Kids push for bike park in Silver Bay

Talk about it

The Silver Bay City Council granted local children their wish Monday allowing the concept of a BMX bike park by the tennis courts to continue.

Jeff Toland, who will be a sophomore at the high school this fall, spoke on behalf of the group of six in attendance, telling the council the opportunity would provide a good educational experience for them because they would help build it. He said it would also provide a safer place to ride compared to using their bikes on the streets.

The group will be helping raise funds for the park as well as designing it. The city is hoping to make the venture as cost-free as possible. City Administrator Lana Fralich said the city’s liability insurance would not go up if they had a bike park on city-owned land.

Council member Joanne Johnson said when growing up in the city she had asked the question: “What is there to do?” She said this will help in that conundrum.

Council member Steve Marolt told the group to be aware of the way some bikers have been disrespectful and to “police themselves.”

The kids talked about having a stand during Silver Bay-Beaver Bay Days this weekend to help raise funds for the project. There are plans to put a temporary park in place by the tennis courts after the Bay Days mud rally.

Bandshell

Council member Dave Gustafson said the city is trying to get a band shell put on land next to city hall, which is owned by The Lake Bank. He said funds from this weekend’s Bay Days train ride would help pay for the stage. The city wants the bank to donate the land.

Proclamation

The council had a proclamation ceremony for Ross Parker and Shane Billings of Silver Bay. They have earned the Boy Scouts’ Eagle Scout designation. Parker worked with the U.S. Forest Service in rebuilding the surface of a high traffic hiking trail near Superior National Forest. Billings worked with Lake Superior School District and the school in Silver Bay in replacing the dilapidated bleachers for the community field.

Police officer resigns

Part-time police officer Steve Rohloff has resigned from the Silver Bay Police Department. Fralich said hiring a replacement isn’t automatic. The city could have a current officer take over his hours. The city has five officers.

Shopping Center Road

The council discussed whether drivers should be able to park on Shopping Center Road. As the council members spoke, semi-tractor trailers were parked on the road. Council members saw it as a safety issue and will talk to law enforcement.

Tags: two harbors, news, silver bay, council, bike park