Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
By P.J. GLISSON
Bessemer — Members of the Bessemer Parks and Recreation Commission voted last week to dedicate their next monthly meeting to working toward a new five-year parks and recreation plan.
The motion followed City Manager Christopher Frazer’s recommendation that such a discussion should occur before the commission makes recommendations on the city’s new Capital Improvement Plan, which also is pending.
However, commissioners already agreed that several items on their wish list should be included in the new CIP. Those items include pickleball court space and ADA-compliant playground equipment in Bluff Valley Park, along with downtown parking and a splash pad at an as-yet undetermined location.
In a separate vote, commissioners requested that the city manager determine whether there is a suitable area in Bluff Valley Park for ADA-compliant playground equipment. Commissioner Trevor Jackovich pointed out that such equipment also could be a good option for elderly citizens.
Until more information is gathered, commissioners voted to table a decision on creating within the park a pickleball space where two deteriorating tennis courts now exist.
Commissioner Adam Zak suggested that restoration could result with one court for tennis and one for pickleball — or both courts for pickleball if interest warrants.
“Pickleball is a highly growing sport in the United States,” said Commissioner Russ Maki. “Tennis is kind of the opposite. I think it would be a nice option for Bessemer to have in the park there.”
Jackovich said that there is a local group of pickleball players that use various area sites, but he added that they cannot play in Bessemer due to the lack of court there.
Zak requested that the city’s Department of Public Works staff report what kind of activity is occurring in the park before commissioners make a final decision.
He questioned, beyond any possible pickleball or tennis court, “Is there anything else that would be used more?”
During a discussion about a possible splash pad, Zak suggested addressing the new CIP first and then considering overall priorities and possible splash pad sites.
He said he thinks that a splash pad could work downtown or at the site of the prospective trailhead site behind Bessemer City Hall or in Bluff Valley Park.
“I think it would be a solid plan to explore the downtown area first,” said Chairman Eric Longhini.
Overall, Zak emphasized that there is interest in getting a splash pad established. He added that many persons have asked him why Bessemer does not have one.
“It’s more popular than I ever thought it would be,” said Zak, “but parents and kids seem to love it.”
Moreover, he added of a possible downtown site, “I think it would help bolster business.”
In relation to pickleball and a splash pad, Zak said that grants and-or public donations could be sought.
In other news at the Feb. 1 meeting, commissioners also:
—Heard a request by Jackovich for the city to help maintain the property used by the Bessemer Youth Baseball League and the Penokee Range Little League during summers. DPW Lead Ben Tucker said his employees can assist but requested backup when they may not be available. Maki volunteered to provide back-up assistance. Jackovich said that league funds could help with costs of gasoline and repairs.
—Voted to not pursue an offer from an outside company to set up a concrete corn hole court in Bluff Valley Park.
Commissioners also noted their board’s one open seat, which has been vacant since former Chair Cheryl Olsen resigned last fall. Longhini speculated as to whether Bessemer Township residents should be considered as commission candidates. “They go to our schools; they’re part of our community,” he said. However, Zak said, “When you’re talking about using city money, it should be spent by city residents.”
The city manager stated that the open seat is noted on the city’s website. He hopes also to get it posted, along with other board openings, on the city’s Facebook page.
All votes were unanimous with all members present.
During the public comment session, Tucker reported that his crew is refurbishing the grills that were stationed on the east side of Bluff Valley Park. He suggested that his crew also could install a concrete pad in the area where the grills will be returned. Zak, who is the commission’s City Council representative, said the council can address the issue.
The next meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission will be on March 7 at 6 p.m. in the City Council chambers of the Bessemer City Hall.
