Art Park dedicated at Festival Ironwood

IRONWOOD — Many of the 118 people who donated to Ironwood's new Art Park attended the Friday afternoon ribbon-cutting ceremonies on Aurora Street.

Jen Tucker, a community assistance specialist with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, presented Ironwood Community Development Director Michael Brown with a plaque on the occasion.

The city received a $10,000 grant through MEDC to develop the Art Park after more than $15,000 was pledged locally toward the effort.

Brown said there's still some money left over for project improvements.

The Art Park is located in the former open space between Mattson’s TV and Appliance and Book World.

Fresh sod has been laid at the site and Brown noted Mike Osborn, a blind carpenter from Ramsay, donated the brightly painted furniture for the mini park.

Installing stamped and colored concrete and bringing electricity to the site were other project expenses.

About 60 people attended the ribbon-cutting during Festival Ironwood under ideal weather conditions.

A reception followed at the Downtown Art Place.

Names of many of the $100 donors to the project were written on the wall of the adjacent Book World.

State Rep. Scott Dianda, D-Calumet, and Kirk Schott, an aide for State Sen. Tom Casperson, R-Escanaba, attended the ceremony.

Dianda said he was pleased that a vacant lot with a torn-down building was changed into a vibrant space that will be used by local residents and visitors alike.

Brown said project plans started in 2009. He praised the roles of DAP, the Downtown Ironwood Development Authority and Historic Ironwood Theatre in assisting in the project.

The Art Park will provide a public location to display art, hold performances and classes, and promote culture within the city.