Community rec area born where pipeline weights used to lie

A  pavilion is what the community asked for, and the Delta Junction Trails Association (DJTA) delivered. Multiple 54,000-pound concrete pipeline weights remaining from the pipeline construction era were deposited in an open area near the Delta River. As years progressed, the area became a mecca for partiers and graffiti artists. Broken bottles, cans, and other trash littered the area.  

“The concrete structures were used to hold the pipeline in areas such as river crossings,” explained Mindy Eggleston, president of the DJTA. “It was fine for a while, but soon became a gathering place that resulted in so much trash and debris.”

The weights were located within the DJTA’s River Walk Park. It was deemed they could not remain, as they would constitute a hazard. The decision was made to bury them.

“Grizzly Construction did the deed, and it was quite the burial, burying twenty 54,000-pound concrete weights,” laughed Eggleston. “But he did a wonderful job and left the area smooth and compacted. Delta Area Forestry came in and spent several days brushing out the spot.”

The question was now what to do with the area. It commands a scenic view of the Delta River, distant Alaska Range, and is bracketed by the River Walk trail system.

“So we turned it over to the public,” explained Eggleston. “The majority called for a pavilion area, thereby opening it up to local concerts, gatherings, birthday parties, picnics, whatever. So we rolled up our sleeves and got to work.”

The DJTA garnered funds from online donations, walk-ins at the local library, and various groups and organizations.

“Manh Choh donated $5,000, the City $2,000, August Brewhouse bingo brought in $392, and then we had online and walk-in (at the library) donations,” explained Eggleston. “It was clear to us, this is indeed what the community wants.”

Design Alaska helped landscape and lay out the site with board input and community written request. Work began, volunteers showed up, and a 12x16 foot pavilion, complete with skylights now sits where the pipeline weights once rested.

“We have a spot for cornholes and enough leftover material to build benches,” Eggleston pointed out. “Gary Hall’s construction trades class will contribute two picnic tables. And yes, the area is ADA compliant and handicap accessible.”

Eggleston said the trails group is working on a possible online calendar for the multipurpose pavilion.

“That way we can avoid, say, a birthday party showing up to find a wedding reception using the area,” said Eggleston.  

The pavilion shelter and seating area is all part of the River Walk Site plan. Future plans call for bike racks, increased signage, and a proposed wind art or turbine as a possible future energy source or an aesthetic landmark. More information can be found on the DJTA website at www.deltajunctiontrails.com.

The area will officially open to the public Saturday, September 19, with the Trails Association’s fall open house.

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