Pictured, from left, are Brooke Quinn, Lake Superior Community Partnership senior business development representative; Thomas Dunleavy, Charter Township of Chocolay; Suzanne Sundell, Charter Township of Chocolay; Joe Neumann, director of Public Works, Charter Township of Chocolay; Sally Dionne, Lions Club; Jennifer Youngman, Charter Township of Chocolay; Jim Duehring, Lions Club; Pete LaRue, Lions Club; Bob Grove, Lions Club; Max Engle, Charter Township of Chocolay; Greg Elliott, township manager, Charter Township of Chocolay; Dave Lynch, township supervisor, Charter Township of Chocolay; Chris Lucas, Charter Township of Chocolay; Dave Place, Lions Club; Jim Manyen, Lions Club; Natalie Chmiko, LSCP CEO; Rachael Guth; Amy Bastone; Linda Poole, Charter Township of Chocolay; and Zosia Eppensteiner, Marquette County ambassadors. (Courtesy photo)

MARQUETTE – The Lake Superior Community Partnership assisted Chocolay Township with a ribbon-cutting on June 30 to celebrate the completion of new volleyball courts at Lions Field Recreation Area.

The new volleyball court represents a community-driven effort to transform an underutilized sand pit into a recreational destination for residents and visitors. Located at Lions Field Recreation Area along M-28, the site’s naturally flat, clean sand made it an ideal location for volleyball at the park.

The project was made possible through the support and input of community members, as well as financial contributions that helped bring the vision to life. For many years, the area saw limited use, primarily for seasonal blueberry picking and occasional unauthorized motorized activity. Today, the revitalized space offers a welcoming environment for recreation, fitness, and community engagement.

“We are excited to see this project come to fruition and provide a new amenity for our community,” said Joe Neumann, Chocolay Township’s director of Public Works. “This volleyball court demonstrates what can be accomplished when community members come together to invest in shared recreational spaces.”

The ribbon-cutting marked the official opening of the new court and highlighted Chocolay Township’s ongoing commitment to enhancing outdoor recreation opportunities and improving quality of life for residents. Chocolay Township is also seeking donations to support additional amenities at the volleyball courts, including picnic tables and other site enhancements.

Those interested in contributing to the continued development of the recreation area are encouraged to contact the Township directly for more information.

For more information, contact Neumann at 906-249-1448 or email jneumann@chocolay.gov.

LSCP ribbon cuttings are funded by Northern Initiatives.