Twice in less than a week, Ely had good reason to celebrate.
First came the Aug. 22 ribbon cutting and dedication of the new Ely Community Center, with Wednesday’s open house and festivities at the Ely Regional Trailhead Facility following up.
While the trailhead project was much larger in scale at $4.5 million and capped nearly two decades of effort, both initiatives are important to Ely’s present and future.
When the old Community Center closed its doors several years ago, the library moved up the hill and across from City Hall, but Ely lost a place to hold community gatherings, meetings, dances, dinners, you name it.
What was known as the Ely Senior Center stepped in and filled some of that void, and cut to the present and the building is used by a wide array of groups and organizations.
From senior bingo to ping pong to Braver Angels meetings, to a space for the Department of Motor Vehicles and functions such as the Blueberry and Harvest Moon weekend bazaars.
And, of course, it remains the polling place for the city of Ely.
Twin Metals Minnesota graciously stepped up to fund a new roof for the building and St. Louis County funded new kitchen equipment.
Other groups pitched in as well and as the Ely Community Center’s website clearly indicates, there’s demand in Ely for the gathering space the facility provides.
It is indeed a gathering spot for all ages and a facility that fills a void in town.
Meanwhile, just a few blocks to the west the brand-new trailhead facility provides a shiny new building for visitors to see as they enter Ely.
But the trailhead is much more than a flashy new spot.
Ely has become a trails destination, whether it’s for mountain biking, ATV riding or snowmobiling.
Trail users now have a place to park and venture out on to the trails, and with a hub in Ely it’s only natural that those folks will venture elsewhere and spend money in town, whether it’s spring or summer, fall or winter.
The Ely Chamber of Commerce will also benefit by moving west and setting up shop there.
For thousands of visitors, the trailhead will be their first stop and having the facility staffed will be invaluable in providing help, direction and a great first impression.
There’s no question Ely has its challenges. Look no further to this week when school will open with only 25 kindergarteners, some tiny, one-section elementary school classes and an uncertain financial future.
Yet both the Ely Community Center and Ely Regional Trailhead Facility provide good reason to smile and celebrate.
They serve differing purposes and clientele, but both are part of a solid foundation of community in Ely.
Hats off to all who made those projects happen.
