Note from the Board

This fall, the Anchorage Park Foundation presented its story at the national conference of recreation and parks professionals. Other cities are interested in our model of working with a municipality, and impressed with our record of raising over $10 million in our first three years. Thanks to Jeff Dillon and Beth Nordlund for their leadership with this important opportunity.

Our successes are built on the willingness of community groups and individuals who give their time, energy and private donations to improve our incredible system of parks and trails. The 120 Clean & Green, Safe & Secure projects of the past three summers, 26 challenge grants awarded in 2006, successful park bond, and broad community interest in a 2008 Challenge Grant demonstrate that Anchorage is ready for the challenge.

In the coming weeks the Municipality of Anchorage will have a challenge of its own asit goes through its two year budget process.

We hope that the parks and recreation  public will emphasize to policy makers the importance of continued and adequate investment in our system. Given the current size of our system, we must leverage private donations and volunteer labor to supplement public support in order to maintain and improve the 250 miles of trails, 223 parks, and 110 sports fields. However, adequate public support for the system over time is the strong signal that assures private donors and volunteers that their time, effort and giving will be a wise investment.

The winter e-newsletter will be filled with the important updates! Stay tuned...

Recent News

The Paddleboat Cafe at Goose Lake Park now has 3 new double doors and three new picture windows, thanks to a challenge grant and a community match. We also installed a patio, a new park sign, new benches, trashcans, and a new bike rack.

The first neighborhood park to receive soccer field improvements with the recent Rasmuson Foundation gift took place at David Rose Park this August.
Soccer Fields get a Face Lift, Channel 2 August 25

Scenic Rides Now Include Unsightly Sinkholes, ADN August 23

Lile Gibbons Champions Trail Repair

Rasmuson Foundation recently teamed up with the Anchorage Park Foundation and the Municipality of Anchorage to assist with much needed Coastal Trail repairs. On Board member Lile Gibbons' recommendation, the Rasmuson Foundation donated $25,000 to the Park Foundation as a challenge to the city to match that donation with funding and a park maintenance crew to begin regular and systematic trail maintenance.
 
The goal? A smooth, safe ride (or run, or walk) so to speak, and the elimination of the crevasses common to the Coastal Trail, and paved greenbelt trails around the city.
 
It is a city responsibility to maintain what we have, but this donor recognized a challenge grant designated for this specific work might help move the process along. 
 
Thank you Rasmuson Foundation and Ms. Gibbons. We celebrate your support and hope that others who support both Coastal Trail and trail repairs in general might consider joining in this challenge grant!

Volunteer Opportunities

King Career Center volunteered over 600 hours this fall.

The Anchorage Park Foundation will announce the terms of the 2008 challenge grant this winter. Volunteer groups are already talking about potential projects to undertake...stay tuned

Martin Luther King Day: A Day On, Not a Day Off
January 21, Teams of community volunteers will assemble donated bicycles for Anchorage children in need.

Adopt-A-Park: Volunteers remove trash at least once a month and report safety hazards and concerns to Parks & Recreation. A sign is displayed in the adopted park recognizing the name or group name and the contribution they make to the park.

Trail Watch Winter Opportunities: Trail Watchers set their own schedule, carry a cell phone and wear a reflective band or vest during normal trail use, to report crimes and vandalism. Trail Watch Ambassadors commit to a schedule, volunteer for special activities, and submit reports after each patrol. Sign up at www.muni.org/trailwatch.
 

To Volunteer Contact

Volunteer Coordinator Wade Collins 343-4460 or collinsWA@muni.org
Volunteer Coordinator Nancy Beardsley 343-4288 beardsleyNJ@muni.org

Volunteer of the Month