Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
LAUGHS ABOUND during a Tuesday evening meeting of the Wakefield Planning Commission. From left are Julia Tarro, student representative from the Wakefield-Marenisco K-12 School, City Clerk Sue Ahonen, and City Manager Rob Brown.
By P.J. GLISSON
Wakefield - Members of the Wakefield Planning Commission learned on Tuesday evening that city residents are expressing interest in a farmers' market, food truck hook-ups, and a splash pad next to Sunday Lake.
The opinions were gathered as part of a survey in relation to the city's pending recreation plan.
"The survey ran for about two weeks," said City Manager Rob Brown as he presented a slide show of the feedback from 203 participants.
He said 108 responses were offered online, with 79 additional responses from area students, and 16 hard-copy responses from the general public. The vast majority of respondents were Wakefield residents.
The survey included only 12 questions, and the first asked which Wakefield park needs the most updating.
Brown said Eddy Park, by far, garnered the most interest from survey-takers. Other park choices were Eddy Campground, Brunelle/Hallberg Field, the Southwest Shore, the Sunday Lake walking trail, Loomis Lake, and Nee-Gaw-Nee-Gaw-Bow Overlook.
Local citizens, specifically, showed interest in updating Eddy Park's old pavilion and sprucing up the beach area. Next among park priorities were resurfacing basketball and tennis courts and creating a dog park.
A farmers' market was a well-received notion, and students especially liked the idea of food truck hook-ups. Music and movies in the park also drew interest.
Regarding Loomis Lake, also known as Loomis Pit, survey-takers thought the biggest priority should be an overlook and fishing platform, followed by a parking lot, and then a walking path and picnic area.
Survey participants regarded restroom upgrades as the primary concern at Brunelle/Hallberg Field, followed by field resurfacing, a paved path, and an improved concession stand.
The biggest survey interest for Eddy Campground was for a splash pad, expanded lake-front access, and extended full-service hook-ups.
Pier restoration was the public's biggest concern regarding Nee-Gaw-Nee-Gaw-Bow Overlook, but relatively equal interest also was shown for subsequent priorities of a small pavilion, cooking grills, and restoration of the statue itself.
Among survey comments were calls for repair of boardwalk planks and lights, consistent Wi-Fi, stocking of the lake, and a small park downtown. Various concerns also were expressed about the campground.
In order to gather spontaneous public opinions before finalizing the recreation plan, the commission plans to offer a public gathering on Feb. 22 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. in the community room of the municipal building. Food and beverages will be available.
In the near future, Brown said the city also will offer related public hearings either at a commission meeting or a City Council meeting.
Along with commissioners at Tuesday's table was Julia Tarro, a newly installed student representative from the Wakefield-Marenisco K-12 School.
"When we do our discussions, she's welcome to chime in," said Brown.
"We're happy to have you, Julia," said Vice-Chair Tara Hamilton.
The commission's next regular meeting will be on March 10 at 5:30 p.m., which is the same day as the presidential primary election. The meeting will be in the council chambers of the municipal building, and the public is welcome.
