NEGAUNEE — Two outside tabletop checker games – one at Irontown Plaza and one at Tobin Place – are now available for residents to play in Negaunee.

The Negaunee Downtown Development Authority announced the addition of the game tables on Monday, which are part of the Downtown Enhancement Project. They are part of the $885K revitalization and placemaking grant, earned through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.

“We know that these tables are not going to bring us in droves of people, it’s not about that. Sometimes life is just about the little things, having a little fun,” said Negaunee City Manager Nate Heffron in a press release.

The checker pieces will be available at four downtown businesses, where people can stop in and sign them out to use for play. Jackson’s Pit Gourmet Grill and Bar, The Cone on Iron Street, Midtown Cafe, and Love & Bicycles will each have a set of checkers available to loan, as well as their own policy on how they will lend out the pieces to ensure their returns. QR code signs will be placed near each game table to show which businesses are participating.

If regular use of the game tables are observed, the DDA may introduce additional games, such as Jenga and chess, among others, in the future.

“We hope everyone that visits Downtown Negaunee can find their fun whatever that may be, (and) this is just another option,” Heffron said.