By Fred Lewis
Plainfield Township Supervisor
During our regular communication with the USFS this spring, we became aware of concerns regarding summer operations at the Lumberman’s Monument Visitor Center. Due to budget constraints in recent years, the agency had not been able to rehire enough staff for a full seasonal schedule. We participated in discussions with other entities, including nonprofits, to explore ways to maintain visitor center hours.
A solution was recently finalized, and the USFS issued a news release: “Lumberman’s Monument Visitor Center opens for the season Friday, May 9, 2025… with familiar programming, a new display, and new hours.” The center will now be open five days a week, Friday through Tuesday, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and closed Wednesdays and Thursdays.
This season will feature interactive programming, logging shows, and a new hydroelectric display showcasing the original generator governor from the Cooke Hydroelectric Dam. All programs are free, thanks to support from the Eastern National Forest Interpretive Association.
The traditional Tuesday Kid’s Day returns in July, with all programs starting at 1 p.m. and no pre-registration required. Events begin July 1 with Life of a Wildland Firefighter and conclude August 12 with Smokey’s Birthday Party. A full schedule is available on our website and in our offices. Special thanks to the National Forest Foundation for grant funding that made this possible.
Closer to home, last month the Historical Commission expressed interest in using the resource center hall as a museum. They’re seeking a larger space with better visibility to increase program participation and allow for regular museum hours. Unfortunately, that space is rented as often as the plaza hall, and both are frequently in use at the same time.
Additionally, we’ve long faced challenges with the current library entrance, and this winter’s snow drifting made our decision clear—we plan to close that entrance and relocate the library into the meeting room, using the front entrance instead. This entry is covered, can be enclosed for winter use, and is ADA-compliant—unlike the current entrance.
During these discussions, staff suggested an alternative: move the library back into its former home at the plaza (formerly the high school library) and relocate the Historical Commission into the current library space at the resource center. This would allow for expanded library hours, as the plaza is open until 8 p.m. on weekdays and from 12–5 p.m. on Saturdays. It would also ensure library staff are not alone in the building after 4 p.m., which is currently the case.
Most of our library funding comes from the district board, which uses a formula based largely on total hours of operation—especially hours after 5 p.m. With our current limited evening hours, our funding has dropped by thousands of dollars in recent years. The plaza has broadband, wireless connectivity, original network cabling, and the necessary switch racks still in place. After all, it served as the high school library for more than 50 years.
There is handicap parking near the west entrance and curbside spots for quick pickups. During the school year, students are regularly dropped off at the plaza for sports and other activities. Without a school-based library, this could serve as a valuable alternative for after-school use.
We’re seeking feedback on this potential move over the next month. Please share your thoughts with me or any board member.
As spring returns, so does the Hale Garden Club! They’re preparing the downtown planters for the season and are looking for volunteers—green thumb or not. Any time or donation is appreciated to help keep the flowers looking great all year. To volunteer or donate, contact the Hale Garden Club, PO Box 174, Hale, MI 48739, or call Bev Mason at 989-305-8823.
Also, now’s a great time to get in shape—whatever that means for you! Consider a membership at the Community Center and Eagle Point Plaza. We offer pickleball, yoga, cardio drumming, fitness training, walking, and even some intense TOWANDA. Stop in and see Roma to learn about family and group membership rates.
While you’re there, visit the Plainfield Township Historical Museum on Tuesdays. They also offer genealogical workshops—ask about the next one!
As always, if you have questions, comments, or concerns about our community, please contact me. I’m in the office Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., at 989-728-2811. You can also reach me on my cell at 989-984-7073 or via email at supervisor@plainfieldtwpmi.com.
