Iditapark Upgrades
In fall 2024, a Mat-Su Trails and Parks Foundation grant helped to repair and upgrade two tennis courts at Iditapark in Wasilla as well as aid in the construction of four new pickleball courts! Cracks on the tennis courts, and the high demand for court time for tennis, handball, and pickleball users drove the need for these improvements at the highly utilized Iditapark in Wasilla. Photos courtesy of Robert Walden, City of Wasilla.
Repairs to the tennis courts consisted of sealing existing cracks as well as resurfacing, painting and striping. The courts see high usage by Wasilla High School tennis and handball teams, Mat-Su Tennis Association, as well as a number of other park visitors. Additionally, the construction of the new pickleball courts have been well received! These improvements help to meet the demand of use by residents in one of the Borough’s most visited parks.
Other recent collaborations between MSTPF and City of Wasilla include improvements to Maureen McCombs equestrian and cross-country trails in 2021, and upgrades are planned for Lake Lucille Park trails this summer made possible in part by a MSTPF grant awarded earlier this year.
Mat-Su Borough Trail Dozer
The Mat-Su Borough Trail Crew recently acquired a new piece of trail building equipment thanks to some help from a Mat-Su Trails and Parks Foundation grant in 2024. A new Sutter 500 Trail Dozer was purchased by the MSB earlier this year and will join the ranks of incredible MSB trail crew this summer, and is expected to significantly increase the number of trail miles constructed and trail miles maintained by the Borough each year.
The new equipment will support the building of new trails as well as repairing existing trails across the Mat-Su Borough. For example, the trail dozer will be beneficial for building new mountain bike and other gravel multi-use non-motorized trails at Settler’s Bay Coastal Park as well as new trails planned in the Talkeetna area. The equipment is ideal for improving efficiency for repairing existing, well-loved and highly used trails such as Crevasse Moraine, Plumley Maud, Matanuska River Park, Jim Creek and others.
Other recent trail and park improvement projects that Mat-Su Trails and Parks Foundation and the Mat-Su Borough have partnered on include railing upgrades to West Butte Trail, improvements to the viewing platform at Fish Creek Park, construction of a separated pathway along Nelson Road (connecting Machentanz Elementary to surrounding neighborhoods), the ongoing development and expansion of Settler’s Bay Coastal Park, and planned improvements to Jonesville Public Use Area, including the development of a campground, shooting range, restrooms, and signage.
EASIEST WAY TO DONATE For Alaskans
While applying for their PFD online, Alaskans can choose to Pick.Click.Give. in increments of $25. All donations are tax deductible and donors will receive tax documentation from the State once their donations have been processed. Permanent Fund Dividend applications are available from January 1 to March 31, though Alaskans may choose to add or adjust their pledges online through August 31.
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The Mat-Su Trails & Parks Foundation partners with organizations and local governments on projects and efforts that expand and enhance the valley’s network of trails and parks. Find out how we can help fund your next trail, park, or recreation project!
