Sports complex plans opening

Move of Iditarod Restart will not change plans

By DANIEL SPOTH-Frontiersman reporter

WASILLA -- Though lack of snow might have foiled Wasilla's plans to host the Iditarod Restart, it has failed to put a damper on the upcoming grand opening of the Multi-Use Sports Complex.

"We were hoping to have it open Sunday for the restart and let people walk through it and see the place, but as it stands now we'll just have our opening on Saturday and close it on Sunday," said Bruce Urban, director of the project.

Thus, the great restart/opening extravaganza has been scrapped, but the complex will still hold its opening ceremonies Saturday at the newly completed center.

The grand opening will consist of an open house starting at 3 o'clock in the afternoon, during which the public can view the entire new facility and all its recreational offerings, followed by a dedication and ribbon-cutting at 4 o'clock. Wasilla Mayor Dianne M. Keller is scheduled to preside at the ceremony, as well as former Mayor Sarah Palin. The city of Wasilla also invited numerous state and local legislators to attend the opening. Urban said he hopes Sen. Lyda Green will join the mayors in opening the center to the public, but the other attendees of the event for the most part remain up in the air.

Also planned for opening day are a figure skating exhibition involving local skaters, a children's hockey and soccer demonstration, and an evening of free rink skating open to the public. In addition, the center has rented a portable rock climbing wall, and will host climbing exercises for those interested.

The city of Wasilla hopes to install a permanent climbing wall someday, but will first need to raise the required funds. Also planned for the center are three additional outdoor sports fields -- a football, baseball and soccer field -- to boost use of the center during the summer, as well as a large kitchen and additional emergency generators to convert the complex into an emergency shelter if needed. The Parks and Recreation Department of the city of Wasilla is currently working in conjunction with the Finance Department to attempt to realize these plans.

All Valley residents are invited to attend the opening ceremonies at the new Multi-Use Sports Complex Saturday from 3 to 8 p.m. The complex is located on South Church Road along the Parks Highway north of Wasilla.

Contact Daniel Spoth at daniel.spoth@frontiersman.com.