ELY – In an effort to get more use out of Semer’s Park, the City Council approved a lease with Heavy Metal Sports this week to allow the rental of non-motorized recreational equipment and the operation of a concession stand.

Semer’s Park, located on the west end of Shagawa Lake, is in the midst of a rejuvenation effort by the city’s Parks and Recreation Committee with the goal of getting more use out of the landmark lake shoreline area. The park’s out-of-way location has been a detriment to tourism.

The Ely Chamber of Commerce will host the second annual Great American Canoe Race and Festival at the park on June 10 and 11. Boating, swimming, hiking, and other family activities such as weddings and family reunions have been enjoyed by Ely residents for decades.

The land for Semer’s Park was donated to the city of Ely by John Semer of Escanaba, Mich., in 1916. The stone tables, fire pits and three stone buildings in Semer’s Park were built during a period spanning about three years from 1938 to 1941 as projects for the National Youth Administration (NYA). Those facilities are in the midst of a restoration effort.

Council members approved the lease for Heavy Metal Sports on a trial basis for this summer. “This is a four-and-a-half month lease for the east side of the dock at the beach at $60 per month for the rental of non-motorized equipment and the sale of healthy concessions,” said City Attorney Kelly Klun. “We’re testing this out on the recommendation of the Parks and Rec Committee to establish a concessionaire at the park.”

Council member Al Forsman inquired about the use of the lower part of the pavilion for equipment storage. “I don’t see that spelled out in the agreement,” he said. Klun noted that a site plan would be included with the lease marking the proper storage area to be used.

Clerk-Treasurer Harold Langowski said city staff will meet with the renter to next week to inspect the site. “They are thinking they can lock up their equipment underneath the deck,” he said.

“They will have paddle bikes and other types of non-motorized equipment for use in the lake,” Langowski said. “They will also have bicycles for rent for use on the Trezona Trail and other areas. Hopefully this will work out and we can attract more people to the park.”

Forsman also inquired about potential conflicts with motorboats using the dock area. “Where can someone land a boat?”

“The potential of boats coming up to the beach and swimming area has been a contentious issue with Parks and Rec for a number of years,” Langowski said. “That is something we are going to discuss at our next meeting, including additional signage. We are also looking to keep kids from riding their bicycles off the end of the dock. That has been an ongoing issue.”

Langowski said discussions have been held considering installing another dock for boats on the other side of the islands, keeping boats separated from the beach area. “We are hoping to get additional activities down there over time,” he said.

The lease agreement was unanimously approved.

Other business

In other business, the council:

• Approved temporary liquor licenses for the Ely Jaycees for Crapola Fest, June 23, Blueberry Arts Festival, July 28-30, Harvest Moon Festival, Sept. 8-10, and the Ely Marathon, Sept. 23;

• OK’d a Commercial Rehab Loan for Pengal’s Basswood Trading Co. for storefront repair totaling $15,000;

• Established a drop-off point at the Ely Police Department for National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 29 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.;

• Set the city’s Spring Clean Up Days for Friday and Saturday, May 19 and 20, for city residents only (IDs required);

• Approved a contract with J&A Enterprises for a Fixed Base Operator and Operations Services agreement, increasing the flowage fee for jet fuel from 50 cents to 75 cents per gallon;

• Approved a resolution authorizing the application for the Dorothy Molter Memorial Foundation to apply for a raffle permit.