Outdoor recreation opportunities and trail systems within Anchorage make our city unique and provide an incredible quality of life. As a ski racer, I have traveled to many other winter cities worldwide, and what we have in Anchorage is truly a treasure. Yet there is still so much underdeveloped potential, especially regarding facilities and easier accessibility. We have the potential to engage more of our residents in healthy outdoor activities, attract more winter tourism and showcase our city through international events.
That’s why the Nordic Skiing Association of Anchorage has partnered with the Anchorage Parks Foundation and Alaska Trails to submit a proposal to Project Anchorage for four-season trailside centers at Kincaid Park and Goose Lake Park, making it easier for residents to meet, rent gear, gather and get on the trails. We believe Anchorage could be a four-season recreation wonderland — a place known and sought out by residents, businesses, and visitors worldwide, not just in summer but yearround. However, making more of our four-season potential will require new plans, partners, and funding strategies to support the next generation of intelligent investments in facilities, programs, and maintenance.
Currently, there is no clear mechanism for making these types of smart investments in new facilities. We support Project Anchorage’s efforts to give Anchorage residents the opportunity to diversify revenues, reduce property taxes, and dramatically improve their park and trail experiences.
For more than 60 years, NSAA has been building, maintaining and supporting Anchorage trails to improve our quality of life and benefit our economy. We hope Anchorage residents will get the chance to vote for Project Anchorage in April.
— Kikkan Randall
NSAA Executive Director
South Anchorage
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