Parks and Recreation Discusses Grant Options

IRONWOOD, MI – by Keri Singleton – Friday, February 19, 2010 - The Parks and Recreation Committee met Thursday, February 18, 2010, at 6:00 PM in the Community Development Conference Room on the second floor of the Memorial Building, Ironwood, Michigan.

Marcy Kusz and Kathy Dishaw had excused absences, all others present.

There were no citizens wishing to address the Committee on Items on the agenda.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss and make a recommendation on the DNR Grant Application.

Among the things discussed was the need for Patterson Tennis Courts being updated, and a motor park with an updated electrical system. Curry Park currently has a 30 amp system now, and needs a 50 amp system. The upgrade and expansion of the tennis courts would include: addition of lights, adding a third court, and resurfacing of existing court.

As to why some other grants weren’t secured: a trail project grant of over a million dollars didn’t have a match. A master trail plan and the tennis courts would be good grants to apply for, according to Sam Davey. It was discussed that money from the Kiwanis Club that would be used for a Norrie Park Pavilion could be used for playground equipment instead. The playground equipment on Ayer Street was $7,500. Marion True said perhaps money could be made from timber sales beyond the well field, and perhaps other city owned tracts. Mayor Bob Burchell said that the S.I.S.U. Ski Fest Committee could perhaps be another source of matching funds, if their trail coordinates with a proposed trail plan.

The grant application has to be in by April first. Sam Davy said a trail plan and tennis courts are important. For the next meeting, it was discussed to invite someone from Miner’s Memorial and someone from the S.I.S.U. Ski Fest.

John Wyssling pointed out how the improvements at Saxon Harbor led to more business. Curry Park needs upgrades, and it is a good future project; as well as the tennis courts, and trails. The group’s goal of the evening was to apply for something they can afford now.

Citizen Steve Frank said that Curry Park upgrades are important, as well as the tennis courts. Norrie Park playground equipment would be affordable now. City Manager Scott Erickson pointed out how, if playground equipment was to cost $10,000, Kiwanis Club and Rotary Club could be asked for $1,000 each, and that would be the 20% matching grant. Marion True said he will look into timber sales in the future.

Playground equipment was discussed, with the possibility of involving the Renaissance Faire people if the playground had castle themes. They use Norrie Park for the Renaissance Faire.

It is hoped that the skateboard park will be able to sustain itself. Trails score high with the DNR.

Annette Burchell pointed out how good the markers are on the new cemetery trails.

Curry Park is breaking even now, with perhaps small profit. The thing that is affordable now, it was decided, is new playground equipment at Norrie Park.

Future grant applications will be for, among other things: the Curry Park project, tennis court expansion and upgrades, and a master trail plan.

Annette Burchell asked if it would be possible to talk to the DNR before the next meeting March 1st, to see why they scored low on the last applications. She was assured it would be done.

No motion was to be made; however, at the March 1st meeting, members are asked to bring their recommendations for the Grant Application.

Meeting adjourned.