The city of Marquette is competing for a national historical grant that would benefit Presque Isle Park, and it's a competition that relies on your votes
MARQUETTE -- The 323-acre peninsula that juts out into Lake Superior offers residents and visitors year-round outdoor recreation. Only 15 acres of that land is developed, the way that one of the original architects intended it to be.
"This park is pristine, and we want to maintain it in its natural state as much as possible, so any developments we do in the park will be done in such a way as to not detract from the naturalness of the area," says Bob Kulisheck, member of the Parks and Recreation Committee.
Frederick Law Olmstead, one of the nation's foremost land architects in the late 19th century, once said: "Preserve it, treasure it for all time."
Members of the Park and Recreation Committee and the Presque Isle Advisory Board, recently found a letter written by Olmstead to Peter White, one of Marquette's founders. The historical letter contains references to the park, which Olmstead helped design.
And don't forget Charles Kawbawgam, chief of the local band of Ojibwa people when Marquette was founded. He spent the last 20 years of his life living on Presque Isle and is buried there today.
All of that history became part of a 500-word essay, detailing Presque Isle's significance to the community.
"The park is considered to be the jewel of the city of Marquette--it has wonderful recreational opportunities, and over the years, the city, in combination with volunteer organizations and individuals and students, have maintained the park, and oftentimes developed different facilities," Kulisheck adds.
He is referring to facilities like the Sunset Point shelter and the pavilion.
Presque Isle Park, known locally as 'the island,' was chosen from more than 250 entries as a top-100 finalist. There are three cash awards, with the top prize being worth $25,000.
If Presque Isle is awarded one of the grants, the funds will be used to upgrade various park facilities. Even if the park isn't awarded the grant, committee and board members intend to keep planning for the betterment of the park.
Voting begins Wednesday, June 1, and lasts through the entire month of June.
You can only cast your vote for Presque Isle Park one time throughout the challenge.
Click here to vote!
TV Station Profiles & Public Inspection Files forWLUC