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Volunteers and donors expand Kenai Peninsula Peace Crane Garden Trails, organizers say
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Summary
Shimai Toshi Garden Trails president Sarah Fiala told the assembly the Peace Crane Garden Trails continued to grow with more trails, new artwork, 1,650+ volunteer hours and plans for signage and a suicide‑awareness luminary event; the luminary walk drew about 500 attendees last December.
Sarah Fiala, president of Shimai Toshi Garden Trails Incorporated, updated the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly on the Kenai Peninsula Peace Crane Garden Trails on March 17, describing volunteer efforts, donations and new installations that expanded public access and programing.
Fiala said the group has been working on the site since 2020 and credited corporate and philanthropic donors—Foster Construction, Radiation Oncology, the Rasmussen Foundation, Community Health Foundation, multiple Rotary clubs and Women Who Care—along with volunteer groups including vocational students, for trail improvements, new gates and an art installation. The trails recorded over 1,650 volunteer hours and a December luminary walk drew roughly 500 people.
The group has planted more than 300 saplings to replace beetle‑killed spruce, built new benches (vocational‑student projects), commissioned a gate and plaque, and plans to add a CAD/CAM sign by a Kenai Central High School student. Organizers are planning a suicide‑awareness night as part of the next luminary walk and said they will add informational signs about pet management and trail etiquette.
Why it matters: The project serves as a community space used by seniors, hospice residents, students and families. Fiala highlighted the space’s role as a low‑cost community mental‑health and reflection spot and noted continued interest in partnerships to maintain and expand the site.
What’s next: The organization will continue volunteer recruitment, fundraising and the planned signage and community events. Fiala encouraged assembly members and residents to contact the group or borough land management staff for volunteer or partnership information.
Quote: “This garden trail invites you to slow down, open your heart and connect with the natural world around you,” Fiala said.
Ending: The assembly received the update with positive acknowledgement and no action was required.
