

Funding Source

This project is 91% federally funded through an allocation of Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality funding and Carbon Reduction Program funding specifically allocated to the Fairbanks area. Projects that qualify for this funding include those that improve air quality by adding non-motorized facilities and installing motor vehicle plug-ins, both of which reduce vehicle emissions. The remaining 9% of funding is provided by the Fairbanks North Star Borough and the State of Alaska.

Schedule

We expect this project will be constructed in the summer of 2027. We expect to host a public open house event in summer 2025.

We want to hear from you!

We will have multiple opportunities for you to get involved with this project's development. Please sign up for our email list to be notified of public meetings and project progress. You are also welcome to email the project team any time with your comments:

John Netardus, P.E.
Alaska DOT&PF Project Manager
 (907) 451-5448
info@pioneerparkingproject.com

This website was last updated on 5/23/2025. We expect to publish updates every three months throughout the life of the project.