Perhaps we take our public spaces for granted; I know I have. However, just think of the affordable opportunities they provide for you and your family. In the eastern Upper Peninsula there are many public spaces; some are scenic, such as the 31 preserves of the Little Traverse Conservancy, and many are multi-use, such as the Sault Seal Recreation Area in Sault Ste. Marie.
All of the public spaces I'm about to mention have been created with a lot of thoughtful consideration from people in communities in theeEastern Upper Peninsula, and with the help of generous donations of time and money. The result is a treasure trove of free or low-cost spaces for people of all ages to enjoy the beautiful eastern Upper Peninsula.
Sault Seal Recreation Center
This public space is a true testament to what the residents and city leaders of a city can do when they put their minds to it. For years, this area was simply a big hill that people used for sledding and tobogganing (you had to actually walk back up the hill after you slid down it).
With the help of the Seal Estate Trust Fund, this area was transformed into a multi-use area for sledding, winter tubing, skiing, hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and taking long walks with your dog. Seven tubing runs, two tow ropes and a cozy concession stand to warm up and drink hot chocolate in, makes this a wonderful place to get outside in the winter to enjoy fresh air with your family and mingle with people in the community.
Pullar Stadium
If walls could talk, the Pullar Stadium in Sault Ste. Marie would tell quite a story. This is the place where the Red Wings greats--Gordie Howe, Ted Lindsay, Alex Delvececchio and Sid Abel--once practiced. It also has its own local history that is more personal to the people in this community. Generations of kids and adults have learned to skate, play hockey, and attended circuses here. The tradition lives on within its calloused walls that have seen lots of coats of paint since it opened in 1939.
The Pullar, as it is referred to by the locals, is home to the Junior A Soo Eagles hockey team and hosts various hockey tournaments. It is also open to public skating and is used for practices and performances by the Hiawatha Skating Club. It is available for rent for hockey and non-hockey events.
Though outdated by today's standards (visiting hockey teams may have to climb steep stairs to use a locker room), it lives on in a community that can hear the echoes of their kids and grandkids in its hallowed hallways.
Little Traverse Conservancy
While some public spaces may be taken for granted, others can simply go unnoticed. In the case of the natural areas of the Little Traverse Conservancy, this is part by design. The public spaces of the Conservancy are inconspicuous, mostly wilderness areas that are open for all types of "low impact" outdoor recreational and educational opportunities, like hiking, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, wildflower viewing, birding and scientific research. Hunting is permitted on designated preserves with written permission from the Conservancy.
One of the more popular preserves in the EUP is the Birge Preserve in Hessel, says Amy Polk, coordinator for the Les Cheneaux Islands Chamber of Commerce. Located just west of Hessel, this 275- acre preserve, which includes a small lake, is a haven for waterfowl and contains a diverse array of wildflowers, including lady slippers, not to mention a chance to see beaver, so bring your camera and binoculars. A short walk through a biologically diverse marsh leads to a viewing platform. For more information, visit the
Conservancy online.
In addition to self-guided hikes through these protected lands, the Conservancy also offers guided tours for various outside activities, including interpretive nature hikes with school groups. The 31 preserves in Chippewa and Mackinac counties don't cost a penny to use and will lead you through woodlands, along river banks, beaches and even through a couple of islands.
Bridgeview Park
The Mackinac Bridge is not only a link between these two great peninsulas but a magnificent structure to behold. It was for the latter reason that the Mackinac Bridge Authority built Bridgeview Park in St. Ignace. With a spectacular view leading upward to the bridge, it is one of the more popular public spaces in St. Ignace, says Judy Grove of the St. Ignace Chamber of Commerce.
Travelers and locals alike can enjoy the accommodations and attractions at Bridgeview Park, which includes outdoor covered picnic tables and a barbecue. Inside a very modern visitor's pavilion, people can view historic photos and video of the bridge, including footage of the construction phase.
And of course, you have that view. On a warm breezy day in the summer, you just can't beat it.
American Legion Veterans Memorial Park
You would be hard pressed to go through St. Ignace on a nice day and not see people using the American Legion Memorial Park. This is a well maintained public space right on the water which includes a red, white and blue play structure for children with a tunnel slide. There is also a pavilion with a gazebo and telescope, public restrooms, and a covered area with picnic tables to get out of the rain or intense sun. It is one of the most popular public spaces for families in St. Ignace, says Grove.
Just north of the park is the Star Railroad Dock. It is where the historic boat Chief Wawatam once docked when not offering ferry service to Mackinac Island. The Star Line Ferry now uses it as an auxiliary dock for summer passenger service to Mackinac Island. Visitors to the park may also get a chance to see some adventuresome parasailing via Mackinaw Parasailing, which is also located on the dock.
This is just a short list of public spaces in the eastern U.P. I hope it encourages you to use these spaces more, or if you're an out-of-towner, come visit these spaces--and feel free to bring some friends along.
Neil Moran is a freelance copywriter living in Sault Ste. Marie. Visit his website at www.neilmoran.com.