November 20th Public Open House Summary

 


What Was This Event?

A Public Open House for the Potter Marsh Watershed Park Master Plan was held on November 20th, 2025 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm at the Goldenview Middle School library. The Public Open House provided an opportunity for the public to directly interact with the planning team. Maps were available for attendees to provide input on existing challenges and opportunities the park poses and the features and amenities that are most desired by the community, ensuring that the master plan reflects local needs, preferences, and aspirations. 

Attendees were encouraged to provide feedback on large maps, vision boards, and comment cards.




Summary of Public Open House Comment Cards

The comments received at the Public Open House for the Potter Marsh Watershed Park Master Plan primarily centered on four key themes: Maintaining the Wild/Rustic Nature of the Park, Access and Parking, Public Safety and Neighborhood Impact, and Conservation/Education.

Wild/Rustic Nature & Trail Design

The majority of comments emphasized keeping the park "as wild as possible" and maintaining a rustic and minimal development approach.

  • Minimal Development: Call for minimal trail improvement, preferring natural trails or paths.

  • Specific Trails: Suggest the Moen Historical trail be the main trail branch.

  • Protection of Waterways: Bridges or elevated boardwalks be used to protect streams or wetlands. 

  • Accessibility: Find a way to develop trails that are accessible and avoid steep sections.

  • Lighting: No lighted trails, minimal lighting or dark sky approved lighting at parking areas.

  • Prohibited Uses: Horse and bike access be limited, no camping, and dogs required to be on leash.

Access and Parking

There was a strong focus on access being key, but with overwhelming opposition to most proposed neighborhood parking locations.

  • Opposed Parking Locations: Strong opposition to parking/access points off of:

    • 172nd and Bettijean: Safety concerns, steep adjacent roads, potential for crime/camping.

    • Potter Valley Road: Concerns about parking on the switchback for limited visibility when entering or exiting the parking area. Open to limited parking for accessible access.

    • Fedosia Drive/Virgo/Tideview: Road is one-car ride and not constructed for increased traffic, very steep, risk of blocking fire/resident access, potential for illegal activity/camping.

  • Preferred Parking Locations: Look at parking off the Old Seward Highway at the existing parking lot for South Potter Marsh and Goldenview Road access.

  • Trail Connection: Develop the trail connection from the South Potter Marsh parking up into the park as a second priority.

  • Parking Near Mailboxes: Suggest restricting parking to nearby mailboxes on Goldenview Road and creating a trail to any overlook.

Public Safety, Wildfire, and Enforcement

Public safety, particularly concerning wildfire and illegal activity, was a major concern.

  • Wildfire Risk: Need to comply with the MOA Wildfire Protection Plan by completing "fuel treatment" near Potter Valley Road for the southwest-facing slope, as the area is designated as "Extreme" wild fire risk and Potter Valley Road is a single access/egress road.

  • Fire Safety Measures: Concern over potential for illegal parking to block fire access.

  • Enforcement: Multiple questions regarding the plan for staffing, enforcement, gates, and monitoring to prevent illegal camping, motorized vehicles, and manage park hours (Comments 6, 13, 15).

  • Neighborhood Impact: Minimize impacts to neighboring residents, including avoiding overlooks that allow people to look into homes and keeping traffic patterns on major roads.

Conservation and Education

A strong theme was the use of the park for education and conservation monitoring.

  • Citizen Science: Develop a citizen science program around the marsh and watershed in partnership with groups like UAA, ADFG, Audubon, and others for monitoring water quality, wildlife, etc.

  • Educational Opportunities: Coordinate with the Anchorage School District for small groups to use the area for hikes and outdoor education/science opportunities, with a focus on teaching "leave no trace".

  • Initial Signage: The immediate priority should be adding signs at existing entry points with rules like no motorized vehicles, no camping, take your trash out, and respect wildlife.














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