Kenai Peninsula Peace Garden Trails reports new gates, volunteer growth and spring artwork

The Kenai Peninsula Peace Garden Trails presented its annual update to the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly on Jan. 21, describing new site features, volunteer engagement and upcoming fundraising.

"I am Sarah Pahala, and I am president of the Kenai Peninsula Peace Crane Garden Trails," Pahala told the assembly. She said the group is based at 4705 West Merriedale Avenue in Soldotna and reported a 25% year-over-year increase in volunteer hours, totaling more than 441 hours contributed by the board and community volunteers.

The group installed two new entrance gates during the year: a Muniman gate and a torii gate, both hand-hewn from white cedar sourced from Prince of Wales Island and constructed by local contractors. Pahala described work by carvers and local donors who provided equipment and installation help. She said site art and side panels are planned for spring 2025, and that Wildwood vocational ed students and other local partners contributed elements now on site.

Pahala said the garden functions as a healing and meditation space and noted it has become accessible to community members including cancer patients and local youth groups. "This space is truly, coming to fruition within our community as a space that people go to, to not only meditate but it's a healing space," she said.

Assembly members praised the volunteers. "Thanks for coming in and all the work that you guys end up putting over there," said Assembly member Cox, who noted visible, steady improvements to the site over the last year. The garden's next fundraiser, "Frosted Bites and Lights," is scheduled for Jan. 31 from 6 to 9 p.m., Pahala said; proceeds will support the next phase of improvements.

The assembly thanked the group for its work and encouraged continued community partnerships.