Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
THE RECREATION Commission meeting Wednesday in the basement of city hall in Bessemer. From the left are Rob Coleman, Charly Loper, Ron Zaleski, and Marlene Zaleski. The commission agreed to crowd source ideas for Bluff Valley Park improvements to the residents and see where that goes to enhance the draw of Bessemer to not only its own residents, but also those from outside the city.
By IAN MINIELLY
Bessemer - The Bessemer Recreation Commission met on Wednesday evening in the DDA room in the underbelly of city hall. City Manager Charlie Loper held sway as the group discussed crowd sourcing ideas to the city for what to do with Bluff Valley Park. The commissions idea is to place easels in the underbelly hallway for a month so residents can come by and write down their ideas to enhance and improve the park.
After one month of public idea generation, Loper would corral all the ideas in her office for investigation. Loper said she would spend another month or two, depending on the number of suggestions and their associated costs, before providing a complete list to the city for informed decision-making on the way ahead.
Loper said the city could apply for a Michigan Economic Development Center matching fund once they decide and in this way, the city is not paying for the park improvements, the residents can pay for their own beautification project and really take ownership of it.
The group also brainstormed ideas about what they can do right now. Ron Zaleski, member, said he would like to consider providing a paved section of trail next to the road in the industrial park. Zaleski said in the winter it becomes hazardous to walk down there due to the snow banks and inability to see oncoming traffic and a paved trail next to the road would keep people off the road and be more safe.
Marlene Zaleski brought forward the idea of adding some additional benches on the trail near an old turn table. The group supported the idea of additional benches, but the current cost of $1,800, according to Rob Coleman which includes the laying of a concrete pad for the benches was deemed as cost prohibitive.
The next meeting for the Recreation Commission is planned for Dec. 7 and 5: 30 p.m. Loper said there are many openings in the city and she will begin placing advertizements to try and fill the different boards and commissions.
