IRONWOOD, MI - Tuesday, February 3, 2009 - On December 1, 2008, the City of Ironwood Parks and Recreation Committee (IP&RC) authorized a subcommittee consisting of: Annette Burchell; Bob Burchell; Sam Davey; Steve Frank; Ken Hazel; Marcy Kusz; Lily Palmer; and Jackie Powers, to work with the public to devise a trail plan.  The primary focus of the subcommittee, according to information handed out at last night's presentation before the IP&RC, was to work with the public on the trails located within the area collectively known as "the caves," since that is the next area of the trail plan to be implemented.

Since its inception, the group met five times to develop their vision of the trails and land, in addition to numerous smaller meetings with local historians, trail aficionados, and local citizens. The group also walked most of the land being considered on snowshoes.

At 6:00 PM Sam Davey, filling in for IP&RC Chairman Eric Lytwynik who was late arriving, called the regular meeting to order. At the start of the meeting, Davey, Kusz, Burchell, Dishaw and Stephens were present. Marion True was absent. Thomas was excused, and Lytwynik and Wyssling showed up late. The minutes of the previous meeting were approved unanimously by the members in attendance, as was the agenda without amendment. 

The agenda then called for public comment. Sam Davey requested that the Trails Subcommittee give their presentation first, and then the floor would be open to comments from the citizens in attendance. He told the large gathering in the Commission Chambers to ask any questions; offer any suggestions; or make any comments at that time.

Annette Burchell then introduced the members of the Subcommittee to the audience, ending with Ken Hazel who began the presentation. Hazel explained to the Committee how he initially went out into the public with the idea of creating a trail system through "the caves" area. He said in his quest to find out about the area, he met with many local people and he learned much about the mines and just how bustling the City of Ironwood used to be. He heard several locals explain what it was like to live in a mining community. He spoke with several people that worked in the mines or had family members who worked in the mines. He even spoke to people who lost loved ones in the mines. He told the Committee that it became apparent that "the caves" needed to be much more than just a hiking/biking trail. He said, after talking to the people of the community, the trail needed to be a memorial -- a dedicated park -- and not just a trail.

He then presented an eight minute video clip that showed the rich heritage of Ironwood's mines and the beautiful landscape that may soon be known as the Miners Memorial Heritage Park. Hazel was largely responsible for producing the video and creating the maps that show the layout of the trail system.

Following the video, Hazel made a quick statement. "You know, a lot of people view that land as 'junk land.' Well, most of the photos that were taken in the video were all pictures of people enjoying that 'junk land.' A lot of people have referred to this area as a 'scar.' I kind of like that analogy because to me, a scar is about healing. A scar is about character. And if you go down there you'll see how well it's healing down there -- how Mother Nature's reclaiming that land; how the plants and animals are reclaiming that land." He went on to say that the people of Ironwood need to appreciate what a valuable resource they have in the center of their town.

Hazel then turned the floor over to Lily Palmer.

Palmer began her address with these words, "A strong community has a strong sense of identity -- something that its citizens can get behind; something that makes them identify with where they live; and something that makes them feel proud to be a part of where they're from. It is our hope that the Miners Memorial Heritage Park will help us to begin to kind of reclaim our sense of identity."

She used an analogy to compare what the park could mean to the City of Ironwood. She referenced a best selling author that has just written a very successful first book. The public absolutely loved his first work, and were anxiously awaiting his "next big novel." Unfortunately, the writer is suddenly suffering from writer's block. He's loaded with talent and him mind is filled with great ideas, but he just can't seem to get past his first chapter. The writer decides to rely an his "support team" - a group of people that he has always relied on in the past. He gathers his friends together and they collectively look at his previous success; they examine his current work; and they force the author to take a look into his future -- to find out what he hopes to accomplish through his writing. With the help of his friends and their collective energy and ideas, the writer is inspired and he goes on to write a novel that was even better and more successful than his first.

Palmer told the audience that the Miners Memorial Heritage Park will certainly not be the answer to all of Ironwood's woes, but she did say, that it could be an "important piece of the puzzle" and it could be an important "first step" for Ironwood to take in re-establishing its future.

She then asked Jackie Powers to turn the lights back on so that she could point out some significant landmarks on the large map in the front of the Commission Chambers. As Palmer tried to talk, Powers attempted to turn on the power. "Click, click click!" [PAUSE] "Click, click, click!" [PAUSE] "Click, click, click!" But the lights wouldn't turn on. After her third attempt, Dan Petersen explained to Powers that the lights take a few minutes to warm up. After a brief round of laughter from the crowd, Palmer continued, and eventually the lights came back on.

After Palmer pointed out the key features of the proposed park and trail system and the different ways the trail could be tied to a larger regional trail, Bob Jacquart politely interrupted the meeting explaining that there were a number of people standing out in the hall and he asked if it was possible to allow them to enter the Chambers to hear the rest of the presentation. Suddenly it appeared as if the entire room were playing "musical chairs." People were rearranging the chairs and furnishings throughout the room trying to accommodate the people in the hall. Once everybody got situated, Palmer continued her presentation.

Palmer highlighted the benefits the Memorial Park would have towards our community. In short, these are the three major benefits, according to the subcommittee:

1. It enhances knowledge and respect for our mining heritage for people of all ages.
2. It provides four-season exercise and recreational opportunities the community's citizens.
3. It affords direct and indirect economic benefits to the community.

She told the Committee that research shows that 36% of all new homeowners want to have homes located near or on a walking/bike path. She pointed out that the Trail System could increase property values in the future. She also pointed out that several other communities are aggressively developing trail systems and they are proving to be quite successful -- Iron Ore Heritage Trail between Ishpeming & Neganee; Wakefield is awaiting grant approval to improve their Sunday Lake walkway; Houghton recently expanded their trail system to 35K;  Three Eagle Trail between Eagle River to Three Lakes are expanding; and Rails to Trails in Ashland.

Palmer ended her portion of the presentation explaining that people of her generation seek more that just a good job when they are looking for employment. She said that vibrancy in the community and activities are very important to younger people. She said that adding these trails is a good first step to revitalizing Ironwood.

Jackie Powers then addressed the Committee. She explained that the nation's young people are getting increasingly more inactive and obesity is becoming a national epidemic. Since the late 1970's, Powers explained, children have lost an average of 12 hours a week in free time resulting in a 25% drop in play activity overall and a 50% drop in unstructured play activities. She said for that reason alone, the trails are a good thing.

She went on to tell the crowd that she is a member of the Downtown Ironwood Development Authority (DIDA) -- she was quick to point out that she was not representing the DIDA in her opinions -- she was just pointing out that she joined the DIDA because she has very strong feelings for the City's downtown, and she'd like to see it revived. She pointed out how the Park/Trail could greatly impact business activity in the downtown in the future.

Following her presentation, Powers then turned the meeting over to the audience for questions and comments.

Several people spoke up in support of the Miners Memorial Heritage Park. Each of them pointed out how much they enjoy similar trails, parks and activities elsewhere, and they all pointed out that each of the communities that offer these activities financially benefit from them. Speakers from the audience included: Will Andresen; Charles Supercynski; David Rowe; Bob Jacquart; Pam Kauppila; Roy Gotham; and Rich Scott.  

According to the Subcommittee's promotional literature:

The area known as "the caves" means a lot to the citizens of Ironwood. Historically, this is the land left behind by the mining companies, where the majority of the mineshafts were located. Almost everyone who grew up here has a relative who worked these mines. As we discussed our ideas with members of the community, we became aware that "the caves" not only have historical significance, but personal importance to those who grew up here. People almost universally report fond memories exploring and playing in the area. Residents today utilize the existing trails to a greater extent then perhaps the general public imagines.

The former mining footpaths and rail grades that still exist form the skeletal foundation of the proposed trail system. As the subcommittee developed its vision of the trail system that improved upon and linked these existing trails, the historical significance of the area was brought to life. Researching points of interest along the trails resurrected events such as the discovery of iron ore within our town, the shipment of 3,663,484 tons of ore in the year 1902, and the Pabst Mine disaster of 1926. We learned that over 1,000 lives were lost in the mines. Looking at old photos, the faces of these men spoke to us, beckoning us to take this opportunity to pay tribute to their sacrifice.

"The caves" are inextricably linked to our identity and pride about our origins. The trails themselves are enhanced by the history of the land. There is a mystique about the place. By dovetailing the trail system and our mining heritage we can create something much greater than a recreational trail system; we can develop an entire park with an identity unique to Ironwood. We are thinking big but believe we can realistically implement all aspects of this proposal, without undue cost to the City, in the near future, and to the benefit of all citizens of the City of Ironwood.

The following are the Subcommittee's recommendations to the Ironwood Parks and Recreation Committee:

1. Designate "the caves" area (including "the fields" and all the contiguous city-owned land zoned "open" running diagonally through town) as the Miners Memorial Heritage Park, to include:
1. A network of non-motorized trails built upon the skeleton of trails and rail grades that already exists within the caves. The caves trail system will be linked to trails and bike paths leading to other parts of the city and the region. The trail system will be accessible from all neighborhoods and significant points of interest within the city of Ironwood. Existing and proposed routes within the caves are mapped out. Portions of the trail system will be open for biking and/or walking/hiking in the summer months. These will be open for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing in the winter.
2. A trailhead and parking area on the southwest corner of Bonnies and Ayer Streets.
3. An actual miners memorial, accessible from the parking area. W envision a lookout tower made to resemble an early head frame and some bronze statues of miners. This will be a focal point for those driving along Ayer Street, a destinations for tourists, and a memorial to those whose labor built this town.
4. A short interpretive trail from the miners memorial parking lot to tell the story of Ironwood's mining history. This trail will be handicap accessible and include benches for resting and view, to ensure inclusion of our citizens with mobility impairments, seniors, and families with children.
5. Interpretive signs posted along all trails highlighting points of historical or geological interest. Some of these can be waysides accessible by car.
6. A picnic area located near the parking area, in the vicinity of the memorial.
7. A fenced-in dog park, located on the old landfill. It will have its own parking area.
2. Pursue related projects such as:
1. A cross-country ski marathon ending in downtown Ironwood (which will utilize a portion of the proposed trails to be developed).
2. The downtown historical walking tour begun by the DIDA last summer.
3. Norrie Park CCC history displays.
4. The Ironwood portion of the bike/hike through-trail connecting the Plumber Mine west of Hurley to the Sunday Lake Mine in Wakefield. Bikers/hikers could be diverted from this trail into the downtown, to the Miners Memorial Heritage Park, or onto our trail system.
5. Further development of multi-use lanes along roads being reconstructed, and designation of bike routes connecting points of interest, e.g. the college and downtown, Norrie Park and Ironwood's various "locations."
6. Collaboration with Ironwood Township to connect bike lanes planned along major roads, e.g. Lake Street. Likewise, collaboration with Bessemer and Hurley to connect trails and bike routes.

The Subcommittee states in it's outline, "The park will be a destination in itself requiring little physical stamina to view the displays or enjoy the vistas, a place for school field trips, a trailhead for the trail system, or a stopping over point for those on long hikes/bikes."

"We believe the Miners Memorial Heritage Park could be added to the U.P. Heritage Trail." The Subcommittee recommended the following "next steps" to the IP&RC.

1. Resolution from the Parks and Recreation Committee to move forward with the Miners Memorial Heritage Park concept.
2. A resolution or ordinance dedicating the caves area (including "the fields" and all contiguous city-owned land zoned "open" running diagonally through town) to the Miners Memorial Heritage Park.
3. Pending these actions, the subcommittee would continue to meet to develop site plans for each phase of implementation, starting with trail development this summer.
4. We will need assistance from the city staff to apply for grant money, use city staff as needed for trailing building, etc.

Here is the resolution the subcommittee proposed:

Resolved, That the Parks and Recreation Committee wishes to move forward with the creation of the Miners Memorial Heritage Park.

Accordingly, the Parks and Recreation Committee requests that the City Commission designate the land known as "the caves" area (including "the fields" and all the contiguous city-owned land zoned "open" running diagonally through town) as the Miners Memorial Heritage Park, and remove any said land from the surplus land list.

The IP&RC unanimously approved the above resolution.

In other business, the IP&RC briefly discussed priorities of projects for capital improvement. The IP&RC identified the three major priorities as follows: (1) title search for trail land acquisition; (2) a third tennis court and re-pavement of existing courts at Patterson; and (3) improvement of electrical service for Curry Park. Also, Committee members Sam Davey and John Wyssling were given the task to establish a mission statement for the IP&RC.