Dan Steck, left, listens as former Houghton Township Supervisor Melvin Jones reads a township proclamation, giving thanks to Steck and his family for the Square Park improvements Sunday. In the background are Oren Tikkanen and the Backroom Boys band.

For the Mining Gazette

Houghton Township dedicated its newly improved Square Park pavilion during a ceremony Sunday in Eagle River.

Former township Supervisor Melvin Jones read a proclamation to dedicate the pavilion and to thank Eagle River resident Dan Steck and his extended family for their generosity in making the improvements happen.

Because of the Stecks’ private funding and a Copper Shores Community Health Foundation grant, the pavilion is now equipped with wheelchair-accessible bathrooms with hot and cold running water. The park has been improved with a walking trail, a soccer field, a volleyball area, a softball area for small children, a tennis/pickleball court, a swing, merry-go-round and monkey bar section, a horseshoe pit and an area for walking dogs. Parking areas have been established for easy access to the multipurpose field and pavilion.

Usage of the park and pavilion has increased this summer to include tourists visiting the Eagle River Falls viewing bridge, especially those families traveling with young children who partake in the playground equipment prior to resuming their journey.

The pavilion is available to rent for special occasions via Houghton Township.