Mat-Su Trails and Parks Foundation executive director speaks about local trail projects

PALMER — The Palmer City Council heard discussion from Wes Hoskins, Executive Director of the Mat-Su Trails and Parks Foundation, about the growth of trail systems throughout the Mat-Su Borough and the grant opportunities to those interested in pursuing trail maintenance.

“Being able to access trails and parks and live a wild lifestyle is something I really take to heart in this position. I want everybody to be able to access those as well,” Hoskins said.

Hoskins went through the history and mission of the Mat-Su Trails and Parks Foundation, which started in 2011 and works in efforts to build a world class park and trail system throughout the entire borough. Hoskins himself has been in the state for six years, and called the Butte home for the last two because of the ease of access to miles and miles of trails. Hoskins said that with more and more people accessing and using the trails, not only is maintenance needed but the foundation is exploring options for longer trails to be built, encouraging locals and tourists alike to spend multiple nights out on the trail.

“Accessibility is one area that foundation feels is extremely important. We want everybody to be able to access parks and trails. It’s not just a frivolous recreational item really. I believe it’s a human right to be able to access those resources,” Hoskins said.

Hoskins said that the foundation is working to make the trail network as wild, accessible, and world class as possible. An Americans with Disability Act trail will be put in at the Government Peak Recreation Area, and Hoskins said that the foundation is expanding its search to establish trails for those who may struggle with mobility. The one-mile trail will be on Pioneer Loop at GPRA.

The Mat-Su Trails and Parks Foundation has been instrumental in the Settlers Bay Coastal Park and had their hand in numerous parks and trails throughout the community, including a grant of $40,000 to the Williwaw subdivision for their new community park. The Settlers Bay Coastal Park received the largest grant to date, receiving $100,000 in October.

Hoskins said that the foundation gives out close to $400,000 a year, reviewing applications quarterly. That math adds up to $4 million donated to trails and parks by the foundation over the next decade, a number, Hoskins hopes to increase. Hoskins put goals up of a neighborhood trail network connecting schools and parks, keeping all borough residents within a 10-minute walk of trails, and improving signage at existing parks and trails Hoskins was very proud of the new mobile app, ‘Outer Spatial,’ which helps connect trail seekers with the trails they seek.

Hoskins also detailed the incredible impact of the tourism industry on the Mat-Su Borough economy. The southcentral region has over 20,000 tourism jobs alone, resulting in over $4.5 billion dollars statewide.