Anchorage

Redesign planned for ‘overlooked’ Anchorage memorial to crime victims

A makeover is in store for what parks officials describe as a small and "often overlooked" downtown Anchorage park dedicated to memorializing the state's victims of violent crime.

Hostetler Park sits at the curb where Third Avenue turns into L Street, on the northwest edge of downtown Anchorage. There's a tree in the center and, at the back of the park, a victim memorial wall maintained by the nonprofit advocacy organization Victims for Justice. Names are added to the wall upon the request of the victim's family.

Over the years, the park's condition has deteriorated, officials said. This spring, a proposal to upgrade the park and the memorial won a $10,000 grant from the Anchorage Parks Foundation, funded by the Rasmuson Foundation.

A draft rendering shows circular paths lining columns of names. The Anchorage Rotary Club plans to install new lighting and paths to accommodate people with disabilities.

"This, I hope, creates a beautiful place to sit, a place for reflection," said Beth Nordlund, executive director of the Anchorage Parks Foundation. "But also maybe when you drive by it, it's something you'll notice."

On the current memorial wall, the names of victims are listed on individual plaques. The plaques will be removed during the construction and held by Victims for Justice, said Robin Langlie, the executive director of the organization. She said the organization hopes to reach as many victims' families as possible to return plaques to those who want them.

The victims' names will be re-inscribed on the new columns in the redesigned park.

This is one of 16 projects selected for grants by the Anchorage Parks Foundation. Other examples include a community garden and orchard for Muldoon Town Square Park, a kilikiti Samoan cricket pitch at Dave Rose Park in East Anchorage, fitness equipment at Folker Park in Midtown and the expansion of singletrack trails on the Hillside.

Devin Kelly

Devin Kelly was an ADN staff reporter.

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