The Cordova Community Foundation (CCF) has awarded the city’s Parks and Recreation Department a matching grant in the effort to rebuild the beloved Skaters’ Cabin.
CCF – a member of the Alaska Community Foundation, which encourages philanthropy in local communities – has pledged a dollar-to-dollar match of up to $20,000 for the Skaters’ Cabin rebuild.
“Losing the cabin highlighted a strong community need for a safe, functional space where residents can gather for recreation, events, and connection,” the Parks and Recreation Department said in its announcement. “Reconstructing the cabin will restore a cherished landmark, support outdoor recreation, and provide a welcoming space for all ages to enjoy.”
The city-owned Skaters’ Cabin – long popular among Cordovans for parties, summer barbecues, summer camps, and more – was demolished this past fall because of an array of structural failures, including the cabin’s foundation, roof, exterior walls, and drainages.
Because of municipal budget constraints, the city’s Parks and Recreation officials are now soliciting funds to rebuild the cabin on the edge of Eyak Lake, earlier in the fall launching a fundraising campaign. Department officials – who say they’re also relying on in-kind services and grants – still estimate the cabin reconstruction will cost more than $200,000.
“We are hopeful that the construction and labor required to assemble and install the cabin will be provided by community volunteers, thus reducing labor costs,” the Parks Department said. “Overall, we are applying for several grants and partnerships, and we remain optimistic that, with strong community support, we can significantly reduce the total project cost.”
CCF will match donations through the 2026 calendar year up to $20,000 – meaning that $20,000 could turn into $40,000 by year’s end. However, the Parks Department is hoping to receive $20,000 by June to expedite the rebuild process, according to department Director Samantha Hagerthy-Schneider.
CCF Advisory Board Member Galen Meyer recalled fond memories out at the cabin.
“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 said. “The hole in the ground where the cabin stood is representative of the hole left in the community since it’s been gone. CCF is committed to helping rebuild a new Skater’s Cabin so that we can get back to enjoying the things that always made it a special place.”
As of early January, the Parks and Recreation Department had already raised around $15,800 for the cabin’s reconstruction.
To donate online visit patronicity.com/project/eyak_lake_skaters_cabin.
Alternatively, people can donate via check by making them out to “City of Cordova” and writing “Donation to Skaters’ Cabin” in the memo line. Checks may be dropped off at the Bidarki Recreation Center, city offices at The Cordova Center, or mailed to Cordova Parks & Recreation, PO Box 364, Cordova, AK 99574.
