Friends of Gateway trail discuss winter activities, establish Facebook page

By TOM STANKARD

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Ironwood - Local residents gathered to discuss the future of the Friends of Gateway Trail at the Ironwood Memorial Building Tuesday evening.

At the inaugural meeting, several residents signed up for trail maintenance activities and then discussed possible events that could take place on the trail, including a half-marathon, kids race and community walk.

Group coordinator Enni Gregas, of Ironwood, said she wanted to establish the group's overall purpose. She said it should be to "maintain, promote, support and enhance the Western Gateway Trail."

With that established, Gregas asked around 20 locals in attendance what the name of the group should be.

Will Andresen, of Erwin Township, suggested "Friends of the Gateway Trail," thus getting rid of "Western" in the trail's name. Other attendees said they liked the name.

Gregas asked the attendees how the group should be promoted on Facebook.

Sitting at a long table with other residents, Sam Davey, of Ironwood, said the group should use its new name for the Facebook page. Gregas agreed. "We'll take care of getting a presence on Facebook," she said.

With winter approaching, Gregas said people have asked her if there is going to be skiing, snowshoeing, or if it's going to be plowed.

Ironwood City Manager Scott Erickson said "it's an open slate." The trail authority oversees use of the trail.

"It's a formal entity that's developed to help with funding and long-term liability of the trail," he said. "It's made up of Ironwood, Bessemer, Bessemer Township, Wakefield and Wakefield Township."

This winter, Davey said snowshoeing is likely to be the only winter activity available. Later on, he said the Fat Tire bicycle riders might be able to use it if the snow is compact enough.

"They need a hard surface so they can have somewhere to go," he said.

Gregas said the Friends of the Gateway Trail will meet on the third Thursday of March, 2016.