ADA Accessible Fishing
Contributed by Jayne Hammond
The Matanuska-Susitna Valley is a place of natural beauty; lakes, rivers, and streams that have long been at the heart of our community's way of life. As our population grows and ages, and with new senior housing being developed, it is more important than ever to ensure that all residents have equitable access to these resources.
Currently, the Mat-Su Borough does not have any dedicated ADA accessible fishing docks or piers.
Despite outreach to various agencies, including the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, the Park Service, Parks and Recreation, DNR, Connect Mat-Su, and Access Alaska, no facilities are in place that provide safe and inclusive fishing opportunities for individuals with mobility challenges. This represents a significant gap in accessibility for seniors, veterans, and residents with disabilities who wish to engage in outdoor recreation that supports their physical and emotional well-being during the summer months.
In addition to fishing access, there is also only one ADA-compliant playground facility in our community (privately maintained and owned, beautiful park). This means that children with disabilities, or their caregivers, are potentially excluded from opportunities to play, grow, and connect with peers in safe and inclusive spaces. Fencing at the facilities is also important; many playgrounds are not fully fenced and gated.
By creating ADA-accessible fishing areas and playgrounds, we can:
Promote inclusion by ensuring that all residents, young and old, can fully participate in community life.
Expand ADA accessible activities that foster outdoor recreation, connection, and independence.
Improve overall quality of life by building spaces that reflect the values of equity, health, and belonging.
Mat-Su Parks and Trails has identified ADA facilities as a high priority and has grant funding available to support projects like this. There are also grants available through ADA, AK DOT for sidewalk improvement, HUD block grants, grants for businesses including a tax credit. With collaboration and investment, we have a real opportunity to transform our community into a place where accessibility is not an afterthought.
I am committed to working with local partners and agencies to make this vision a reality, and I invite your support in creating these much-needed, ADA accessible recreational spaces for our community. I would love to be a part of planning processes, sharing ideas, outreach, etc.