Et cetera : Oak 3 helps save the Michigan State Fairgrounds

AmeriCorps NCCC team Oak 3 arrived at their new project site at the Upper Peninsula (UP) State Fairgrounds in Escanaba, MI this past weekend. Before departing Vinton, IA last week, the team experienced some last-minute changes to their travel plans: instead of going directly to Escanaba, they instead headed first for Detroit. There, they spent two days loading equipment into semis at the former Detroit State Fairgrounds, which closed down in 2009 after funding was cut from the state budget.

Fig. 1: Oak 3 deconstructs horse stalls at the former Detroit State Fairgrounds

The UP State Fair has had to rely on volunteer support for maintenance and repairs since that time, and Oak 3 will be an important contributor to that effort. Throughout the next six weeks, they are assisting the UP State Fair Authority with maintenance of buildings around the fairgrounds, including painting, exhibition construction and horse stall repairs. Additionally, Oak 3 is helping the Delta County Road Commission to expand an ORV trail that will join Escanaba with the trail network in the rest of the Upper Peninsula. The trail has been disconnected for over a decade, and will bring ORV traffic and tourism to Escanaba’s economy.

Oak 3 began work on the trail this past week with their chainsaws and a wood chipper, following an orientation of the tools, community and local history with its sponsor Steve Masters. The team is excited to be at the State Fair in Escanaba; nowhere is the slogan “Pure Michigan” more suitable.

Fig. 2: Sign posted at the Detroit State Fairgrounds from 2009