Iron Mountain to adopt 5-year plan
Includes proposed changes and updates to parks and recreation venues
By LINDA LOBECK
Staff Writer
IRON MOUNTAIN — Iron Mountain officials are poised later this month to adopt a plan that lays out what the city will do with its parks and recreation venues in the next five years.
A public hearing has been set for Monday, after which the council is expected to approve the 2017-2021 plan.
The city needs to have the plan in place to qualify for Michigan Department of Natural Resources Trust Fund grants and Recreation Passport Grants, City Manager Jordan Stanchina said.
“These grants are important and in some cases may be the only way to fund some of the projects,” he said.
A May 2011 MDOT Trust Fund grant of $500,000 helped pay for City Park improvements. The city was required to come up with a 26 percent match, or $175,000.
This new plan focuses heavily on repairing or replacing what the city already has versus creating new sites.
“The council felt that improving existing recreational opportunities was important. And this was further seen in the survey conducted of residents,” he said. That survey drew 97 responses, with 76 percent coming from city residents.
A lot of the decisions on how to proceed with the plan will depend on the availability of funding and opportunities.
“It should be noted that if a project is on the proposed list, it does not guarantee that it will be completed. And also because a project is not on the list now does not mean it can’t be added at a later date,” Stanchina said.
The plan notes Iron Mountain’s long-term commitment to city-wide recreation and making those services available and accessible to all, including the disabled.
Future recreation needs identified in Iron Mountain include:
Crystal Lake Trail
The city and YMCA have discussed developing a walking and biking trail around Crystal Lake. The trail would provide a route between the play lot, a designated preserve area and the YMCA.
City Trail System
This could include developing a mountain bike trail system in the city and surrounding communities. A section of the proposed Iron Bell statewide trail will go through the city of Iron Mountain, and the city will continue to work with the Dickinson County Bike Path Committee on the trail and connecting it with other established bike trails in Iron Mountain. This item also includes establishing new trail or extending existing trails with other municipalities.
Development of an Off-Road Vehicle Trailhead
With the recent adoption of an ordinance that allows ORVs on most city streets, a trailhead parking area would provide better access to the trails and promote tourism in the city. The Michigan DNR owns a multi-use recreational trail that intersects the city.
Resurface Tennis Courts
The city maintains 10 well-used tennis courts at various parks and all are in need of resurfacing and/or reconstruction. The plan includes potentially converting one court for pickleball use.
Replace and repair tot lot equipment
This would address maintenance and replacement of outdated equipment at the Eastside Recreation Complex and Tot Lot, including the addition of appropriate ground cover and accessible features.
Dog Park
The Iron Mountain Planning Commission and other community members have expressed interest in converting the existing, underutilized West Side ballfield into a dog park.
City Park
— One of the top priorities of the Parks and Recreation Committee is replacing the playground equipment at the City Park, which is aging and in need of replacement.
— In addition, repair and replacement of pavilion outbuildings is being considered. These buildings have some historical value and are used for weddings, graduations and other celebrations. They should be repaired and refurbished to add value to the park, the plan states.
— The existing park ranger building could be remodeled to create a youth cross-country ski program headquarters and warming area.
— A facility with an open air pavilion has been proposed near the football/soccer fields that could be used for equipment storage, concessions and shelter.
— Paved trails within the park would be extended and redesigned for use by all, including the disabled.
— Finally, the ski trail and sledding hill would get better lighting and hockey board would be added to the ice skating area.
Pocket Parks
These small parks would be set up at selected locations downtown and in other parts of the city.
Some in the community have indicated they’d like to see green space within city parking lots throughout town. In addition, benches could be placed in some of the parks for pedestrians to rest as they explore the downtown on foot. This is a joint effort between the recreation committee and the Downtown Development Authority.
Linda Lobeck can be reached at 906-774-2772, ext. 29, or llobeck@ironmountaindailynews.com