Pictured, from left, are Antonio Adan Ishpeming Downtown Development Authority; Diana Sundberg, Lake Superior Community Partnership West End Outreach and Services specialist; Bill Anderson, owner, The Mather; DJ Morgan- Heredia, owner, Doozers; Chad Radabaugh, Ishpeming City Police chief; Chris Anderson, LSCP; Jason Chapman, Ishpeming City Council; Nate Heffron, Marquette County ambassador; Brett Argall, Ishpeming City Council; Natalie Chmiko, LSCP CEO; Grey Getschow, Ishpeming City finance director; Kelly Milano, Ishpeming DDA; Pat Scanlon, Ishpeming city mayor; Krystan Beaumont, Ishpeming DDA; Sara Pizziola, Ishpeming Community Events; Tia Alquaree, West End Advisory Council; Jeremy Hosking, director of the Governor’s Northern Michigan Office; and Brooke Quinn, LSCP Senior Business Development representative. (Courtesy photo)

ISHPEMING — The City of Ishpeming, with assistance from the Lake Superior Community Partnership, celebrated the official ribbon cutting of the city of Ishpeming Skate Park on Thursday, according to a press release. Community members, local officials, project partners, and skaters gathered to mark the completion of the new recreational amenity and celebrate the investment in the community.

The skate park was made possible through a $150,000 Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity grant, combined with a $200,000 local match from the city of Ishpeming. Approximately $95,000 of the local match was contributed by the Ishpeming Downtown Development Authority, with the remaining funds provided through the City’s Public Improvement Millage.

“Our goal is to continue building a community where people want to live, work, and raise a family. Projects like the new skate park help make that vision a reality by creating opportunities for recreation, encouraging healthy lifestyles, and providing gathering spaces that strengthen our community. We are excited to celebrate this achievement and look forward to seeing the skate park become a destination for residents and visitors alike,” said City Manager Randy Scholz.

Community input played a significant role in shaping the final design. During the design phase in February 2025, the city hosted a public workshop where local skateboarders reviewed the initial concept and shared ideas for improvements. Working with American Ramp Company, the city incorporated that feedback into the final design by enlarging several features, adding more transition-style elements and including bowl corners. An additional $20,000, included within the city’s local match, was invested to complete these community-inspired enhancements.

Construction of the skate park was completed in October 2025, creating a modern facility designed to serve skaters of all ages and skill levels. With the ribbon cutting complete, the project reaches its final milestone as the grant process comes to a close.

Following the ceremony, attendees enjoyed a skate park event that welcomed the community to experience the new facility and celebrate the successful collaboration between the City of Ishpeming, funding partners, and residents whose input helped bring the project to life.

LSCP ribbon cuttings are funded by Northern Initiatives.