Press Release – Land use Agreement with the Upper Peninsula Community Rowing Club, Inc.
April 25, 2018
(For Immediate Release)
JOINT PRESS RELEASE
RE: Land use Agreement with the Upper Peninsula Community Rowing Club, Inc.
The City of Negaunee and U.P. Rowing are pleased to announce that both entities have entered into a land use agreement. The two-year agreement allows for the rowing club to access part of the Teal Lake shoreline near the old waterworks building to store some of their rowing shells. The club will be working to develop interest in this sport in the Negaunee area. “This is a great opportunity to partner with an organization that offers a unique type of water sport that can be supported on Teal Lake, City Manager Heffron said.
Teal Lake is unique, it does not allow for motor boats to be operated except specific circumstances. “I have been approached by many residents that want to find other ways to use Teal Lake for everyone to enjoy. This is just the start,” Heffron said.
U.P. Rowing is a non-profit all-volunteer club. Since 2004 U.P. Rowing has provided public group outdoor recreation in the sport of rowing in the Marquette area. Volunteers provide specialized training, access to equipment, and safety measures to the public and its members to experience group rowing.
Programs are open to adults ages 18 and over who are interested in sweep rowing and sculling. They also run a youth program for high school students. Some of these youth have gone on to row with collegiate crews and the Summer World University Games.
The club hosts an annual regatta each September on Teal Lake where approximately 100 rowers participate. “In working with the Club, the City wants to find ways to develop the regatta into a day-long family event that everyone can enjoy. “This event is just another way to showcase beautiful Teal Lake,” Heffron commented.
“Our hope is to work with the City to establish a core of rowers on Teal Lake. We feel this is a great opportunity for our members and those who want try rowing”, commented Sally Davis, a board member of U.P. Rowing.
According to Davis, there are already a number of rowers that utilize Teal Lake for single sculling. Having a dedicated storage and launch venue will allow the club to expand rowing in the immediate area. The Club will store their equipment on the shoreline for several months and will remove it during the Pioneer Days annual fireworks show and at the end of the season.
To learn more about rowing on Teal Lake, contact the Upper Peninsula Community Rowing Club here. A Learn to Row program will begin in June. Those interested can attend a Meet and Greet on May 21, at 6pm, at the Ore Dock Brewing Company in Marquette.
Questions concerning this release may be directed to the attention of the City Manager, Nate Heffron at (906) 475-7700 ext. 11, or Sally Davis here 906 226-3621