ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – The City of Escanaba is making it easier for residents to enjoy the outdoors this winter.
The Catherine Boniafas Civic Center offers free snowshoe rentals, available for 48 hours at a time. Due to the public’s growing interest in the activity, the Civic Center has 20 pairs of snowshoes, ranging in size from 20 to 36.
“Last year, it was very popular,” said City of Escanaba Recreation Director Kim Peterson. “We had 16 pairs, and we got four additional pairs through a grant from Public Health of Delta & Menominee Counties. Anywhere from 100 pounds to 300 pounds plus, we have snowshoes for people to check out.”
There are a few options for those looking to snowshoe around the city, like the West Side Recreation Trail.
“We need some more snow for it to be some really good trails, but we have several miles out there,” Peterson said. “We will also be putting a figure eight down at Ludington Park for cross-country skiing, but people also do snowshoeing there too.”
The snowshoes strap onto any type of shoe, including tennis shoes and boots. Peterson is glad to offer a no-cost activity to help people stay active during snowy months.
“Everyone knows that the U.P. is cold in the winter, so this is just an activity that people can get out and enjoy the cold weather and enjoy the snow,” she said. “It’s just a lighter activity that people can do.”
Snowshoes must be checked out by someone 18 or older with a valid ID. To rent snowshoes, visit the Catherine Bonifas Civic Center at 225 North 21st Street Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Saturday from 12:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
