ESCANABA — The City of Escanaba Recreation Director Kim Peterson announceD the completion of Phase 1 of a boardwalk system at the West Side Recreation Area (WSRA) (often referred to as North 30th or the Old Ski Hill area). Approximately 1,000 feet of boardwalk was installed to provide better access to the 1,260 acre parcel owned and managed by the City of Escanaba.

The WSRA supports a variety of natural upland and lowland community types. There is currently approximately 12-miles of designated trail system within the WSRA, with seven miles used primarily for cross country skiing and five miles for snowshoeing. With the construction of the boardwalks through some perennially wet areas crossed by the existing trail system, year round access to the site is ensured for walking.

Construction of Phase 1 of the boardwalk system was made possible through a financial contribution from the Rotary, with additional funding from the Hannahville Indian Community, Escanaba Community Foundation for Delta County, Visit Escanaba, and DCNT (Delta County Non-Motorized Trails). Numerous volunteers provided the much needed labor to construct the boardwalks and make Phase 1 a success. Many volunteers expressed their pleasure about the project. Kel Smyth, local Rotarian, and lifelong community volunteer, stated that, “I’ve told a number of people that this project is one of the best volunteer/community development projects I’ve ever been involved in.”

Phase 2 of the project, entails constructing an additional, approximate 1,000 feet of boardwalk, across wetland areas to create a year round access loop through some very majestic stands of white and red pine. Phase 2 will also include the development of interpretive signage throughout the site.