Nate Heffron, city manager, city of Negaunee

NEGAUNEE — Teal Lake, a local treasure, is about to see a few positive changes that will bring more access and recreational opportunities to users of all ages and abilities.

Many may not know this, but Teal Lake is wholly located within the City of Negaunee’s corporate limits and governed under the city of Negaunee. It was the once the only water source for the city, which led to restrictive environmental measures to protect its waters from human pollution, way back in 1883.

This ordinance has been modified throughout its 138-year history. Throughout the years it placed a ban on swimming, use by livestock, and use of gas-powered motor boats.

Additional protections of Teal Lake were put in place in 2009, with the adoption of the Teal Lake Overlay. This ordinance placed extra scrutiny and permitting for any developments around the water body measured from the 200-foot-high water mark. It was enacted to prevent a negative impact to Teal Lake.

Modern public water production through the Negaunee Ishpeming Water Authority came about in the last three decades. It currently provides water for customers for three communities, and does not draw from Teal Lake.

Swimming has been allowed, since 1995. However, due to restrictions on use, the natural progression of development of public parkways on the Teal Lake has been stunted. This has caused the need for better and more frequent access on and in Teal Lake for public use.

The changes coming to Teal Lake include two new docks installed on both ends. A joint project between the Cities of Ishpeming, Negaunee and the Ishpeming Rotary Club. The city of Negaunee is also planning a beach rehabilitation project on the east side of the lake.

The dock project includes the installation of two EzDock kayak launch docks of universal design access. Universal design accessibility is inclusive of accessibility, and not solely focused on accessibility.

Rather, Universal Design expands accessibility’s definition by including all persons, not only persons with disabilities.

The Ishpeming Rotary Club, the primary sponsor of this project believes there is an underserved population that cannot use Teal Lake. This population includes, permanently disabled persons, temporary or therapeutically disabled persons, and elderly persons.

The Rotary Club hope that this project will kick off sometime in the summer 2022. The project is slated to cost roughly $152,000. The Rotary Club is currently working with the city of Ishpeming to submit two grants to the DNR by April 1. If a grant is awarded, it will cover up to $114,000 of the project with a local match needed of $38,000.00

The beach rehabilitation project emerged from the Teal Lake Shoreline Climate and Health Adaptation Vision project. The study which began in December of 2019, stems from a grant that was made available through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Michigan Climate and Health Adaptation Program (MICHAP), MSU Extension (MSUE) and the MSU School of Planning, Design and Construction (SPDC).

The project aimed to: (1) Create areas to prevent run off and allow Teal Lake to maintain its natural qualities; (2) Engage the community in environmentally friendly built environment design practices; (3) Strengthen the connection between the community and the Teal Lake shore; (4) Utilize design practices that increase shoreline accessibility for all individuals into the future; and (5) Maintain the lake’s silent nature by reserving it for non-motorized recreation.

These beach upgrades include an expansion of the sandy area of the beach from 1000 square feet to 1800 square feet, relocation of the street surface storm water discharge pipes, and installation of ADA components (ramp and beach mat).

The overall estimated cost of the rehabilitation project is $107,700. The city of Negaunee was fortunate to be awarded a Michigan Department of Agriculture Rural Development grant of $82, 600. The city will need to contribute their 25 percent match of $25,100.

I would like to point out that the final design for this project has not been solidified. We have conceptual designs that came for the Teal Lake Shoreline Climate and Health Adaptation Vision project, but they are only concepts.

We are not looking to plant large grassy areas or place other obstacles such a rock on the shoreline area. We will be looking to improve access and capacity at the beach to serve the growing population that uses Teal Lake.

The city intends to hold several public meetings this year to finalize the design of the project. Residents can get involved by looking for opportunities to attend these meetings. Meetings will be held through the Planning Commission, Parks and Recreation Commission, and the city council.

We have an opportunity to make what we have better and to sustain and grow our economy by attracting tourist to our community that travel to the Upper Peninsula.

These two projects are just the beginning. We will be looking for every chance to enhance our community and the amenities provided for both our residents and guests.

Negaunee is focused on the future and is Moving Forward!