Ishpeming looking into expanding city park

The Ishpeming Downtown Development Authority is discussing the possibility of expanding Lake Bancroft Park.

When Rio Tinto moved their offices to the Humboldt Mill, they left behind a building near Lake Bancroft.  Lundin Mining now owns the building and property.

The DDA is hoping if Lundin plans on tearing down the building or doing something else with the property, the mining company would consider donating it to the city of Ishpeming.

“The DDA, along with the city, would like to look into expanding the park,” Ishpeming DDA member Stu Skague said.  “(Expansion plans include) a play area for kids, a visitor’s center…all kinds of things, expanding the park…a pavilion.”

At their meeting Monday afternoon, the DDA planned on appointing a steering committee to keep the process of the Lake Bancroft Park project going.

“At some point, we (a steering committee) would like to come back to all the groups–including the city and the DDA–and say here’s a project we think we could get some funding for and let’s look for some funding, and is there support for it, and then take it from there.”

Right now, expanding Lake Bancroft Park is still in the beginning stages.

The DDA said after a steering committee is formed they would like to meet with people to talk more in–depth about expanding the park.