The City of Wrangell's Parks and Recreation Department offers programs to meet the needs and desires of all ages. The Department is responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the City's parks, trails and picnic areas, shooting ranges, public access areas, community center and recreational facility. The Department works closely with other departments and organizations to provide a well rounded recreational program and quality facilities for Wrangell residents and opportunities for visitors.

SWIM POOL

There are several aquatic programs offered at the indoor swim pool. Scheduled activities include lap swims, parent-tot swims, water aerobics, family swims, general public swims, adaptive swims for those persons 65 years or older or with a disability and their families, and learn-to-swim lessons. The pool facility is shared with the Wrangell Public Schools and is an integral part of the physical education program for students in the elementary, middle and high schools. Special classes and programs such as kayaking, scuba diving, and lifeguard training are also offered. The pool facility is also used by the Stikine Sea Runners, Wrangell’s swim team. The pool is twenty-five yards and ranges in depth from 3.5 feet to 12.5 feet. The tot pool is 2.5 feet deep. The pool is also available for rent for parties.

WEIGHT ROOM

If you are interested in enhancing strength, conditioning, cardiovascular exercise and overall body wellness we offer the use of eleven nautilus machines, treadmills, stationery bicycles, and stair-steppers.

RACQUETBALL COURT

A standard racquetball court is available for public use. Reservations can be made to use the court for either racquetball or wallyball sport activities. If you are traveling on pleasure or business, our department offers use of racquets, balls and protective eyewear.

COMMUNITY CENTER GYMNASIUM AND MULTIPURPOSE ROOM

The Parks and Recreation Department sponsors activities, programs and sports events in the community center gym and multipurpose room. The public is invited to join in recreational volleyball games, basketball games and tot-gym activity times scheduled in the facility. Special events, including dances, plays, craft & art fairs, meetings/workshops, organizational conferences and other functions are also held. Both the gymnasium and multipurpose room are available for rental for private parties, workshops and conferences.

WRANGELL PARKS AND PLAYGROUNDS

CITY PARK

City Park is located approximately one mile south of town on Zimovia Highway. The park is a waterfront park on Zimovia Straits and has a scenic view of the inland waters and surrounding islands. It is adjacent to a historic cemetery and the Little League practice ball field. The park has 4 covered shelters, fireplaces and several picnic tables. Tent camping is allowed on a 24-hour basis only and there are restroom facilities available. Please call to schedule use of the covered area.

MOUNT DEWEY

Mt. Dewey is located almost in the center of town. Access to Mount Dewey, along Mt. Dewey Trail, is easily accessible from the ferry terminal and the downtown area. It is a short, but steep, scenic hike up the tree-covered hill and offers a great spot at the top for picnicking and enjoying an eagles view of town, the waterfront and surrounding area.

VOLUNTEER PARK

Just as the title implies, this multi-faceted park was constructed with volunteer help by local folks. This Park consists of a running track area (partially completed), a tennis court, two ball fields (for kids and adults), concession stand and public restrooms. For hikers and walkers, the Volunteer Park Trail, directly behind the ballfields, provides a 1.5 mile walk through Southeast Alaska rainforest country, offering forested and muskeg terrain. Wrangell hosted the Southeast Alaska and State of Alaska Little League Tournaments in 1996. This new recreational facility will be used to host other baseball and softball tournaments in the future. The running track area is also used for kite-flying, rocket launching and other outdoor sporting events.

SHOEMAKER BAY RECREATIONAL AREA

Five miles south of town is Shoemaker Bay Recreational Area. This is a Wrangell favorite and is heavily used year round. The park has a picnic shelter with a fireplace and picnic tables, tennis court, horseshoe pits, playground equipment, outdoor volleyball area and public restroom facilities. Sports equipment used for horseshoes, volleyball and croquet are available for use at no charge from the Parks and Recreation Department. The park area fronts not only the ocean but also Institute Creek and offers easy access to the tidelands and stream frontage. Shoemaker Bay Park is located next to Shoemaker Bay Harbor, a tent camping area, and near the Shoemaker Bay RV Park. Rainbow Falls Trail is located upland from this area, providing hiking and spectacular sight-seeing opportunities.

OTHER PARKS & RECREATION AREAS & FACILITIES

The Wrangell Parks and Recreation Department is proud to mention these other recreational areas and facilities offered for public use:

• Indoor shooting range - located at the Police Department; call for hours.
• Outdoor shooting range - is located on the Spur Road just past the Muskeg Meadows Golf Course. The range has two target shooting areas and a skeet shooting site for self-launched clay pigeons.
• City Playground - is adjacent to the Wrangell Library and Post Office in town and offers an outdoor basketball court and playground equipment
• Public Showers are located at the Recreational Facility.
• Covered Playground--Our newest facility. This open sided covered area will be available for basketball, volleyball, skating, craft fairs and festivals.

The U.S. Forest Service Wrangell Ranger District also maintains picnicking, camping and hiking facilities on Wrangell Island, accessible by road, as well as cabins on the surrounding islands and on the mainland. Contact 907/874-2323 for more information on these sites, or explore the links below.

	General
Winter 2009 Schedule More Hiking/Camping Information