Resurrecting Beauty - The Revitalization and Restructuring of the Homer Spit, Homer, Alaska

Abstract

The Homer Spit holds great potential not only in its unique geologic and social history, but also in its economic contributions, vegetative patterns, wildlife habitats and most of all its’ scenic quality. Having been the subject of much human labor both past and present, the Spit holds a great deal of value for the people who live and work everyday along the Spit and in the City of Homer. As it exists today, the Homer Spit offers recreational, commercial, industrial and residential uses all along its’ 4.5-mile length. These uses are situated in such an un-organized manner that they tend to distract from the overall beauty and significance of the Spit itself. As is often the case, a campground is abruptly interrupted by a private residence, which is located directly adjacent to viable habitat, only to be broken apart by yet another set of R.V.’s. This haphazard arrangement of uses leads to a very unorganized and unkempt feel on the Spit. To gain a full appreciation and understanding of the range of issues, views, and values of the people of Homer and to begin the process of redesign, a list of goals and objectives was created: • Connect current land uses in a more concise and organized manner by creating a more definitive distinction between these various land uses. • Celebrate the unique historical and environmental significance of the Spit in an interesting and educational manner. • Introduce elements that celebrate the cultural diversity of the Spits’ history. • Provide a non-motorized trail system that would allow easy access to all areas on the Spit and which would help to soften the harsh contrast between the Spit and the dynamic vista that surrounds it. This system will offer visitors a wide variety of vantage points from which to take in the beautiful view that surrounds them. As this project evolved, these generalized goals were refined into specific design criteria and it is through these that the City of Homer will have a framework to follow in order to restructure and revitalize the Homer Spit to help create a more comprehensive site that is conducive to growth and expansion not only of the site itself, but of the unique vitality that it is so well known for. Accomplishing this, the Homer Spit will become much more than a tourist attraction; it will become a symbol of pride for the people of Homer and recognition of the proud past of Alaska.