Iron Mountain-Kingsford Rotary Club Repairs Fumee Creek Roadside Park Pedestrian Bridge
July 26, 2024 (Iron Mountain, Mich.)— The Rotary Club of Iron Mountain-Kingsford has a 20-year history of being the stewards of the Fumee Creek Roadside Park pedestrian bridge. In early 2023, club members noticed the bridge was falling into disrepair. The group organized quickly to devise a plan, enlisting club members to live the Rotary motto – Service Above Self.
“Service to our local community is at the center of the mission of Rotary,” remarked Dale Cook, Club President. “Our club members rallied around this project and we were able to complete it from plan to installation in four months with the support and expertise from MDOT, Dickinson County Road Commission & Upper Pine Creek Woodworking.”
“The decking and railings from Upper Pine Creek Woodworking were skillfully made and only our time and effort were needed to get them stained and installed. Everyone worked hard to get this project done quickly!”, Commented Rotarian Jeff “JD” Edwards Construction Project Foreman.
The project was a group effort. Materials were procured on behalf of MDOT and the Dickinson County Road Commission, Upper Pine Creek Woodworking brought the design to creation, and Rotary Club volunteers provided the construction labor.
“The construction of a pedestrian bridge in 2004 was a huge improvement to the roadside park,” said Dave Bradley of MDOT’s Crystal Falls service center. “The park is a great source of pride for MDOT, Dickinson Conservation District, and Iron Mountain Rotary. It’s so nice to see the Rotary club remain actively involved with maintaining the bridge, which is appreciated by so many visitors to the roadside park. Many thanks to the club for their service and initiating these improvements to keep the pedestrian bridge attractive and safe for many years to come.”
The original pedestrian bridge at the Fumee Creek Roadside park originated with the Dickinson Conservation District, providing a local match to MDOT Enhancement Funding. In 2004, the local Rotary Club constructed a new bridge in conjunction/collaboration with an MDOT Enhancement project that constructed the stairs and a viewing platform at the top of the falls. The MDOT Enhancement projects’ purpose is to protect the natural beauty of the Fumee Falls by stabilizing the hillside from erosion, restoring the stream, and removing excess sediment.
About the Iron Mountain-Kingsford Rotary Club
The Iron Mountain-Kingsford Rotary Club, founded in 1921, works to make our community a better place through service above self. Through weekly meetings, community projects and engagements, scholarships and supporting global efforts. We join leaders, exchange ideas and take action. Learn more at rotaryimk.org.
About Rotary International
Rotary brings together a global network of volunteer leaders dedicated to tackling the world’s most pressing humanitarian challenges. Rotary connects 1.4 million members of more than 46,000 Rotary clubs in over 200 countries and geographical areas. Their work improves lives at both the local and international levels, from helping those in need in their own communities to working toward a polio-free world. For more information, visit Rotary.org.
The Iron Mountain Kingsford Rotary Club would like to recognize following organizations and businesses that supported this worthwhile endeavor. Dickinson County Road Commission - Jim Harris, MDOT - Ben Feldhausen & Dale Sauvola. Edwards Automotive - Jeff “JD” Edwards & Wade Edwards, Upper Pine Creek Wood Working - Tom Wender. Boss Snowplow – Ken Adams & Emily Forstrom. First Bank – Jon Pryor, Loadmaster – Andrew & Ethan Brisson. Anyone else that may have contributed along the way we greatly appreciate your help. Also, the many Rotarians who spent their time, effort and talents laying out the foundation at Fumee Roadside Park over 20 years ago. THANK YOU!!!
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You can find more historical information and images in our Gallery.
The bridge was first completed by Rotary in 2004.
