Delta River Walk Park
Phase I trail construction of the wooded trail network was completed in 2021 with a $75,000 Recreational Trails Program (RTP) grant and a $5,000 GVEA Foundation grant. The City of Delta Junction contributed $3,000 matching, and funded cleanup of the cement blocks. DJTA membership and donations added another $2,000! Installation of interpretive signs, mapping kiosks, and directional signs was assisted by an Alaska Community Foundation grant in 2023 and 2024. Phase II trail construction of the Delta River viewing trails and connector was completed in 2024 via another RTP grant.
Before trail construction could even begin, in partnership with the City of Delta Junction, an old trespass shooting range and former dump site needed to be assessed and then cleaned up. An EPA grant provided a Targeted Brownfields Assessment of the shooting range and dump area. This assessment provided us with a prescription for cleaning up the area, and an additional EPA grant accomplished cleanup of the shooting range. An agreement with the State of Alaska DEC provided a fencing option for the dump site. These cleanup efforts allowed for safe public access and forward movement of the project.
Before trail construction could even begin, in partnership with the City of Delta Junction, an old trespass shooting range and former dump site needed to be assessed and then cleaned up. An EPA grant provided a Targeted Brownfields Assessment of the shooting range and dump area. This assessment provided us with a prescription for cleaning up the area, and an additional EPA grant accomplished cleanup of the shooting range. An agreement with the State of Alaska DEC provided a fencing option for the dump site. These cleanup efforts allowed for safe public access and forward movement of the project.
This project provides a centralized town/rural experience. The wooded trail network is sheltered from the wind, and the river viewing trails provide additional trail options and a spectacular view of the Delta River and Alaska Range. Improvements include an access road and parking, kiosks and signage, and overlook locations with a bench.
Future work could add amenities such as picnic tables, garbage cans, an outhouse, an amphitheater, or any number of ideas suggested by the community at the River Walk Park soft open house held September 2024.
Future work could add amenities such as picnic tables, garbage cans, an outhouse, an amphitheater, or any number of ideas suggested by the community at the River Walk Park soft open house held September 2024.