To the Journal editor:

I received in my mailbox a petition to “Save Our Michigamme Pocket Park.” The petition mentions that there are negative impacts to the community if the public lake access is sold away.

I don’t believe that to be a true statement because there is no parking, no bathrooms, no beach, no signs stating swim at your own risk, and I have observed no children swimming there since the last decade of living in town. Say what you want, as a local resident, that statement was misleading!

The petition additionally stated it could interfere with fire department plans and operations. Being a former EMT, that is a dead issue and again a misleading statement because it will never interfere with the plans and operations of filling tanks to fight a fire. The only real issue would be if a car or truck is blocking that ramp at the time of need.

There is a sewer waste pumping station adjacent to that ramp. My kids and others have used that ramp to launch their kayaks. That will never change even if a small portion of land is sold or an easement appropriated.

The Downtown Development Authority did not all vote against the sale. The goal of the DDA is economic development and our efforts should be to complete the already approved west end handicap boat ramp where there is a beautiful sandy beach with a pier in need of repair.

There are bathrooms, swing sets and parking for trucks with trailers, to include camping plots across the street.

The DDA should rally around, work together and focus on saving the historical three-story brick school building or have the east end bridge dredged up and cleaned up. That is economic development!