LETTER: GPRA a testament to the Alaskan way of life

To the editor:

Time for a positive letter to the editor. Being an active trail volunteer for the GPRA (Government Peak Recreation Area) since its beginnings, it’s been wonderful to see the creation and development of an area designed specifically for quiet, muscle powered human activity, be it Nordic skiing, single-track mountain biking, hiking, bird watching, or just enjoying being in woods with a spectacular view of the Chugach Mountains.

The chalet has been a great spot for weddings and group meetings. Being a retired family physician who had treated the effects of sedentary life styles, it is gratifying to see the mountain biking SprocKidz and the Junior Nordic ski kids learning the physically active sports that can be used their entire lives. (unless the skiers later live in a snow-less area.) This is the type of active lifestyle activities that will serve them well as adults, not only for fun but as the type of preventive medicine that lifelong fitness provides. The endorphin produced happiness is infectious and I can share in that, though my running days are long past, and I never did catch onto the Nordic skiing technique. While doing trail work, I’m always greeted with “thanks for your work” when a runner, hiker, or biker stops to talk. We can be proud of this area and the opportunities it presents for healthy, human powered activities. The efforts and financial support of virtually an army of volunteers, contributors and the borough can not be understated, without which we would not have this gem of a place to enjoy.

See you on the trails!

—David P. Werner

Palmer