Fairbanks borough seeks federal trail grants for Chena Lake loop and Tanana Lakes trailhead

The Fairbanks North Star Borough is applying for federal Recreational Trails Program grants to start a trail around Chena Lake and rework the Flicker Trailhead at Tanana Lakes, according to state public notices posted Friday. Residents have until Oct. 31 to comment.

At Chena Lake Recreation Area, the borough is proposing the first phase of a trail circling the lake, which the notice calls a long-term goal. The new section would run north from the Plack Road entrance and could include culverts, signs and other trail amenities.

At Tanana Lakes Recreation Area, the borough is proposing a vault toilet, an upgraded parking lot and accessibility improvements at the Flicker Trailhead, along with a better-defined trail where it crosses a flood-control groin shared with a park maintenance road.

Work on both projects would happen between June 1 and Oct. 31, 2028, if the grants come through. The notices don't list dollar amounts. The borough's Parks and Recreation Commission backed both applications Sept. 21, and comments go to the borough's parks department.