Island Park Commission Mulls Presence in St. Ignace
"The event the Bridge Authority put on, bringing the two communities together, plus Mackinac Island, it was a remarkable achievement for our area. I'm interested in seeing that continue." - Commissioner Jim Williams
By Karen Gould

Upon learning that the area-wide promotion of the Mackinac Bridge anniversary this summer was successful in tourism throughout the season, Mackinac Island State Park commissioners are mulling whether they can become involved in strengthening future promotions by establishing a presence in St. Ignace, possibly at the Father Marquette Memorial site. They decided that staff members at Mackinac State Historic Parks, which oversees historic sites in Mackinaw City and on Mackinac Island, should be involved in a discussion group this winter among Mackinaw City, St. Ignace, and Mackinac Island city leaders. The agency may be able to offer expertise and advice, even though it may not be able to offer funding, commissioners said at their meeting September 20 at Fort Mackinac.

Promotion of the July 50th anniversary of the Mackinac Bridge helped sustain tourism throughout the season, said Phil Porter, director of Mackinac State Historic Parks. Bridge events, combined with outstanding summer weather and an increase in out-ofstate tourists, helped boost Mackinac State Historic Parks attendance by 4.44% and raise income 8.27% over 2006 numbers.

Commissioners lauded the Mackinac Bridge Authority for the way it promoted its anniversary and stimulated business in St. Ignace and Mackinaw City.

"The event the Bridge Authority put on, bringing the two communities together, plus Mackinac Island, it was a remarkable achievement for our area," said Commissioner Jim Williams. "I'm interested in seeing that continue."

Fr. Williams told the commission he had met with Village President Ronald Walloon of Mackinaw City, Mayor Margaret Doud of Mackinac Island, and Mayor Paul Grondin and City Manager Eric Dodson of St. Ignace. The city leaders, he said, are interested in working together. He suggested the Commission explore a state park presence in St. Ignace.

A 20-minute discussion by commissioners ensued on the topic before they agreed staff members would offer to attend the study group meetings, although no formal vote was taken on the matter.

Over the years, attempts have been made to entice the commission to build museums and other attractions in St. Ignace, noted Commission Vice-chairman Dennis Cawthorne, but financial concerns and identifying a suitable historic project have stood in the way.

While in favor of sending staff to the meeting, Mr. Cawthorne expressed reservations that the three cities may not want the park commission to be a part of the planning.

"I believe the organization that could bring that together is the park commission," said Commissioner Williams. "We have a footprint in on mainland in Mackinaw City and one on the Island. We have no footprint in St. Ignace, however.

"To be honest, I find some very provincial thinking that the competition is between these communities," he said. "Our competition in the Straits is between other regions. We have to work together, Mackinaw City, St. Ignace, and Mackinac Island. The provincialism we've had in the past is very detrimental to us."

While any proposed project would be earmarked for St. Ignace, benefits would enhance the entire region, said Commissioner Williams. With a loss of more than 400,000 visitors over the last few years, he estimated, developing a St. Ignace historic site also would boost tourism in Mackinaw City and on Mackinac Island.

"A rising tide raises all boats," he said, using the aphorism to illustrate the benefits.

"The more attractions, the more activities, mean more people coming to the area," agreed Commissioner Richard Manoogian.

Leaders from all three cities, said Commissioner Williams, have agreed to the study group. The site of the national Father Jacques Marquette Memorial, he added, would be ideal, with its amphitheater and view of the Straits and Mackinaw City.

Mackinac State Historic Parks, said Mr. Porter, could offer staff expertise to the group to help create a public program on St. Ignace history. This project would give each of the three communities "a solid public historical program that would benefit all the people of the region," he said.

"What we could bring to the table would be to be a consulting member of this, and perhaps," he said, "work very closely with those other groups that are actually owners and work with them to develop a property that would attract people to the Straits of Mackinac."

"I think in principle," said Commissioner Manoogian, "we agree that any activity helps the whole community and helps the state park."

"We do want to help, but we have to be careful of our resources," said Mr. Porter, citing budget limits. "We can assist and we can come to the table with a lot of support."

Commissioner Williams agreed, and said the commission could serve as a catalyst to bring the communities together and continue the cooperation experienced during this summer.