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As the Mat-Su Valley has grown in population density, traffic congestion and lifestyles that seem to get busier every day, the City of Palmer has maintained a cohesive feeling of community. The citizens of Palmer have consciously focused the direction of this former colony on a path of preservation. Preservation of history and the unique identity that has given Palmer the recognition of being one of the best areas in the state of Alaska to raise a family.
Part of the reason for being a great place to raise a family, has been Palmer's ability to have a downtown district that is both inviting and engaging. Palmer residents find themselves in downtown almost daily for a multitude of reasons. Previous city administrations moved to transform the downtown into a "walking" community with the creation of a paved 1.3 mile exercise/walking/biking pathway, for individuals and families, running the length of downtown and ending at a skateboard park created specifically for youth. Public restrooms were built and new/wider sidewalks with curb cuts added for the disabled ease of enjoying downtown were also constructed. Palmer is moving forward in realizing the vision of an engaged walking community!
Palmer Rotary seeks to continue this progress with the club members rolling up their sleeves and constructing covered rest areas on this unique pathway on the part that runs along the old railroad bed traveling much the length of town. This pathway is heavily trafficked by individuals/families walking, exercising, bike riding, skate boarding or just enjoying being outdoors in the beauty of Alaska. Sadly, there are no areas of respite along the pathway to accommodate those that may need a rest. In discussions at club meetings, members have commented on seeing families with strollers, elderly and the disabled gathered on the grass fringes of the pathway interacting. Palmer Rotary has clearly seen the need to provide a means to enhance the experience and enjoyment of the pathway patrons.
Palmer Rotary's vision is to provide several small covered structures that would offer either a picnic table, sitting benches or a hardened surface for the disabled to roll onto without impediment. These wooden structures would be positioned adjacent the pathway for ease of access and convenience. Each structure would have a small plaque on one of the upright supports conspicuously identifying Palmer Rotary as the civic organization that provided and maintains the structure. Our ongoing community involvement will be the resource for maintenance of the structures.
Palmer Rotary's plan would be to work over the winter to manufacture (pre-cut and assemble) major components of each structure (ie picnic table, roof framing less shingles, etc). Completion of this work would be done by several members of the club that have construction experience in a work area provided by one of the local members. Rotary would then engage other members, in a couple of "work days", to assemble the modular components at the pathway once weather permits. This would ensure the use of the structures by early 2014.
Project funds would be used to purchase all materials for the construction with labor, work areas and tools to be provided by members. Palmer Rotary will ask the City of Palmer to partner together to provide assistance to dig the holes for supports/anchors and the lifting equipment for assembling the modular components along the pathway.
Addendum to Project Description (added after the project was signed)
Four very sound, but needing refurbishment, steel and wood structures were obtained. We have experienced delays in the refurbishment process and such is still on-going. Collaboration with the City of Palmer is on-going and very positive regarding placement locations and assistance in the ground installation when that time comes. Estimated completion is now July 2014.
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