[1][2] The creek connects a number of parks, open spaces, and lakes to form a green corridor running from east to west through the city.

[3][4] The areas surrounding the creek were developed as Anchorage expanded east in the first half of the 20th century, although some portions were also designated as green spaces.

In 1971, as part of the reconstruction following the 1964 Alaska earthquake, existing parks were merged with new purchases to connect Russian Jack Springs to Cook Inlet, creating one of the oldest urban greenbelts in the country.

After a successful 'bike in' that drew some 300 residents, city planners began to move forward with a dedicated pedestrian path along the Chester Creek in 1973.

The project called Seeking the Source, was aimed at finding out what experiences and recollections the residents of Anchorage had about the trail, and what part it plays in shaping perceptions of the local geography, its wildlife and community.

[11] The creek fosters a diverse range of flora and fauna including migrating fish, large mammals such as moose and bears, and wildfowl, which are a feature of the various lakes.