NEGAUNEE — The Lake Superior Community Partnership is assisting the cities of Ishpeming and Negaunee and the Rotary Club of Ishpeming in hosting a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of the joint Teal Lake dock project. The ceremony will take place during Pioneer Days at 5 p.m. Tuesday, July 8 at the Negaunee dock, located across the street from Lakeview Elementary along the shores of Teal Lake. 

The new ADA-compliant docks, located on both ends of Teal Lake, were sourced through EZ-Dock and exceed standard accessibility guidelines with a universally accessible design. The west-side dock (Ishpeming) accommodates both canoes and kayaks, while the east-side dock (Negaunee) supports canoes, kayaks, and sculls used by the Marquette Rowing Club. 

Construction began in the summer of 2024 and was completed by Water’s Edge Dock and Hoist Company. 

“We’re really proud of this project and wanted to create an opportunity for the community to come out and try the docks,” said Nate Heffron, city manager of Negaunee. “Along with the demonstration, we’ll be hosting a small community picnic with hot dogs and a variety of beverages for everyone to enjoy.” 

The project was supported by a $114,000 Recreation Passport Grant from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), contributing to a total project cost of approximately $152,000. The required local match of $38,900 was successfully raised thanks to the generous support of the following contributors: 

• City of Ishpeming – $10,000 


• City of Negaunee – $10,000 


• Ishpeming Rotary Club – $10,000 


• Tru North Credit Union – $1,000 


• West End Health Foundation – $7,500 


• Ishpeming/Negaunee Community Fund – $1,900 


• U.P. Rowing Club – $1,000 


• Rotary District #6220 – $7,500