Parks committee outlines marketing plan for Brasswire Campground as city pauses debt repayments pending performance

Parks and Recreation commissioners told the Ishpeming City Council that Brasswire Campground is beginning to attract visitors and that marketing, signage and a pending solar grant could help make the site self-sustaining.

Committee members said the campground produced roughly $15,000 in revenue last season against about $9,500 in operating expenses, leaving a modest positive margin but not enough to resume debt-service transfers. “We are pausing on our repayment to the water and sewer funds because we're not generating enough to make those debt service payments yet,” a city staff member said during the committee update.

The committee presented a marketing plan developed by volunteers and local residents that emphasizes low-cost promotion, partnerships with regional organizations and targeted outreach to mountain-bike and camping communities. Amy Lerley, who identified herself as “secretary of the board” for the volunteer group that has offered to help with the campground, said the group has also submitted an application for a solar array to be placed at the Brasswire site and will notify the council when they receive word on the grant application. “We don't have word yet, but I do have an alert on my phone and you'll be the first to know,” Lerley said.

Why it matters: The campground’s ability to generate enough revenue affects whether the city resumes internal debt repayments and whether the city must rely on planned transfers from the general or public improvement funds under a previously filed debt-elimination plan. City staff said the debt-elimination plan assumes the city will transfer funds in about four years if the campground does not become fully self-supporting.

Committee recommendations and near-term steps included inviting Lake Superior Partnership (LSCP) to provide advertising under an existing contract line item, installing highway directional signage on state routes, and pursuing partnerships with local trail groups to host events. Committee members also recommended modest facility improvements that could be funded by grants (for example, the proposed solar array) or accomplished at low cost, such as clearer website information, occasional larger sites for RVs, and coupon or loyalty programs with downtown businesses.

Council and staff discussion emphasized that the campground should be treated as both a public amenity and an enterprise: visible signs, easier registration and event partnerships could increase overnight stays without requiring immediate large capital outlays. The committee agreed to circulate the fuller marketing plan to council and to continue coordinating with staff on signage, grant applications and potential small capital improvements.

Next steps: The Parks and Recreation Committee will share its written marketing plan with council and continue to pursue the solar grant, highway signage approvals and LSCP advertising. Staff said they will monitor campground revenue over the coming seasons before resuming debt-service transfers.