Big Lake Lions an example

The Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman recently published a story about how the Big Lake Lions Club is leading an effort to build an indoor ice rink so there’s more ice time available in the Valley, particularly out that way.

There are also plans to someday house meeting rooms and a space where community events can be held.

It’s a very ambitious effort, but the best part is that the Lions are building this without any type of government funding. They have received monetary donations, but lots of the success has come in donations of material, labor and in-kind services.

More Valley communities should take a lesson from their success. If you want something, don’t wait for the government to come in with all the dollars. The Lions’ approach is like building your own home without a bank loan. Build it as you go. Lots of people in Alaska understand that concept.

The Denver Post recently ran a piece about the small town of Leadville, population 3,000, taking on several projects in such a way, although the movers there did get some government grants.

The old mining town, the city with the highest elevation in the nation at more than 10,000 feet, is scrubbing off the mining dust and making itself a new image. In addition to improving ski trails, the town is attracting more visitors like hikers, bicyclists, anglers and climbers.

For instance, according to the Post, resident bicyclists have cleared 12 miles of trails and aim for 150 miles. Those would also be used by skiers in the severe winters. They are building skate parks, putting a roof over their hockey rink and buying a Zamboni. They put in an artificial turf field so the high school soccer and football teams can host games for once.

Leadville is moving in the right direction. It’s a story leaders here can look to for inspiration.

It’s the kind of story the Big Lake community is living.

There are many folks here who want less government, less taxes and reduced spending. Big Lake and Leadville are examples of how to accomplish those goals. The key, as in Big Lake and Leadville, is the people have to want it bad enough to help out, make donations, provide goods and services.

Big Lake is still several thousands of dollars short of its goal. Even when it’s done the arena will be no palace. It’ll be like playing hockey outdoors, but with a roof, walls and lights.

With this basic start, and ideally a successful venture, more can be added to the facility that will benefit the entire community and that’s as it should be. This is the way more communities need to start considering when they want to make their hometown a better place to live.

Individuals, businesses and organizations can gather as one to accomplish big things in small increments.