© 2024 WXPR
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Ironwood Secures Michigan DNR Grant for Norrie Park Improvements

City of Ironwood

Built as one of the Civilian Conservation Corps camps during the Great Depression, Norrie Park is one of Ironwood’s oldest parks.

It features hiking and biking trails, a playground, and access to the Montreal River.

“It is really a beloved park by the community. It’s on the southern part of the city and it’s actually right next to the ABR ski trails. It does get quite a bit of traffic,” said Tom Bergman, Ironwood Community Development Director.

Ironwood recently secured more than $111,000 in grant funding from the Michigan DNR to make improvements to Norrie Park.

“Part of the project is to renovate those features, so the boardwalks, some paved trail that needs to be rebuilt, fishing dock, all those things will be renovated as part of this project.  And then also, in addition to that, there will be an ADA compliant kayak boat launch that would be put in at the slow whatever section of the Montreal River,” said Bergman.

Bergman says these projects fit into a bigger picture the City of Ironwood has.

The park would become the start of the Montreal River trail. It would go three miles downstream to a different access point the city owns that it plans to turn into a parking lot and take out point on the river.

The city is also in the process of acquiring the Southern Beltline Railroad Grade which would connect Miners Memorial Park to Norrie Park on one end and Norrie Park to the Iron Belle Trail on another.

“We’ll actually have this large circular, basically trail infrastructure that serves all these major assets of the community,” said Bergman.

Bergman says these are the latest in long list of investments the city has made in recent years, like the improvements to the downtown area. Last year, the city built at $1.6 million city square that has an amphitheater, a splash pad, and outdoor fire pits.

“Ironwood is in massive change right now. There’s been lots of investment in our community and we’re excited to have people come visit or even better move here,” said Bergman.

Katie Thoresen is WXPR's News Director/Vice President.
Up North Updates
* indicates required
Related Content