Letter: The coastal trail is a mess

Walking on the coastal trail last week, starting out on the Elderberry Park side, I noticed how terrible the sidewalks and the appearance of the trail looked. Weeds are growing out of the cement sides. Leaves are piled so high in places, it takes up part of the trail. There's graffiti on the sides of the tunnels, and the cement walls are cracked. Trash is strewn on the trails. The asphalt in many places is a hazard. Trees grow in places where you can hardly see Cook Inlet anymore.

Believe me, we do not need any more cottonwood trees.

This is an important part of our community and a popular walking and running trail in all seasons. The tourists love the view, but in looking at how ill-kept the trail is, it is an embarrassment to our city. Somewhere, our city fathers have forgotten why we voted to have the trails put in. It is a big draw to families, runners, dog walkers, tourists, sunset watchers and photographers to have a decent kept trail. What's the problem?

Patricia Wells
Eagle River