Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
By P.J. GLISSON
Bessemer — Last week’s meeting of the Bessemer Parks and Recreation Commission was a walk in the park, literally.
Members gathered at Bluff Valley Park to conduct their annual tour, during which they noted whatever progress has occurred, while also addressing projects that still need attention.
Trevor Jackovich said one of the park’s four bridges — the one on the far western end of the property — needs rebuilding. “It’s dangerous.”
Eric Longhini mentioned the need for an ADA-compliant swing. Otherwise, he said the park in general is “easily accessible.” Jackovich said grants may be available for the swing.
They also discussed adding an automatic closure to the Little Library door and to bathroom doors.
City Manager Jennifer Adams suggested painting the spring-based animal riders installed for small children.
Longhini said he will consider an as yet-to-be determined space for a planned gaga pit, which will allow for a form of dodgeball. “All we need is a flat spot.”
Jackovich also suggested the installation of a zipline — an option that they all agreed the kids would love.
Adams said that the $10,000 the commission received in the city’s 2023-24 year fiscal budget can be used as commission members see fit. “It can be for any of the city parks.”
Regarding the commission’s previously discussed plans to dredge out the park’s pond and stock it with fish, Adams said she’s hoping to get a combination of grant funds and donations for the project.
The group also checked out the pollinator garden that had just been planted that day by members of the Gogebic County Conservation District. They agreed that the welcome project was in a great location between the pond and the bluff.
Adams said a long-term goal of hers is mountain bike trails.
No action was taken at the July 6 meeting, at which Chairwoman Cheryl Olsen, Robert Coleman and Russ Maki were absent.
The commission’s next regular meeting will be on Aug. 3 at 5:30 p.m. in the council chambers of the Bessemer City Hall.
