To the south are single and multi-family homes, Hillcrest Drive and West Anchorage High School.

[2][3] In the early 1960s, the Municipality of Anchorage began implementing plans to protect the Chester Creek watershed, a system of creeks that carry rain and melt-water from the slopes of the nearby Chugach Mountains, incorporating the area into an urban renewal plan for the city in 1963.

[2][3] On September 30, 1993, the lagoon and surrounding parkland were rededicated as the Margaret Eagan Sullivan Park, named after the late wife of former Anchorage Mayor George M.

[2] In addition to its function as a bird sanctuary and part of the local trail system, Westchester Lagoon is a popular recreation area.

During the winter months, when the lagoon is frozen over, it is used as an ice skating rink, which is groomed and maintained by the city.