Category: Uncategorized

Welcome to issue XVIII of the Girdwood Inc Newsletter! Read on to learn more about the Girdwood Workforce Childcare Project, the Girdwood Parks Plan final step, a recap about this winter’s ice conditions, Land Use presentation regarding Glacier Creek Resort and Spa, Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center’s new marine education facility and updates on local restaurants and recycling.

The Girdwood Workforce Childcare Project

We are thrilled to report that the future Little Bears Playhouse building is complete! After 30 years as an identified community need, the new and safe childcare center is set to open this August/September. As fiscal sponsor for the project, Girdwood Inc has successfully demonstrated its mission of being “Girdwood’s partner in funding and leadership.” The building will be transferred from Girdwood Inc to Little Bears in the coming months and we look forward to celebrating that milestone with everyone.

The project received its conditional certificate of occupancy from the Municipality of Anchorage in April. The new building is modern and industrial, but more importantly, was designed with the children it will house over the next generation. The building features 7 age-appropriate classrooms and a multipurpose room. There are two infant rooms, three toddler rooms and two pre-school rooms.

The multipurpose room has direct exterior access, its own bathroom and distance learning desk. Permitted uses of this space are for childcare, learning, as well as for other non-profit, charitable, and community purposes.

An important equipment asset, which was made possible by the State of Alaska Community Innovation Grant, is a brand-new Caterpillar generator. At the current building when power is lost, parents need to pick up their children within 1 hour, primarily because of the lack of operational water. We are excited to report that the new generator can power the entire building, and this unpredictable element to childcare will be eliminated in the new building thanks to the new generator.

The building sits on a 99-year lease, which began in January 2024. We would like to acknowledge the community benefit that Pomeroy Lodging and Alyeska Resort has provided by creating a space for the new Little Bears building to exist today.

We would also like to acknowledge a job well done by Ironwood/Watterson Joint Venture construction team. The following Girdwood locals deserve positive recognition for their skills and ability to complete the building on-time and on budget: Ella Landry, Gerry Zeek, Shawn Morgan and Zeke Braham.

Keep in mind that we still need funding for the playground. John Byrne has set a great example as a family who wants to leave a legacy to Girdwood. It should be noted that without the 1-million-dollar donation from The Byrne Family, this project may not have been completed over this last year. This donation gave Girdwood Inc the confidence it needed to proceed with construction and keep the project on schedule. Gratitude for this substantial donation cannot be overstated.

You can donate to the Playground here!

We anticipate that landscaping and fencing will be completed this summer, along with some fun events to help plant trees and shrubs on the property. The “Gratitude Tree” donor wall will be installed in June by Thalia Wilkenson and Tommy O’Malley, as well as volunteers.

The furniture has arrived and we look forward to welcoming the community to an open house in late summer. Stay tuned for your invitation and more details!

The Girdwood Parks Plan

This document will help guide Girdwood Parks planning and improvements over the next decade and likely beyond.

The Girdwood Parks Plan was given a Resolution of Support by the Girdwood Board of Supervisors in April, following several meetings and a public comment period. It has been submitted to the Planning Department and will go before a Planning and Zoning Commission hearing on July 6^th at 6:00 PM, before it is fully adopted.

You can review the Draft Girdwood Parks Plan at Project Documents | Girdwood Parks Master Plan

A slow thaw after the winter of Ice?

Spring has sprung…or it will, after things thaw! This 2025-2026 winter may be remembered as the “winter of ice.” Local contractors describe the unusual ice flow activity caused because of significant rain, immediately followed by a deep cold spell which spanned several months. The lack of snow cover, prior and during negative temperatures, caused the ground to freeze more thoroughly and deeper than normal years.

At Girdwood Board of Supervisors, they discussed an increased need for steam trucks. On normal years, steam trucks are used only a handful of times each winter. This year, they were utilized many days of December, January and February.

Western, the Girdwood Valley Service Area’s (GVSA) roads maintenance contractor, worked hard and many hours in hopes of resolving ice problems which were appearing all over Girdwood. GVSA also contracted an additional steam truck. Department of Transportation (DOT) employees were often seen in the culverts along the highway, attempting to melt out ice chocked culverts and mounding ice overflows. Long time locals have said they have haven’t seen a winter like this in many decades.

As we know, we did not receive a grand amount of snow this year. GVSA spending reports show that funds which are normally spent on plowing snow were instead spent on steaming. Kyle Kelley, Girdwood Valley Service Area Manager, and his team of contractors went above and beyond to handle the ongoing ice issues all winter. Girdwood Inc would like to recognize the time, effort and exceptional commitment he puts in to keep Girdwood running through a unique and challenging winter.

Glacier Creek Resort and Spa – Presentation at Girdwood Land Use Committee

At the April Girdwood Land Use (LUC) meeting, New York resident Nathan Braun of Monarch Hospitality Group, came and spoke of his desire to obtain a land use permit on HLB Parcel 6-296. The presentation focused on a proposed boutique hotel development generally located beyond Alyeska Resort, near the base of North Face. Information on the project and its developers is limited. More information is needed before the merits of the project can be determined.

New Ocean Education Center Opens at AWCC, Expanding Marine Education in Southcentral Alaska

We are excited about the growth and changes at one of Girdwood’s important neighbors, the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. AWCC is a nonprofit sanctuary dedicated to preserving Alaska’s wildlife through conservation, education, research, and quality animal care. AWCC provides a forever home for orphaned and injured animals while offering visitors the chance to experience Alaska’s iconic wildlife up close. We strongly encourage readers to visit this wonderful facility at the end of Turnagain Arm.

AWCC has officially opened the new Matson Ocean Education Center (MOEC), a major addition that strengthens Alaska’s statewide marine education, conservation, and wildlife research efforts while bringing new opportunities to the Girdwood community.  Located at “The Point” along Turnagain Arm, the new facility provides visitors with a front-row view into one of Alaska’s most dynamic marine ecosystems. The area is known for some of the largest tidal swings in the world and serves as important habitat for the endangered Cook Inlet beluga whale population.  Inside the 1,000-square-foot facility, guests can explore interactive exhibits featuring a 10-foot beluga whale skeleton, marine biofacts, interpretive displays, binocular viewing stations, and artwork by Alaska artists Jordan Anderson and Dawn Gerety.  The Matson Ocean Education Center is now open daily and included with general admission to AWCC. More information is available at AlaskaWildlife.org/MOEC.

For Girdwood and surrounding communities, the project represents an important contribution to the local economy.  To start, numerous AWCC employees are Girdwood residents. AWCC welcomes more than 265,000 visitors annually, and the new education center adds another year-round attraction that strengthens tourism, supports local businesses, and increases educational opportunities. 

The project was made possible through strong community leadership and partnership efforts, including the work of Lana Johnson, who was instrumental in helping bring the vision for the facility to life. Johnson serves on the boards of both AWCC and the Alaska Council for Economic Education.  She was a founding board member of Girdwood 2020, and served on Girdwood Inc Board for many years.  We appreciate her long commitment to Girdwood, Turnagain Arm and Alaska.

Local Restaurant Update

Thank you and congratulations to Jen and Frans Weits for 25 years of continuous operation at Jack Sprat. They have provided years of consistent work-force employment in our community, employing an average of twenty-five people, most of which are local residents.  The restaurant is known for good food and service, a place many of us enjoy.

Also, two locally owned restaurants have closed.  Alex Fletcher announced she is closing Spoonline to free up time for other pursuits.  Melissa Randdich recently announced via Facebook they will permanently close the Hightower Pub, due to winter freezing issues.  Both these businesses have been great community assets, and we are sorry to see them go.

We are pleased to report that Coast Pizza is also reaching 25 years of operation this year. Coast has been a highway staple for many passing through on the Seward Highway but is an important entity for local employment. Coast Pizza owner, Amanda Tuttle, often comments at local meetings that if she didn’t house her staff, she wouldn’t be able to keep the doors open. Restaurants can be a challenge to operate, and we appreciate the difficulty in finding and creating housing options, as an additional pressure for an operator in this industry. We would like to commend and recognize the additional hurdles these businesses are experiencing to operate in the valley.

Recycling update:

Solid Waste Services is now offering an aluminum recycling option at the Girdwood Transfer Station! It is within the fence and is available during regular business hours for free aluminum can drop off. At present, only aluminum is being collected, and we hope that more recycling options can be added in the future.

Girdwood Family Vibes Music Series at Sunday Markets!

Girdwood Inc has invested in SuperSpace magnetic building tiles for children and families to build and get creative together! These are available for free play during the market dates and times, weather permitting. Come listen and play at the “Girdwood Family Vibes” music series. See below for dates!

Generous Donation Received

Girdwood Inc is thrilled to share about a generous donation received from The Byrne Family. On February 28^th John Byrne III returned to Girdwood and announced the donation of $1,000,000 for the new childcare center.  The Girdwood Inc/Little Bears Playhouse building committee had offered building naming rights for a donation of this size. In a heartwarming speech, Byrne expressed interest in naming the building after decades-long Girdwood local volunteer Diana Livingston.

Community Spotlight: Diana Livingston

Diana has called Girdwood home since 1976. She managed the books of several long-standing and successful Girdwood businesses. In 2004, she helped to found Girdwood Inc. This initiative, along with Chris von Imhof and others, helped preserve the Roundhouse at Alyeska. As the oldest structure on the mountain, it is now listed as a historical landmark. This action was deserving as it was a key feature of Mount Alyeska becoming the ski area it is today.

Diana has been a tireless community volunteer. She attended most Girdwood Board of Supervisors meetings for years and worked to fundraise infrastructure for the community she held dear. She served as Treasurer of Girdwood Inc for 20 years and remains a board member today. Diana is directly responsible for writing and being awarded grants for Girdwood and offering her CPA knowledge and expertise without any compensation.

Girdwood Workforce Childcare Project – Childcare Center Under Construction!

Girdwood Inc is pleased to report that state and municipal building permits are approved, and the childcare center has restarted construction!  The building pad is complete and deep plumbing has been installed, with the foundation pour expected soon. The project is on target to be substantially complete by spring 2026. Little Bears Playhouse will open their new doors by fall 2026. Follow along major building milestones at Girdwood Inc Instagram account: @Girdwood_Inc

You can read more about the upcoming building on a recently published story on Alaska Public Media here. The photo above is the 2025 Rendering of the to-be-built building! If you are interesting in joining our gratitude tree, please click here!

Girdwood Comprehensive Plan

At the March 18th meeting, the assembly passed the Girdwood Comprehensive Plan. The updated Plan has been underway for a least 7 years by local volunteers and is replacing a plan from 1995. Five amendments were passed to be included in the plan. The final step, assembly accepting Planning Department’s memorandum and approving the finalized plan including amendments, occurred on April 22, 2025. This means the new Plan is now considered fully adopted. Girdwood Inc was the fiscal sponsor for this project. We would like to extend our congratulations to former and current Imagine Girdwood board members, as well as nearly one thousand individuals who participated to reach this achievement. You can view the plan at imaginegirdwood.org and will also be archived on the municipal website.

Girdwood Parks Master Plan Process Begins

Now that the Girdwood Comprehensive Plan has been completed, Girdwood Parks and Recreation can begin on a Girdwood Parks Master Plan. A Parks Master Plan will “inform Girdwood Parks and Recreation’s efforts to prioritize future projects desired by the community, support strategies to improve well-loved existing resources, and to acquire new park areas and resources for development,” stated Kyle Kelley. Huddle AK has been selected to assist in the planning effort and work through 4 phases over the next 12 months. An advisory group is being created now, and stakeholder interviews are occurring this summer. Public workshops are planned for August and December 2025. These workshops will provide opportunity to comment and help shape the Girdwood Parks Master Plan.

Project Anchorage

At the March 18^th meeting, the assembly voted to indefinitely postpone AO 2024-105(SA). If the ordinance had passed, the matter of a sales tax would have been put on the ballot for the voters to decide the fate of the proposed 3% sales tax, with 2% being applied toward a reduction in property taxes. The vote was 8-4, in favor of not placing the question on the ballot. An indefinite postponement means the item is no longer up for consideration, but any member could bring a new version forward in the future. Community members working on the proposed Girdwood Arts and Recreation District project voiced interest in continuing to pursue the project, regardless of the Project Anchorage sales tax initiative. Out of 300 ideas submitted, this project was included in the final top 10 to move forward on the ordinance, which speaks to its area-wide appeal.

Girdwood Arts Council

We would like to welcome a new organization, the Girdwood Arts Council, to our membership. It is established to help Girdwood as a premier art center, and to be a catalyst for a wide range of the arts. “Girdwood is a well-known artistic community, we should continue to build up this place-making trait. Many resort communities are home to beautiful arts centers, which draw visitors contribute to the overall culture of Girdwood,” said Girdwood Inc board member John Rense. Stakeholders and those who are interested in furthering the arts or joining a committee are encouraged to reach out to Girdwood Arts Council and take this survey. Read more at girdwoodarts.org.

Development in Girdwood

Regarding development, there is so much happening around town these days! Girdwood Board of Supervisors has been including a spreadsheet of the various development projects in their monthly packet. Spreadsheet Author: Mike Edgington

Department of Transportation’s “Safer Seward Highway” Project

The Safer Seward Highway project focuses on the area between Bird and Potters Marsh, which spans from milepost 98-118. Unfortunately, since so much of our lives involve that highway, Girdwood Residents and commuting workers are some of the most vulnerable groups to accidents and delays. DOT provided us a map showing historical accident locations in this part of the Seward Highway, although Chief Michelle Weston asserts the number is higher and many incidents are not reported, as they require law enforcement to enter into the system. DOT reports that after 2.5 years of investigation, they have concluded that a 4-lane highway is best for safety. DOT are implementing Safety Seward Highway “Express Projects,” which are improvements that will come sooner than the larger project and can be acted upon now. These include: Sign Safety Express Project – bigger and better signage for wayfinding and mileage markers in pullouts as requested by Chief Weston. There will be a hidden driveway sign added with expanded notice for McHugh Creek. You should notice all the new signs installed before July 1, 2025. The DOT is planning to add a left turn lane at McHugh Creek and do additional rock stabilization at milepost 113.2, where traffic is often routed into the pullout due to icefall issues. The DOT team is trying for 2025 improvements, but stated those are more likely to occur in 2026. Eventually a four-lane road could mostly eliminate the many-hour closures and other uncertainties that characterize that part of the Seward Highway. We applaud DOT’s numerous efforts to communicate their plans and progress. In addition to safety improvements, we see potential benefits such as a bike path, much better viewing areas, safer school transportation, and greater access to Girdwood from a large and important workforce.

Girdwood Farmers Market Returns

The Girdwood Community Land Trust (GCLT) will be continuing pop-up markets in town square again this summer. For the past 4 years, GCLT has provided permitting and insurance for the Girdwood Farmers Markets. The purpose of these markets is to encourage local economic development by providing an inexpensive option for small businesses to pop up, as well as create a fun and healthy way for families to interact. This year, the market will run every Sunday, except for Forest Fair weekend. This is an opportunity to support local businesses, artists, creators and musicians in a family friendly environment. Events are Sundays 11-4 PM. If you are interested in having a booth or signing up to play music, visit girdwoodlandtrust.org.

Crow Creek Mercantile

We would like to extend a thank you to Daria Severson, who is the manager down at the Crow Creek Mercantile. She has been surveying the community to better understand how the store can meet Girdwood’s needs. We encourage people to communicate their thoughts to her at “the Merc.” To date, she says price is the primary concern, but they are also trying to provide additional healthy options. The Merc is owned by Albertson’s and receives its supplies from the Carrs system. As we all know, Albertson’s has not taken steps to invest in Girdwood, so the Girdwood store managers and staff do the best they can. We appreciate their hard work, and the challenges of a very small space.