Slikok trails users, have we got some exciting news for you! Tsalteshi Trails Association has begun a project to improve the Slikok Multi-Use Trails:
1. Highway access: Work is finishing up now to realign the entrance to the trailhead from the Sterling Highway. There used to be several turn-offs from the highway, which could be confusing and lead to unsafe traffic conditions. Two of the old entrances have been closed and the middle one has been widened and paved to make an easier turn on and off the highway. With this work complete, we will now be eligible to get signage on the highway! No more directing people to Slikok by saying, “Look for the unmarked turn-offs across from the dump.”
2. Parking lot: We’re improving drainage, adding fabric and gravel and regrading the parking area to make it hold up better in wet conditions. You used to need high clearance and four-wheel drive to get in and out of that lot during fall and spring — or at least have a serious disregard for your vehicle. We can’t promise there will never again be a temporary pothole, but there shouldn’t be any more search-and-rescue parties for a stuck Prius.
3. Power: The Slikok trails are on borough land once used for landfill operations and already have power run to the area. We’re extending the power line under the parking lot to add a light to the parking area. This also means we’ll be able to add trail lights to Slikok someday. It’s a down-the-road idea, but it’s something trail users have requested, so it’s on the list.
4. PERMANENT OUTHOUSE!!!!! We’re building a single-vault concrete block outhouse, similar to the one at the Wolverine (K-Beach) trailhead. No more port-a-potty! We’ll have a sturdy, comfortable, lighted outhouse for trail users to do their business or change clothes. We’ll have a bench outside (in memory of Mari Auxier, thanks to a donation from Allen Auxier), and hope to install a bike repair stand and wax bench in the future.
5. While we’re at it, we might as well add more trail! That is what we do, after all. Bill Holt and Alan Boraas had a few more loops of ski trails planned out when we originally built Slikok, but we didn’t have the money to complete at the time. Bill’s going to lend a hand to adding 2K more trail to the Slikok system.
Timeline: The highway realignment and parking lot upgrade is nearly complete. We should be able to reopen the Slikok trailhead to traffic next week. In the meantime, please continue accessing the Slikok trails from the Skyview parking lot. Take the multi-use connector trail at the disc golf sign over to the Issak Road crossing. Please do not park on Isaak Road.
Work has begun on the outhouse, with the vault in place and the foundation poured. We’re hoping to have the block installed this fall, but the construction window is closing fast and our contractor has a lot of other projects on his plate. That one might have to wait until next spring to be completed.
Trail design is happening this summer. Construction will be next spring/summer.
Thank yous: A project of this scope takes a ton of support, and TTA is very grateful to have it.
The Soldotna Rotary Club continues its service to our community by funding the outhouse construction and providing volunteer labor. Rotary International has a long history of prioritizing health and sanitation projects worldwide and we appreciate the local club continuing that mission. They helped with our Wolverine outhouse, too.
Thanks to long-time trail user Bud Crawford, who has also been a huge supporter of Tsalteshi over the years and this project, in particular.
Thanks to Kyle Foster and Foster Construction. TTA would not be able to afford this scale of professional dirt work without Kyle being willing to support the cause.
TTA Board and staff: TTA Board President Tony Doyle with Creative Designers Inc. is volunteering his professional services as project manager, and designed the outhouse for us. TTA maintenance director Tom Seggerman is once again dusting off his retired contractor experience to help in all aspects of the project. Past TTA president Pat King has been lending a huge hand, as well. We’re thrilled as always to have TTA trail builder emeritus Bill Holt back to put in a few more loops for us.
Kenai Peninsula Borough: Tsalteshi operates through lease agreements on borough land. Thanks to the KPB Planning Department for helping us through the lease amendment approval process, and to the borough overall for seeing value in providing public lands for recreational opportunities.
Last but absolutely not least, thanks to the Rasmuson Foundation, which is providing the bulk of the funding for this project. Fixing a parking lot and building an outhouse are not the moooost exciting projects for a grant application, but Rasmuson has a demonstrated commitment to help nonprofits do the sometimes dirty work of serving their communities. Rasmuson rightfully requires skin in the game to get their support. TTA was only able to get a Rasmuson grant because of the huge amount of community support for this project. We’re able to leverage local donations, in-kind support and volunteers into a much larger impact than we could accomplish on our own.
Thank you, Rasmuson Foundation, and thank you to all the donors, volunteers, supporters and contractors helping make this long-needed upgrade happen!