Forging Futures seeks to improve playgrounds in Ishpeming, support area youth
Family fun day scheduled for September
Trending
ISHPEMING -- Forging Futures, a new nonprofit in Ishpeming, was founded in 2025 with the goal of making Ishpeming a better place for families and children, starting out with improving Ishpeming's playgrounds.
"With the state of all of our playgrounds in Ishpeming, we only have two new playgrounds out of a total of about 14," said Forging Futures President Jason Chapman. "Our community play lots are in rough shape."
Currently, they have their sights set on improving Bruce Asgaard Park in Ishpeming. Bruce Asgaard Park, named after a resident who lives nearby, hasn't been updated in 40 or 50 years, according to Chapman. And even then, the equipment that was put in was used. Now, the basketball court is cracked and uneven, the scattered equipment is outdated and faded, and there are large areas of unutilized space.
"It's the perfect location, because it's surrounded by houses," said Chapman. "But the basketball court is in such bad shape that kids can't play on it."
Chapman, who is on the Ishpeming City Council, said that the city currently lacks the budget for the kinds of playground improvements Forging Futures has in mind -- the basketball court alone will cost about $15,000 -- though Ishpeming has promised to foot the bill for removing the existing asphalt on the court.
So far, Forging Futures has raised $12,000 to revamp the court and put in new playground equipment.
Some of those funds were raised by a recent donation from Fox Motors of $3,315, as well as an anonymous donation of $6,000.
"We're really grateful to them for all of this," said Chapman.
After Bruce Asgaard Park, Forging Futures has their sights set on improving other area parks, including building a fully ADA-compliant park. They are also looking into supporting other organizations such as Do it for Daniel and the Ishpeming Ski Junior Program.
To make this vision happen, as well as to provide an event for area families, Forging Futures will be hosting a family fun day at Al Quaal from noon to 4 p.m. on Sept. 26. There will be activities for kids, including bounce houses, and Forging Futures is currently accepting applications from food vendors and other family and kid-friendly vendors for the event.
"This is an event to raise awareness about our organization and to give the kids a nice fun day before winter hits," said Chapman.
The event is free, but donations will be accepted.
Donations can also be made to Forging Futures by sending checks to P.O. Box 593 in Ishpeming, made out to Forging Futures, or by emailing Chapman at jason.chapman204@gmail.com or calling 906-458-1226, or Forging Futures Vice President Liana Pepin at liana.pepin329@gmail.com. There are also still spots open on the Forging Futures Board, and interested parties can contact Chapman or Pepin.
The Forging Futures Board is currently made up of Jason Chapman, Liana Pepin, Nathan Gray, Sarah Suardini, Seth Hoopingarner, Dick Ziegler, Carol Watts, Sandy Asgaard, Bruce Asgaard, Jeff Olson and Bud Hart.
"It's a labor of love for us," said Chapman. "We're determined, really, to make our community a better place."
Annie Lippert can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 550. Her email address is alippert@miningjournal.net.