$50,000 for Trails

A major investment in outdoor recreation will help expand the Eastland Trails system and increase access to hike- and bike-friendly trails on the southern Kenai Peninsula.

One of the largest grants in Homer Foundation history has been awarded to the Homer Cycling Club to support the next phase of trail development at Eastland Trails.

Last Monday, we traveled to 17 mile East End Road with a “big check” in tow to celebrate the investment in expanding access to outdoor recreation. Phase I of the project is almost complete and includes three miles of hikeable trail. This spring, construction will move into Phase II, adding an additional 4.5 miles of bike-friendly trail to the growing system. Those interested in learning more about the process of deveoping a trail system of this size and quality can read more on the Homer Cycling Club website.

“We really appreciate your support. It is huge-absolutely huge. It’s huge on your part for that size of a grant, and it’s huge for us because it makes a big difference.”

-Cameale Johnson, Committee Chair, Eastland Trails Committee

“The long-term vision of this project aligns closely with the community’s love for outdoor recreation and access to public lands. This award is among the largest grants the Foundation has made, with the last grant of this size dating back to 2003.”

-Paula Martin, President of the Board of Trustees, Homer Foundation

Let’s take a look back in time…

“In 2003, Alaska’s first community foundation made a statewide splash with a decision to donate $50,000 to the effort to build Homer’s new public library. The ambitious library project was being put together with a minimum of public funds, at a time of government budget cuts. The Homer Foundation had never granted anything close to that much money, and didn’t have money like that sitting around in its unrestricted fund. But board members thought it was worth making an extra effort — and agreed to reach into their own pockets to help.”

This is the eighth of nine short historical reminiscences to mark the 30th anniversary of the Homer Foundation, Alaska’s first community foundation. This series was produced by The Foundation and written by former board member Tom Kizzia. It was first published in 2021.

We find it encouraging to look at these two investments in our community side by side. It reflects the committement Homer has to education, recreation and the families that choose to call this place home. If we are looking to invest in the future of our community, libraries and trails are a wonderful place to start.