In Bend, Oregon, the Meissner Nordic Ski Club is marking three decades of service to local skiers and families. The club recently received a $500 grant from the Pay It Forward program, a modest but meaningful boost for its ongoing work maintaining the Virginia Meissner Sno‑Park.
Volunteer‑driven stewardship
According to club officials, roughly 50,000 skiers visit the Sno‑Park each winter. The club’s volunteers groom and maintain the cross‑country ski trails year‑round, keep the park’s warming shelter operational, and host free “Learn to Ski” days that invite newcomers to experience the sport without cost.
“In the fall, we have most of our volunteer work,” said Larry Katz, operations manager for the Meissner Nordic Ski Club. “It’s the clear trails. There’s a lot of old trees that come down in windstorms during the summer, so trees have to be removed from the trails. There’s always brush encroaching on the trails. So we have crews to go out and trim back the trails.”
Funding comes from the community
The club’s budget is almost entirely supported by private donations, making every contribution vital. The recent Pay It Forward grant will help cover costs associated with trail clearing, shelter upkeep, and the free instructional programs that draw families and first‑time skiers to the park.
Beyond the $500 grant, the organization relies heavily on the dedication of local volunteers who work during the off‑season to prepare the trails before the first snowfall. Their efforts ensure that the park remains safe, accessible, and enjoyable for the thousands who flock to the area each year.
Looking ahead
Celebrating its 30th anniversary, the Meissner Nordic Ski Club is planning to expand its outreach. The club hopes to increase the number of free “Learn to Ski” days and explore additional partnerships with local businesses and civic groups to strengthen its financial base.
Community members are encouraged to support the club through donations, volunteer time, or simply by visiting the Sno‑Park and enjoying the well‑maintained trails. As the club continues to grow, it remains a testament to the power of local cooperation, faith‑based generosity, and a shared love of the outdoors.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
