According to a recent local survey, the No. 1 recreational activity in Juneau is walking, hiking, biking or running our trail system. Our beautiful and accessible trails and backcountry are a major attraction for residents and visitors alike.
The Juneau Community Foundation has built, supported, and helped finance several recreational facilities during the past 10 years: the Dimond Park Field House, the Caouette Cabin at Twin Lakes, and the soon to be rebuilt playground at Twin Lakes. Looking ahead, the Foundation has prioritized enhancement of our parks, trails and recreation areas as a major initiative around which to increase local philanthropy. To accomplish this, the Foundation has started a new Parks, Trails &Recreation Fund that will accelerate construction of park amenities, trails and cabins.
Our near-term priority projects are restoration of the historic and popular Treadwell Ditch Trail, in partnership with Trail Mix, the City, and the U.S. Forest Service; repair of the Christopher Trail between Cope Park and the flume; and a new recreational cabin near Eaglecrest, subject to that board’s support and approval. Future priorities include a series of mountain huts, improvements at Auke Lake, and repairs or reconstruction of other local trails and parks.
To make this a reality, the Foundation has enlisted the support of local “champions” who help set priorities, raise money, and assure that the money is used efficiently to accomplish our goals. Projects and progress will be made available to the public on our website (www.juneaucf.org). While we will likely receive some public funds, the majority will be raised from individuals and businesses in Juneau.
So, here’s my pitch: continue to give to the groups you support, and, especially if you use Juneau’s trails, consider digging a little deeper to help complete the Treadwell Ditch and other trails, parks and facilities. The Foundation will work to match your donation to this new fund. Our track record of accomplishments is solid. Administration is efficient. Our impact is complementary, intended to be helpful to our partners and to not duplicate existing efforts.
Let’s act now so we can use and enjoy these new trails and park facilities sooner rather than later. Government funding at the federal, state, and local level is and will become much scarcer — so let’s figure out how to take on more responsibility ourselves — kind of like we had to before the oil boom.
• Reed Stoops is a current board member, past president and founder of the Juneau Community Foundation.
