Area of Focus: Peace and conflict prevention/resolution
Activity Type:
Community Development: Construction/Renovation
Summary: Park completion including column construction, curbing, purchase of bike rack and bench, flower bulbs
In 2016/2017 Anchorage Rotarians successfully launched a rejuvenation project of Hostetler Park in downtown Anchorage. The park itself was in rough shape, and included a victims memorial that was in shambles. We were able to complete the majority of the project, however additional funding is necessary to pay for the 2 park benches, table and bike rack. As a final stage of the project we have plans to install a raised curb around "the tree of life" so that family members can reach branches to tie ribbons on the tree and it provides an additional place for people to sit, primarily children. Additionally, we have the plans drawn for a final pillar installation where we would like to include a bronze Rotary emblem, a dedication and an area to display major donors. Sadly we have over 30 names to engrave at the request of family members who lost loved ones to homicide or violent crimes around Alaska.
The impact of this park has been significant. In May 2018 a gentleman wrote to us a letter of thanks, to say that he flew up from Montana to touch his son's name on the wall. He went on to say that without the memorial he would not have a place to honor his son and wanted to make sure that Victims for Justice reach out to those who contributed in thanks. This past year the Park and Memorial site has been the location of several memorial services. In July 2018 there will be a community wide Victims Memorial that will include honored guests who read the newly added names.
Completed
This project is "Completed". This means the project has been implemented and the report was accepted by the district leadership. The project will stay listed on this website as a testimony of the achievements of the project partners.