By Rachel Drinkard
Turnagain Times Correspondent
The Girdwood Skatepark has made its way to the very top of the list for parks projects on the Capital Improvement Priorities list to be submitted to the Anchorage Assembly.
Jonnie Lazarus Administrator Assistant for Girdwood Parks and Recreation along with Girdwood Board of Supervisor John Gallup submitted a proposal requesting $200,000 within the parks and recreation budget to be paid in $50,000 increments for four years to complete what will ultimately end up being a three-phase skate park dream project totaling approximately $420,000.
Supporters of the skatepark have already raised over $35,000 in cash and approximately $30,000 in in-kind donations and $1,300 from sales of “Ride Girdwood” bracelets at $5.00 each. There are several more fundraising efforts in the works, including a booth set-up at the school’s Holiday Bazaar.
“We are doing our job to raise money,” said Lazarus.
The $50,000 a year comes to $10.71 for each $100,000 that your house is appraised for based on the 2008 mil rate or about $38 a year for the average homeowner, she said.
Lazarus also pointed out that the support being requested for this project is proportionate to that which was provided for building the play ground or new library and community center.
The skatepark facility is weathering under Girdwood’s soggy climate causing surfaces cracks and rotting ramps. Replacement material is proposed using weather resistant, closed-sided and safe obstacles and ramps that offer durability in the rain and snow and will alleviate upkeep expenses. Currently, the decay and open-sides of structures present a number of safety hazards, despite on-going maintenance from a group of dedicated volunteers and riders.
The skatepark represents Girdwood’s largest single alternative to such facilities offered at Boys and Girls Clubs, the YMCA and other recreation centers located in Anchorage.
“Those kids need something to do when it isn’t snowing,” said Girdwood resident Rich Lauterbach.
Proponents of the skatepark say a new facility will meet the needs of skate boarders and BMX/trick bike athletes and will compliment the adjacent playground area forming a family-friendly environment. New ramps would offer noise canceling perks for those trying to enjoy other parts of the park, as well as modular components allowing park managers to reconfigure the park to generate new interest as needed.
Lazarus said they are optimistic the skatepark will be completed by Fall of 2009.
Girdwood, Inc., a local 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization, has agreed to sponsor this project. They are holding funds and provide non-profit sponsorship for grants as well as accounting support. Parks and Recreation staff, local community members, several of Girdwood’s non-profit organizations are providing additional support and guidance.
The GBOS has stated that it unanimously supports this project in concept, but the board has not voted on the funding support. However, the board did approve the South Townsite Master Plan, which contains the skatepark area.
The GBOS is seeking input on the project. You can e-mail your opinions to GBOS@muni.org, or contact your assembly representatives. Jennifer Johnston at jjohnston@gci.net, 11090 Hideaway Lake Drive, Anchorage, AK 99507 and Chris Bach at www.chrisbach.com, 10005 Main Tree Drive, Anchorage, AK 99507.