Delaney Park Strip, Anchorage

This grassy, garden strip (11 blocks long, two miles in circumference and one block wide) was designed as a fire protection strip for the downtown district. Later, it acted as a landing strip for the city. Now, it is a recreational area with eight tennis courts, space for flying kites, ball fields, basketball courts, volleyball courts, a skating rink, a steam engine and a Veteran's Memorial. Named for the 1929 Anchorage mayor, James Delaney, it hosts several festivals each year. Admission: free.