On blustery Sept. 11, 2025, the Eyak Lake Skaters’ Cabin vanished. Wilson Construction’s large excavator took less than eight hours to demolish the aging log structure and load its remnants into waiting trucks bound to the burn pile or landfill.
Off they went carrying many Cordova memories of not only skating on the lake’s ice, but also of XC skiing, picnics, Scout meetings, sleepovers, campouts, weddings, graduations and even farewells to the bygones.
Back before the Bob Korn Swim Pool, many youngsters, including yours truly, learned the rudiments of swimming on the lake’s chilly waters. More recently our Texas grandkids squeal in a combination of delight and shock when fresh from 100-degree heat down South, they frantically swim out to the raft anchored near the cabin.
After the demolition was complete a strange large metal circle filled with medium sized round rock was uncovered.
Cabin users of days of yore will know what it was.
Years ago when the fireplace in the cabin had to be replaced someone came up with the bright idea of a big circular fire pit with a round circular hood and chimney suspended over it.
Not only did the pit consume massive amounts of firewood, it would not draw worth a darned and filled the cabin with smoke while all the heat went up the stack.
My wife reminded me of this when recalling efforts to keep the cabin warm during Girl Scout campouts.
The Skaters’ Cabin was in rough shape and had to be retired.
Surely it has to be replaced. It has been and should continue to be a special part of our community.
Cordova’s Parks and Recreation Department is launching a funding campaign. Their goal is $450,000. They have an excellent brochure describing all the facts and how you can donate.
They even have an online website.
Me – I’m going to write a check – just so I can specify “NO ROUND FIREPIT!”
