To keep up with the rising demand and popularity of the Slikok Multi-Use Trails, new sanitation upgrades are being implemented, starting with the addition of a port-a-potty in the parking lot.

The trails, located just outside of Soldotna by the Kenai Peninsula Borough Landfill, are managed by Tsalteshi Trails Association.

The port-a-potty was installed Jan. 27, and has already seen positive reception and use, Trails Association administrative coordinator Jenny Neyman said Thursday. She said the association has already received a photo from a group of skiers decked out in glow sticks and lights, standing in and around the new addition flashing thumbs up.

The need for additional sanitation infrastructure at the trail has become apparent, especially this winter because usage has been so high, Neyman said.

“Which is a wonderful problem to have,” she said. “Seeing how popular things have been this winter, since we’ve had snow since October at this point, people have been out there for so much longer and the word really seems to be getting out that that’s an awesome section of trails.”

In a newsletter from Tsalteshi Trails Association published Monday, they write that the addition of the Slikok port-a-potty brings the group’s monthly rental fees to Peninsula Pumping up to nearly $1,000.

“It’s not the cheapest thing in the world, but you gotta pay what you gotta pay,” Neyman said.

Neyman explained that the group receives support from the city of Soldotna, but relies on memberships and donations to pay for the bulk of its operation. She credited those supporters with allowing the association to make the improvements.

In the week since the port-a-potty was installed a donation has already been made specifically citing the new installation as a valuable improvement, Neyman said.

The recently added port-a-potty is only the first sanitation improvement at the trail, as Neyman said that a trash can and dog waste bags had been purchased Thursday, and are expected to be installed at the trail in February.

For more information about Tsalteshi Trails or the Tsalteshi Trails Association, visit tsalteshi.org.

This story was updated Feb. 6, to clarify support that Tsalteshi receives from the city of Soldotna.

Reach reporter Jake Dye at jacob.dye@peninsulaclarion.com.