Mat-Su Borough Recreation and Library Services

05/27/2026

🌿✨ Discover Wild Heritage ✨🌿

Looking for the perfect way to spend your Friday evenings this summer? Join us at the Matanuska River Park Amphitheater for unique presentations—a weekly series celebrating the unique stories, culture, and wildlife of our region.

🗓 Fridays May 29 - Sept 4
⏰ 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
📍 Matanuska River Park Amphitheater

Enjoy engaging presentations from local experts, including Eagle River Nature Center, Palmer Museum, Chickaloon Village Traditional Council, the Alaska Wildbird Rehabilitation Center and Michelle Rogers (Park Staff).

Bring a chair, soak in the scenery, and connect with the wild side of our community! 🌲🦅

05/27/2026

Jenna Marie you got it! Pavilion A at Matanuska River Park!

Wilbur is back and out exploring! 🐻🐾
For a trails pass — can you guess where Wilbur was spotted this time? Drop your answer below! 👇First correct answer wins!

05/26/2026

🌊 Are You Ready for Daily Open Swims at Palmer Pool?! 🌊

Grab your swimsuit, gather your friends and family, and make a splash this summer— Daily Open Swims start June 1st! 🏊‍♀️💦

Here’s when you can dive in:
📅 Mondays–Fridays: 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM
📅 Tuesdays & Thursdays: 7:15 PM – 8:30 PM
📅 Fridays (evening): 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
📅 Saturdays & Sundays: 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM

Admission is:
Preschool - 3 and under - When accompanied by paid admission $3.00
Youth - 4 - 17 $7.00
Adult - 18 - 54 $8.00
Senior Citizen - 55+ $7.00

Whether you’re swimming, floating, or just cooling off (or trying to stay warm), Palmer Pool is the place to be this summer! 😎

📍 See you poolside!

05/25/2026

Summer Reading Program – Coming Soon!

Get ready, Big Lake! Our Summer Reading Program is almost here! This year’s theme is:
“Plant a Seed, Read”

Kids and teens (ages 0–18) can earn prizes and chance tickets just by:
Reading
Attending select events
Completing a book report

Earn a chance ticket for every 3 hours you read!

Program dates: Wednesdays, 2:00–3:00 PM
(June 3 – July 29)

Registration starts June 1
At Big Lake Library

Special participation events like our Poetry Slam/Talent Show can earn you even more chances to win (sign‑up required)!

Questions? Call us at 907‑861‑7635

Don’t miss out on a summer full of reading, fun, and prizes—come grow your imagination with us!

05/21/2026

We love that you and your pets are enjoying the trails. As a reminder, per Borough Code 24.05.070(A), "All animals shall be continuously under restraint", which is defined as " ... physical control such as a leash ...". This helps protect all users of the trails and minimizes conflicts. If you do encounter a problem out on the trails, let Mat-Su Animal Shelter know.

The message is part of a new outreach campaign inspired by a user complaint.

05/21/2026

Thanks for the support Alaska Trails
https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1E6fqEQ6xi/

05/20/2026

Big Lake Public Library Closure Notice

The Big Lake Public Library will be closing early for maintenance on:

Saturday, May 23
Closing at 3:00 PM

We appreciate your understanding as we take care of some important updates to keep the library running smoothly for everyone.

Please plan your visit accordingly—we’ll be back to regular hours soon!

05/20/2026

🌊☀️ What a Week at Palmer Pool! ☀️🌊

We had an amazing lineup of end-of-school rentals and loved celebrating the start of summer with so many of our community partners!

Sherrod and Cottonwood Elementary students brought the energy for their “Fun Day at the Pool,” filling the building with laughter, splashes, and big smiles all around 💦

We also welcomed the State of Alaska Office of Boating Safety, who hosted their Kids Don’t Float program—helping kids gear up with important water safety knowledge for a safe and fun summer season 🦺

To top it all off, Palmer High School’s PE swim program wrapped up with an exciting triathlon final! It was a fantastic way to end the season and great to see so many participants pushing themselves and having fun 🏊‍♂️🚴‍♀️🏃

Thank you to everyone who joined us this week—we love being part of these special moments in our community! 💙

05/19/2026

🌲✨ Ready to explore the great outdoors? The Trail Passport is here!
Hit the trails and visit 9 Borough trail locations, track your progress, and a potential to win fun prizes! More information can be found here: https://matsu.gov/trails-passport-information

Whether you're a casual walker or a seasoned adventurer, there’s something for everyone!

📍 Available online (printed version will be out soon!): https://matsu.gov/trailspassport

Grab your friends, bring the family, and start your trail journey today! 🌿👣

05/16/2026

Get ready, Big Lake! 💥🤼‍♂️

907 Pro Wrestling is bringing the action LIVE to the Big Lake Lions Recreation Center for an unforgettable night of high-energy battles, bold moves, and nonstop entertainment!

📅 July 25, 2026
🚪 Doors open: 3 PM | 🔔 Bell time: 4 PM
📍 Big Lake Lions Recreation Center
🎟 Premium Seating: $25
🎟 General Admission: $20
👦 Kids 12 & under: $5

US Military discount available with ID

Bring the whole family and experience the excitement up close—this is one event you don’t want to miss!