To honor Marquette’s former community services director for his selfless efforts bestowed to the city’s community, parks and recreation, the Marquette City Commission unanimously approved a request from the Marquette Beautification and Restoration Committee Monday evening to name the new scenic overlook at Father Marquette Park the Karl G. Zueger Scenic Overlook.

Zueger worked directly with the beautification committee on the Father Marquette Park improvement project, resulting in a $140,000 Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grant. The committee then raised $60,000 in local matching funds for the project. In October, the committee approached city staff asking to name the new overlook after Zueger.

During his time as community services director, Zueger was said to be passionate about public art and Father Marquette Park in particular. He was instrumental with restoring and cleaning the statue, according to the committee.

Emily Lewis, a member of the committee, said the portion of the project Zueger has been most excited about is the view of Lake Superior to the east of the park.

“The one thing I remember … walking that park, over and over again, trying to figure out how we were going to configure it, how we were going to make it handicap accessible, he always stopped at this one spot and said, ‘This is the spot. We have to have an observation deck or a bench or a picnic table because you can see the water from here and you can see the statue.’ So I think it’s quite fitting that we honor him by naming that,” Lewis said.

This is a very fitting honor to bestow upon a man who was dedicated to keeping this area beautiful for all its visitors. We are glad his efforts have been recognized, and now his name will forever be a part of the overlook.

Jon Swenson, who stepped into the director of community services position after Zueger retired earlier this year, said Zueger was a mentor who embodied the emphasis of public service without self.

“That is something we strive to carry on now and going forward and it’s a difficult thing to do,” Swenson said.

Swenson said that even though Zueger wasn’t concerned about being recognized, he was humbled by the dedication.

“This project was one which required special attention and responsibility. At first the objective was to provide access to the Father Marquette statue regardless of one’s physical limitation. As staff delved into the project it became much more,” Swenson read from a letter written by Zueger. “It is a gateway, a place to pause in life and reflect and meditate. It is a place where aged eyes sees the past and imaginative child’s eyes sees the future. It is a portal which connects nature and the community’s soul. In fact, it is really a location where it all began. As a public servant we are committed to serve without the intention of being recognized … I served with the mantra of both nature and the community. I was not always successful, but such is life.”

Mayor Dave Campana agreed with the commissioners and complimented Zueger’s vision.

“He always worked hard for the organization. He got things done,” Campana said. “This is a tribute to him and he deserves it.”

We agree with that sentiment, and cannot think of a better namesake for the overlook.