The construction fence at the new Keweenaw NHP entrance sign is removed with the assistance of, from left, Calumet Township Supervisor Paul Lehto, Advisory Commissioner Ed Jenich, State Representative Mike Lahti, Coppertown’s Stuart Baird, Advisory Commissioner Steve Albee, park supporter Judy Albee, Main Street Calumet Director Tom Tikkanen and Keweenaw County Commissioner Don Keith. (NPS Photo © 2009 Dan Johnson)All in attendance, including the park’s first superintendent Bill Fink and present superintendent Jim Corless, joined forces to roll up the construction fence, symbolizing the beginning of the transformative period when this unique partnership park starts to offer visitors and the Copper Country community a more traditional national park experience.
Superintendent Corless emphasized that the various elements that comprise Keweenaw NHP, including community organizations, private businesses, homeowners, local governments, the Keweenaw Heritage Sites, the Keweenaw NHP Advisory Commission and the National Park Service are working together to provide a cohesive national park experience, and that all are part of this unique national park.
Corless noted, "This park has been a grass roots movement from its conception and continues to depend on local energy for its success."
Corless recognized the efforts of Landscape Architect Steve DeLong and Stonemason Steve D’Agostino respectively for the design and crafting of the sign structure, which mirrors the construction methods of the C and H craftsmen that built the adjacent structures. He also recognized the great support that Keweenaw NHP has received from its congressional delegation and the support of State Representative Mike Lahti, who was in attendance.
Each of the twenty or so park principals in attendance assisted in removing the construction fence to "unveil" the new entrance sign, indicative of the active partnership involvement in Keweenaw National Historical Park.
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