Council hears divided public comment and ethics concerns over Ludington Park nature trail proposal

The Escanaba City Council heard competing public testimony and an ethics complaint on May 1 over a proposed nature trail in Ludington Park, but did not approve the agreement and took no final action.

Supporters, led by representatives of the nonprofit Enhanced Escanaba, described a roughly three‑quarters‑of‑a‑mile crushed‑limestone trail along the waterfront, planting of shrubs and trees, QR‑coded interpretive plaques, two curb cuts for wheelchair access and volunteer maintenance. “This will be a wonderful tourist attraction,” said Gina R. N., a board member of Enhanced Escanaba. She said the group worked with the park superintendent and public works staff on placement and maintenance plans.

Opponents raised cost and upkeep concerns and questioned the nonprofit’s role. “It all started with…