Skip Schulz/For the Gazette Ontonagon Recreation Committee goes over the village’s recreation plan. From left to right: Marcia Aho-Black, village clerk; Joe Erickson, village manager; Jacek Olszewsk, Recreation Committee co-chairman.

ONTONAGON — With the village hit hard by the loss of manufacturing and retail jobs, the community is taking a serious look at recreation and recreational tourism.  At yesterday’s Ontonagon Recreation Committee meeting numerous recreational ideas were discussed.

While the primary focus was on how the village can fully utilize village owned property, the meeting led to how the village’s long term recreation plan can be coordinated with the Ontonagon County Plan.  The area that continued to be discussed was multi-use trails that go in and out of the village.

“p1″>”The Michigan DNR has purchased the abandoned grade from Rockland all the way into the village’s business district.“Apple-converted-space”>  I have been working with the DNR to get them to remove the ties and rails,” stated Village Manager Joe Erickson.  “Then we need to see if this is a ‘Brownfield,’ if it is, then going after a remediation program such as fill and top soil.”

This property has the former Ontonagon Depot, which Erickson stated the museum has an interest in.

“p1″>The topic of trails included the proposed “water” trail along Lake Superior. One area of interest is outside of the village and adjoins property owned by Ontonagon County. This is at the mouth of the Firesteel, where the river drains into Lake Superior.  Erickson stated the important part in possibly developing this into public access “and even the possibility of a rustic campground” is that it is currently on private land.  “However, right next to that private land is the county-owned property,” he said.

It is in that same area that committee member Bob Rotundo talked about expanding the Ontonagon Township part to provide paddle boat access.  Co-chairwoman Jill Johnson said expansion of the park is also needed to provide more parking for those visiting the area and for local residents.

Extensive discussion took place dealing with village-owned property and how to best use it for recreational purposes.

“p1″>”Whether it’s for a hiking and biking trail, basketball court or even a pocket park, we need to put down all these ideas on our long-range recreation plan,” stated Erickson.  “This includes the marina. However, all of us need to remember that with all the ideas we’re going over, we’re looking at over $100,000 the village has to invest as a part of the matching grant program.”

The Recreation Committee voted to approve the use of the non-developed James K Paul Street for a MASTERS Racing Circuit-sanctioned snowmobile drag race scheduled for Jan. 7.

“While it is good to approve this race for this year, we need to look at how we can use this village property for recreational purposes on a permanent basis,” stated Co-Chairman Jacek Olszewski.

The recommendation for the use of this property for the race will now go to the Ontonagon Village Council.