Residents, planners envision a ‘walkable’ Mat-Su

PALMER — Walkability isn’t a term for a toddlers. In fact, it’s a science and one that is on the table for Palmer, Wasilla, Big Lake and Houston. After much training on “walk audits,” city and borough staff, along with other community members, identified the good and the bad about walking in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough.

Frankie Barker, Borough Planner, started the public presentation at the forum at the Palmer Train Depot on Thursday evening. She asked the audience to define what a walkable community would look like in this part of Alaska. At six large round tables, community members studied detailed maps and identified the best routes, along with the pitfalls of each of the areas.

Participating in the forum were interested citizens, along with planning commissioners from the City of Wasilla, Palmer Mayor Edna DeVries, members of the Mat-Su Health Foundation, United Way, Senior Centers, and AARP organizers.

Crafting pedestrian-friendly routes is not just a health issue, explained Don Kastelec, a transportation planner with the Alta Planning and Design group. “It is also about priorities, improvements and economic growth.”

He explained that a walking community implies care and vibrancy. When a population is comfortable, safe, and connected, positive things happen in their towns.

After much map discussion, the group suggestions will go back to each specific city council and borough department.