In the small Alaskan town of Cordova, a community is coming together in a heartwarming display of collective spirit to rebuild a cherished landmark that has brought generations of families together. The Cordova Community Foundation has pledged a generous $20,000 matching grant to help reconstruct the Skaters' Cabin, a beloved gathering place on the shores of Eyak Lake that holds countless memories for local residents.

The original cabin, which had to be demolished this past fall due to structural issues with its foundation, roof, and exterior walls, left more than just an empty space by the lake. It left a hole in the heart of the community. For years, the Skaters' Cabin served as the backdrop for birthday parties, summer barbecues, day camps, and family gatherings. It was where friendships were forged over campfires and where children created memories that would last a lifetime.

Now, the community is proving that when something matters, people show up. The Parks and Recreation Department launched a fundraising campaign earlier in the fall, and the response has been remarkable. By early January, dedicated community members had already contributed around $15,800 toward the cabin's reconstruction. With the Cordova Community Foundation's dollar-for-dollar match of up to $20,000, every donation through the 2026 calendar year will have twice the impact, meaning that $20,000 in contributions could become $40,000 for the project.

The vision for the new cabin goes beyond simply replacing what was lost. The Parks and Recreation Department sees this as an opportunity to restore a safe, functional space where residents can gather for recreation, events, and meaningful connection. It will be a welcoming space for all ages, supporting outdoor recreation and strengthening the community bonds that make Cordova special.

Galen Meyer, who serves on the CCF Advisory Board, captured the sentiment perfectly when reflecting on his own childhood experiences. "As a kid growing up in Cordova, I remember so many summer day camp trips, birthday parties and family gatherings at Skater's Cabin," Meyer shared. His words echo the feelings of countless Cordovans who see the cabin as an integral part of what makes their community home.

The Ripple Effect

What makes this story particularly inspiring is how the community is finding creative ways to make the dream affordable. While the estimated reconstruction cost exceeds $200,000, the Parks Department remains optimistic that community volunteers will provide much of the construction and labor needed, significantly reducing expenses. Local officials are also pursuing additional grants and partnerships, demonstrating that when a community works together, even ambitious goals become achievable.

The matching grant from the Cordova Community Foundation, a member of the Alaska Community Foundation that encourages philanthropy in local communities, exemplifies how strategic giving can amplify community generosity. The foundation is accepting donations through the end of 2026, though the Parks Department hopes to raise $20,000 by June to expedite the rebuild process and ensure the cabin is ready for another season of memory making.

For those inspired to contribute, donations can be made online or by check, with all contributions going directly toward bringing this community treasure back to life. This is more than a construction project. It's a testament to what happens when people invest in the places and spaces that bring them together.