Plan Overview

In May 2001, The Matanuska-Susitna Borough purchased an undeveloped 44-acre parcel in the center of Big Lake. The land is intended to be a resource for the growing community, and is consistent with many of the borough’s goals adopted in the 2000 Borough Asset Management Plan for Parks, Recreation and Open Space. The site was acquired by the Borough with the support of a number of Big Lake residents and the Big Lake Community Council. In the years leading up to the site acquisition, there was a clear mandate from the community, library staff, volunteers, and advocates that Big Lake needed a new, larger library. With the acquisition of the site, Big Lake had its opportunity to both build its new library and to locate an important attraction in the heart of the core area and Big Lake’s commercial center.

Plan Justification

The borough land can provide opportunities for community facility development, recreation, wildlife habitat, and youth education. The “Jordan Lake parcel”, as referred to in this report, can enhance Big Lake as a place to live and visit for generations to come.