Poor Showing Postpones Parks & Recreation Meeting

IRONWOOD, MI - Tuesday, October 07, 2008 - The Ironwood Parks and Recreation Committee failed to draw a quorum Monday night, so no action could be made at the meeting. One of the main purposes of last night's meeting was to select a name for Ironwood's trail system.

Community Development Director Dan Petersen presented to those present at the meeting a list of suggested names that were submitted. The small gathering pretty much agreed that there were several good suggestions for specific loops of the trail, but they couldn't decide on a name for the overall trail system. Suggested names are still being accepted at the Community Development Directors Office.

The Committee members that were present pretty much agreed that the entire trail system should have a name that is reflective of the history of Ironwood. Themes relating to mining, the railroads, logging, etc. would all be acceptable to incorporate into the system's name. Hurley's  "Iron Horse" snowmobile trail, for example, truly reflects the history of the rail service there. The name also works well due to the fact that it is located in Iron County.

Since there weren't enough members present to have a quorum at last night's meeting, it was a good opportunity for some dialog between people in attendence and City Staff. Marion True asked Petersen and Erickson about the status of Ironwood's skate park. Petersen explained to True that family issues for both Moyle and Ruotsala have delayed the project to some degree, but both Erickson and Petersen are confident the slab will be poured later this month.

The upcoming presentation at the Gogebic Community College by Rebecca Ryan was also discussed. Ryan has recently published a new book entitled Live First, Work Second. The suggestion of the book is that young people move to an area and stay in an area because of the things the area has to offer. At last night's meeting, it was suggested that employment was the real draw to an area. Naturally, a job alone isn't enough to draw people to the area. Likewise, neither is a great environment if people cannot afford to enjoy it.

There appeared to be a consensus that Ironwood had much to offer. Our crime rate is extremely low. We have an abundance of raw materials, wood, ore, water, etc. Marion True stated that nothing would improve the area more than bringing in new employment.

A brief discussion continued regarding a much overlooked resource in the area. Jerry Anzalone once mentioned to this reporter that Downtown Ironwood could easily become an "internet district." He pointed out that Ironwood's internet providers offer the area incredible bandwidth. Many internet-based businesses would love to have the luxury of high speed internet along with the laid back way of life the area has to offer. He pointed out most internet companies tend to be staffed by younger people. Younger people tend to enjoy extreme sports and an active lifestyle away from their desks. The low rent the downtown has to offer; combined with the beautiful environment, low crime, and excellent bandwidth all point to a big opportunity to develop technology businesses locally.

Bringing computer-based businesses to the area would tend to improve IT and computer-related education in the area as well. If kids out of high school or community college could get good paying jobs working locally online, kids would tend to stay here, and others would be attracted to locate here.

Another meeting of the Parks and Recreation Committee will be scheduled soon.