Nate Heffron, city manager, city of Negaunee

NEGAUNEE — Lights, camera… well maybe it’s not THAT dramatic, but one trail in Negaunee is a little a bit brighter with the completion of Phase-One of Iron Ore Heritage Trial Lighting Project.

This summer, the city electrical department had 3,000 feet of underground electrical conduit installed and the crew themselves installed 13 new light fixtures.

The new lights start at Gold Street running near the by the new pavilion at Jackson Mine Park. The last light is in old Town where Merry Street was once located, near the Jackson Mine Pit boardwalk.

About $48,000 was spent on the project. Costs included $22,500 in underground boring and approximately $26,000 in parts/materials, equipment and labor.

The IOHT Authority has made the lighted segment of trail from Negaunee into Ishpeming a priority in the last several years, but grant submissions for the project were unsuccessful.

IOHT administrator Carol Fulsher told me that lighting the segment of trail will have many benefits. She hopes users will be able to enjoy the trail for longer periods of time.

She also said the enhancement could give the community a chance to envision new events and activities in the area.

For me, this is not just an opportunity for Negaunee to attract new trail users and visitors to the area.

It also allows us to provide additional value to our community. Anytime we can provide residents with new opportunities to engage in healthy activities is a plus.

Negaunee is committed to increasing recreational opportunities for both residents and visitors alike.

Unique projects like this are what sets us apart as a premier location to live, work and play.

This is why our efforts will not stop here, but will Move Forward, on to Phase-Two.

Phase-Two of the project will pick up in 2022 where it left off and will continue for approximately 4,200 feet and terminate at the Negaunee/Ishpeming city limits, with an additional 22 lights installed.

On Monday at 2 p.m., the city along with the Marquette County Ambassadors, Lake Superior Community Partnership, and the Iron Ore Heritage Trail, will be holding an official opening ceremony to celebrate the completion of Phase-One.

I invite you to attend this event and help us recognize the lighting of the IOHT.

This project does not exclusively benefit Negaunee, but all residents and visitors to Marquette County. Please take a look on our Facebook and website for more information on where this event will be held.

If you can’t make it, come Negaunee sometime and check out the IOHT and feel free to stay a little longer, well leave the lights on for you!

Editor’s note: Nate Heffron is the city manager of the city of Negaunee.