Hiking Trails & Volleyball Courts Discussed by P&RC

IRONWOOD, MI - Tuesday, August 04, 2009 - The regular monthly meeting of the Ironwood Parks and Recreation Committee (P&RC) was called to order by Committee Chairman Eric Lytwyniuk at 6:02 PM.  Community Development Director Dan Petersen recorded of the roll. P&RC members present at last night's meeting included: John Wyssling, Eric Lytwyniuk, Sam Davey, Laura Thomas, Marion True, and Annette Burchell. Scott Stephens was absent, and Kathy Dishaw and Marcy Kusz were excused. This reporter was not present for the meeting due to poor health. Dan Petersen provided meeting information (from the unofficial minutes) to the Chronicle via email. Thank-you Dan!

 The first order of business for the Committee was the Approval of Minutes from July 14, 2009 meeting. A motion to approve the minutes was made by Sam Davey and supported by Laura Thomas. The motion carried.

The Committee offered Citizens wishing to address the committee on items on the agenda (three-minute limit) an opportunity to do so. Public Comments were offered, none were received.

The Committee then voted to approve of the Agenda.  This item was added to the agenda, as it was noted that it was originally omitted. Motion by Davey, Support by Wyssling, to approve the agenda with the addition of the item “Approval of the Agenda”. MOTION CARRIED.

After approving the agenda, the Committee began to discuss trails in the caves area and around riverside cemetery Member Davey discussed a proposal to add two more loops to the current trail around Riverside Cemetery. It was noted that at the last meeting, the parks and recreation committee voted to recommend that a loop be created to the area northwest of the current trail. However, a path needed to be marked. Davey indicated that the proposed path would not be extending to the Northwest of the current trail, but rather he provided a map that outlined the current route, as well as two other proposed trail additions. One is a “dog loop” that essentially cuts the current loop in two. This proposed path would be open for users to bring their dogs, and it does not cut through the “cemetery” portion of the land. The other would run parallel to a portion of the current path, but closer to the Montreal River. The trial would be marked with signage, and bags would be available to those walking dogs to clean up after them. Davey indicated that the trails would be established through volunteer efforts. Motion by Davey, support by True, that the routes be laid out so that city staff has an opportunity to walk the proposed trail, and to recommend to the Planning Commission that the trails be established once the exact routes are determined.

The committee also discussed the connection between the existing trail around Riverside Cemetery and Norrie Park. Member Davey provided a map that laid out the existing trail and a proposed trail that would connect Riverside Cemetery with Alfred Wright Boulevard. The route outlined on the map largely utilized old rail grade and other non-street right-of-way paths. Discussion took place on the feasibility of the connection. A motion was made by Burchell, supported by Lytwyniuk, to recommend designating a non-motorized connection between Riverside Cemetery and Norrie Park in the short-term, and to look at making the path more green (utilizing less road right-of-way) in the future. The motion carried.

The Committee also discussed the proposed volleyball courts at Norrie Park Community Development Director Dan Petersen reported that the Ironwood Kiwanis Club has indicated that they were willing to donate up to $1,000.00 towards the installation of volleyball posts and nets, however they would like to see an effort towards as much cost-savings as possible. Discussion took place. Member Burchell indicated that she would like to see a comprehensive plan that outlines which amenities/recreational opportunities the city should offer at each of the city’s parks. Petersen indicated that some members of the Kiwanis Club would like to devise a “comprehensive plan” for Norrie Park. There was also discussion about utilizing the space at Norrie Park that is currently occupied by tennis courts (but not currently used as tennis courts). The question was raised as to whether or not the area where the tennis court are might be a good area to put the volleyball courts, by putting a raised edge and filling in the courts with sand; it was also brought up to determine what would be needed to get the courts back into operation as tennis courts.

Community Development Director Petersen said that he would consult with other City staff to determine the feasibility of the area. It was also decided to invite interested members of the Kiwanis Club to the next Parks and Recreation meeting to discuss next steps for laying out a plan for Norrie Park.

Community Development Director Dan Petersen gave updates regarding the work groups that have been held regarding the uses in the Caves Area, the Skateboard Park status, and the efforts of the “Strengthening Our Niche” group that is putting together a conceptual non-motorized route from Montreal, Wisconsin to Wakefield, Michigan. 9.

Citizens wishing to address the committee on items not on the agenda (three-minute limit) were invited to do so. Public comments were offered, none were received.

Since there was no other business, an adjournment motion was made by Sam Davey, supported by Marion True to adjourn the meeting at 7:08. The motion carried.