Exciting Developments at Wasilla Municipal Airport
Contributed by Crystal Nygard
“We are open for business,” Mayor of Wasilla Glenda Ledford repeats. As the demand for commercial cargo and warehouse services continues to rise, Wasilla Municipal Airport is poised for significant advancements designed to enhance operational efficiency and accommodate larger aircraft. With a vision for the future, the airport is set to undergo a transformative expansion, which includes extending the runway from its current 3,700 feet to 5,100—and ultimately 6,000 feet—and widening it to 100 feet. In addition, the airport is about to embark on the expansion of 2 acres for hangar lease lots and tie-downs. This ambitious initiative highlights the commitment of the City of Wasilla administration and council to prioritize airport infrastructure and services.
The proposed expansion of the Wasilla Municipal Airport isn’t just about lengthening the runway—it marks a new era for aviation in Wasilla. It encompasses a comprehensive plan to construct advanced facilities on large lease lots that will support Part 135 operators and larger aircraft. This initiative is essential for improving operational efficiency, reducing costs, and making Wasilla an attractive hub for aviation services.
Currently, the airport is in the planning phase for a new airport business aviation center, and the city has earmarked over $22.6 million for infrastructure improvements. Recent upgrades have already made a tangible difference, including the addition of 27 general aviation tie-downs, apron expansion, a new taxiway, vehicle parking enhancements, and dedicated runway maintenance snow removal equipment.
Located in Southcentral Alaska, Wasilla is strategically positioned to serve as a central hub for all regions—north, south, east, and west—of this vast state. The Matanuska-Susitna Borough (Mat-Su) offers extensive tracts of state and private lands available for development, making housing and living costs more affordable than in many other regions. With a population exceeding 110,000 in the surrounding area, Wasilla is emerging as the financial, service, and retail center for the Mat-Su region.
The area is experiencing rapid population growth, making it the fastest-growing region in Alaska. This
growth is accompanied by increased investment from large retailers and small business entrepreneurs, new housing developments, and a strengthened business climate. As Wasilla continues to assert itself in the economic landscape, it is on track to surpass other cities in the state in terms of business growth.
In an age of congested airports and frequent weather-related delays, the upgrades at Wasilla Municipal Airport will enhance aviation services for a modern era. The airport will capitalize on its superior approach vectors, ensuring reliable and smooth landings and takeoffs.
Airport Manager Erich Schaal emphasizes this commitment to efficiency: “We have created a facility where operators can maximize their efficiency while minimizing operational costs, including snow removal.”
The expansion will also include the establishment of a business aviation center, commercial property development for hangars, and a heliport, making Wasilla a comprehensive aviation hub.
The positive impact of relocating maintenance operations to Wasilla is already evident. Local operators share real-world success stories that highlight the airport’s growing value. Aaron McCarty, CEO of Silver Sky Aviation, reports a remarkable 40% increase in efficiency since relocating to Wasilla. He attributes this improvement to the accessible land, competitive lease rates, and superior operational services available at the airport, which have enabled his company to expand its team of mechanics and better serve regional carriers.
Public-private partnerships are key. Crystal Nygard, Deputy Administrator/Economic Development, emphasizes that collaboration with private entities ensures continued growth. These partnerships allow the airport to leverage additional resources and expertise to enhance infrastructure and services in ways that meet the needs of its users.
As Wasilla Municipal Airport embarks on this exciting journey of expansion and enhancement, the city invites aviators, entrepreneurs, and investors to join in shaping the future of aviation in Alaska. For Part 135 operations interested in learning more about expansion plans and partnership opportunities, visit www.wasillaamp.com
COMMUNITY
Local Garden Clubs
Contributed by S. Wallin
Spring is officially here—it’s time to get some seeds in the dirt! In our short growing season, starting some vegetables and flowers indoors is essential for a successful harvest. Check your seed variety and count back from the first week of June, our typical frost-free date. Using a planting calendar can help organize staggered sowing
times, and keeping seed packets in a dry, safe spot makes for easy reference later.
Some vegetables that thrive in our valley include carrots, peas, rutabagas, turnips, potatoes, cabbages, kale, and other greens. Easy-to-grow annual flowers that do well in both rain and shine include zinnias, calendula, marigolds, phlox, dianthus, poppies, daisies, and godetia. Consider planting summer bulbs, corms, and tubers such as gladiolus, dahlias, begonias, and ranunculus. And don’t forget about fall-planted bulbs—many varieties mature, divide, and survive for several years. Some species, like daffodils, scilla, crocus, iris, and lilies, are even moose-resistant!
For expert gardening tips, reach out to our local greenhouses and nurseries, or visit the Mat-Su/Copper River Cooperative
Garden Locally and Globally
Contributed by Sammy Taylor
locally and globally.
We should buy our plants locally if we don’t grow our own. Locally grown plants are adapted to our environment, and they don’t import pests and diseases from outside. We have some wonderful local nurseries and garden clubs that provide opportunities to purchase plants while
Local Garden Clubs offer a great way to connect with fellow growers and learn from seasoned experts.
Mat-Su Master Gardeners meet the first Monday of each month (September–May) at 7 p.m. in Kerttula Hall. The public is welcome.
Meadow Lakes Bloomers meet at 10:30 a.m. on the first Monday of each month at the Meadow Lakes Senior Center on Karen Street, east of Pittman Road.
Valley Garden Club meets the first Tuesday of each month at 10:30 a.m. in the basement of Grace Life Community Church (900 E. Leatherleaf Loop). Use the lower parking lot.
supporting our local economy. Valley Garden Club hosts its annual spring sale at the Boys and Girls Club and pays rent there to help support the club’s work with kids. Meadow Lakes Bloomers Club (sale at the Meadow Lakes Center on Parks and Pittman) uses money raised by their sale to support the gardens of several local schools. Meadow Lakes Elementary, Houston
These clubs feature informative speakers and engage in community projects—you may find one that’s the perfect fit for you! Mat-Su Master Gardeners – Saturday, May 31, in the parking lot across from the Visitor Center near the picnic shelters. Meadow Lakes Bloomers – Friday & Saturday, May 23–24,
High School, and Midnight Sun, American, and Birch Tree Charter Schools all benefit from Bloomers’ support. Both of these sales happen on Memorial Day weekend. Meadow Lakes Bloomers also hosts a fall sale of perennials—this year’s sale is scheduled for September 6. We also need to think globally as we purchase pesticides and other chemicals. Like everything else on Earth, what’s used in one location has ramifications for our atmosphere and water globally. We must remember that we are all related.
So besides thinking of the personal benefits to us of gardening, buying locally and being mindful of our outsized influence on everything and everyone can help us heal, rather than harm, our home planet. Happy gardening!
World-Class Kettlebell Training Comes to Wasilla
Contributed by Nate Kelsey, Edge Alaska
An exciting fitness event is headed to Wasilla this spring. On the weekend of May 3rd–4th, Impakt Athletics (2040 E Foundry Way) will host a series of kettlebell workshops led by Shaun Cairns, a StrongFirst Master Instructor visiting all the way from South Africa. Shaun is one of only 11 instructors in the world to hold this title. The workshops are part of the StrongFirst series and will include: May 3: Kettlebell 101 & 201 May 4: Kettlebell 301 & 401
The 101 session introduces foundational movements like the Swing, the Get-Up, and the Goblet Squat—each designed to build strength, flexibility, and resilience. Safety, long-term training strategies, and alternative programming inspired by Pavel Tsatsouline’s Simple & Sinister will also be covered. Kettlebell 201 dives deeper into advanced lifts such as the Snatch and Clean-and-Press, emphasizing full-body conditioning and shoulder strength. It also includes the Strong Endurance snatch plan and Rite of Passage military press programming.
Kettlebell 301 focuses on double kettlebell exercises—adding intensity and coordination to your training, while 401 hones in on grinds and ballistics, two essential styles of kettlebell movement that balance control and explosive power. These workshops are a rare opportunity for athletes across the Mat-Su and Anchorage/JBER areas to learn directly from a global leader in the field. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to take your training to the next level, there’s something here for everyone. Each class is $99.00. To register or learn more, visit our website: www.tinyurl.com/strongfirstalaska
Extension at 1509 S. Georgeson Dr., located upstairs in the Kerttula Building on the UAF Experimental Farm campus.