Ruth Arcand Park
by George Arcand
Ruth Arcand Park is a large park with many uses in south Anchorage. Although it is a very popular park, many don't realize its history. The popular park was almost sold to developers, but a concerned citizen dedicated herself to the cause of saving the park. That citizen was my wife, Ruth Arcand. She showed that a small group of people can help change the world.
I see parks as a very important part of cities. All the great cities of our country are not just built on tall buildings, they also have a backbone of parks supporting them; New York -- its Central Park, San Francisco -- its Golden Gate Park. It is very important that Anchorage have these too. There are always going to be fights like the one around Ruth Arcand Park: quality of life vs. money. It is important to recognize how parks better our lives.
Ruth Arcand Park has been a great addition to Anchorage, and should maintain an important roll in the city for years to come. It just has so much: ball fields, trails, golf, the equestrian center and more.
Interviewed by Patrick Johnson