IRONWOOD, MI - Friday, July 25, 2008 - The City of Ironwood is very fortunate to have an excellent park system. Several very nice parks dot the City's landscape. Among the finest of these parks is Longyear Park.

This full city block park, bordered by Helmock Street to the west, Lawrence Street to the east, Gogebic Street to the south and Arch Street to the north, offers a variety of activities. The Mathias-Holemo band shell on the west end features free outdoor performances during the summer months. Thanks to a generous donation by the Dr. A.C. Gorilla family, paved walkways wind through the park. The children's playground area includes swings, slides, teeter-totters, monkey bars, sitting benches and a full basketball court. Tennis courts are located one block north of the park, across from the Riverside Cemetery.

For a short time, the park was experiencing some difficulties. Vandals caused damage to the band-shell and play equipment, and late night rowdy visitors caused many noise problems for surrounding homeowners. Much effort as been made by the City and volunteers to clean up the park; establish new rules; and make it the nice family entertainment area it is today.

Future plans include returning public restrooms to the park. In the short term, the City will try to provide portable restrooms, but permanent facilities are in the long term plan.

It's a great place for kids to use up some of their excess energy, and a wonderful place for parents to relax as well. If you haven't been to Longyear Park recently, you haven't been to Longyear Park! Do yourself a favor and check out this scenic Ironwood treasure today.

Jim Albert