VMBaH adding ADA trail to GPRA

HATCHER PASS - Government Peak Recreation Area has brought a new standards of trails to the Mat-Su Valley, with the first ever lighted ski trails in the Mat-Su Borough itself. The Valley Mountain Bikers and Hikers (VMBaH) are blazing a new trail that will enable access at GPRA for an often overlooked user group. The VMBaH are currently constructing the first Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant trail in the Mat-Su Valley at GPRA. The VMBaH board recently elected Alida van Almelo as their new Executive Director. Van Amelo related the construction of the new trail with the mission for VMBaH.

“Building trails building community, and so what’s great about this trail is that we are building a brand new trail. It’s one of a kind. It’s an ADA compliant trail that meanders and weaves right through the woods and gets out to this gorgeous scenic overlook and picnic table, thereby expanding our community for a totally new user group,” said Van Almelo.

The VMBaH volunteers that are working to build the half mile long stretch of trail through the existing Pioneer Loop broke ground on August 12. The way GPRA is configured, Pioneer loop is reserved for fat biking and skijoring in the winter, without the dramatic inclines featured elsewhere along the trails. The VMBaH are holding a ribbon cutting for the new stretch of trail on October 5 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

“It’s an investment in the future of everyone in our community, but it also is just a way for us to continue getting people outside, which I think in turn makes the world a happier place,” said Van Almelo.

To comply with the ADA, the trail must not exceed an 8.33 percent grade, and has minimum and maximum requirements for how sharp the turns along the trail can be. While some stretches of the trail follow the existing Pioneer Loop, other areas had to be cut through the brush to connect the trail and keep it in compliance with the ADA. Volunteers have assembled on weekends, joining contractor Mark Gronewald and Trailwerx on the project. Serving on the VMBaH board, Cody Johson wrote grant applications to help fund the $35,000 project. Much of the funds for the design and construction came from grants from the Mat-Su Trails and Parks Foundation. While Johnson and VMBaH are still seeking additional funding to complete the trail, they are hoping that the MST&PF can cover the rest of the cost. An avid trail user himself, Johnson is painfully aware of how little opportunities are offered for wheelchair bound individuals.

“It’s immeasurable the significance to the Valley. As someone who’s been involved with VMBaH, we’re as guilty as any other organization. User groups that have mobility issues are often overlooked,” said Johnson. “It opens up the access to trials in the Valley which are some of the most beautiful trails in the entire state, opens them up to a completely overlooked user group and it’s broadening the inclusivity of trails to a group that previously had no access.”

The trails were inspired by Amy Schooley, and brought to the attention of the VMBaH board by Roy Wahl.