Fairbanks makes downtown plans for summer

FAIRBANKS, Alaska (KTUU/KTVF) - As the summer tourism season approaches in Fairbanks, the city is making plans to draw visitors, as well as residents, to its downtown area.

“We’re really looking forward to activating downtown,” said Mayor Mindy O’Neall.

Part of that effort involves bringing six chalets into the space formerly occupied by the Polaris Building, which can be used for retail by rotating vendors during the summer.

“There will be a stage there for music,” the mayor added, with entertainment to be facilitated by Festival Fairbanks. “It’s open and free, fun for families and for the community to play games.”

Around that same area on Lacey Street between 1st and 2nd Avenue, O’Neall said the city is also working on a skate park.

Meanwhile, she said plans are underway to put in a dock into the Chena River at Golden Heart Plaza, allowing downtown access for those recreating on the river.

“We have overnight security planned. We have a police officer who will be on foot during the day,” O’Neall explained.

Chief of Staff Mike Sanders also described a new program being started by the city, where volunteers will act as city ambassadors, stationed in the downtown area to help tourists if they need it, pick up litter and keep an eye out for any safety issues.

Another program, expected to start next week, will see a “peer outreach street team” connect members of the city’s unhoused population to resources, “working really like a peer case manager,” according to O’Neall.

“We have really set up the downtown core as a place where everyone can enjoy the space, where folks can be safe,” she said. “And if somebody is in trouble or is having some sort of crisis, that we have the ability to respond to that as well.”

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