Alaskans for Palmer Hay Flats State Game Refuge (APH) wishes to express its appreciation to the many members of the community who came to the recent Summer Family Fun Day at Reflections Lake near the Knik River bridge and helped make this summer boat and water festival a huge success.

The party brought out a huge crowd — young families with toddlers in tow, retired couples, young teens and 20-somethings looking for something different to do, parents and grandparents looking to introduce their young charges to the skills of kayaking and canoeing, and others just curious about Reflections Lake and what it has to offer. Participants enjoyed the free use of kayaks and canoes to explore the lake and the slough that flows from it. Others enjoyed swimming or picnicking in the beautiful setting. Refreshments were provided by APH.

APH could not have accomplished this event without the tremendous effort of Lisa Jaeger of both APH and the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), who brought together multiple community groups to treat Valley residents to the joys of outdoor recreation in the refuge. Lisa also offered canoe and kayak instruction throughout the day. We extend our heartfelt appreciation and thanks to Lisa and to all those who worked with her to ensure that a safe and enjoyable day was had by all. We especially want to thank Linda Brenner and Dan Keyes of the Mat-Su Borough for providing canoes and Ken Thomas, also of the Borough, for making sure all boaters were equipped with a personal floatation device (PFD).

We also extend our thanks to Cheryl Piazza at the Anchorage REI store for kayaks and paddles; to NOLS in Palmer for PFDs and paddles, to Steven McVeigh at Sportsman’s Warehouse in Wasilla for paddles, life jackets and assistance with getting the word out to Valley residents; to Cliff Silvers and volunteers from the Mat-Su Water Rescue team for water safety expertise and demonstrations of water rescue; to Kelli Toth from Alaska Retrievers Club and her wonderful dogs; to Jean Hamilton of Allways B&B; and to the many Alaskans for Palmer Hay Flats State Game Refuge members who volunteered to make the day an exciting event for all.

Marian Elliott

Alaskans for Palmer Hay Flats