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Volunteers, QR-code guide and Ice Age Trail work highlighted as tourism boosters
Summary
Committee heard that volunteer groups built a 300-foot boardwalk at MIR (about $32,000 in lumber) and that a volunteer-created QR-code web guide sees regular use; members suggested moving the $2,400 annual hosting fee to the county tourism budget and discussed succession for maintenance.
At the June 8 Parks Committee meeting, staff highlighted volunteer-led trail work and a county QR-code web guide used by visitors.
Staff reported the Ice Age Trail Alliance local chapter has been active in Marquette County; the presenter said the boardwalk built at MIR cost about $32,000 in lumber and was constructed largely with volunteer labor. The county speaker framed volunteers and trail users as a silent tourism market that brings visitors who stop at local businesses.
Committee members also reviewed a volunteer-built QR-code guide (described by staff as a web-based 'app' accessible by scanning QR codes at park locations). The presenter said the guide was created and maintained by volunteer Kathleen and that hosting and service fees run about $2,400 per year. Members suggested those costs be moved from the parks budget to the county tourism budget, and discussed training or succession planning so county staff can maintain the guide after Kathleen steps back.
Staff said the app receives steady weekend traffic and occasional spikes during local events; the presenter recommended continued support because it promotes trails and generates tourism dollars.
Next step: staff will follow up on whether the $2,400 hosting fee can be reallocated to the tourism budget and will work on knowledge transfer for ongoing maintenance.
