Tioga Recreation Area at Cohasset offers a lot. Swimming. Fishing. Picnicking. And boating.

However, the City of Cohasset and Grand Rapids Itasca Mountain Bicycling Association (GRIMBA) want to increase recreational opportunities even more.

With the growing popularity of mountain biking, the City of Cohasset is moving toward development of a mountain bike park at the 450-acre recreation area. 

“It could do what the Cuyuna Lakes Mountain Bike Trails does for tourism and the economic impact it would have on lodging and retail,” said Jessica Piche, City of Cohasset assistant finance director. “Detroit Lakes has a mountain bike area and Duluth has one. We would be kind of another area in between them.”

Preliminary design of a $1 million, 25-mile, world-class, single-track trail system at the recreation area is set to be completed this fall.

IRRRB supported development of the trail plan with an IRRRB Culture & Tourism grant to GRIMBA.

By mid-July, the city and GRIMBA hope to have secured the first portion of funding needed to construct the trail system through a Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission grant. 

“We’ve submitted our master plan to them,” said Piche. “This would be the catalyst to start everything.”

With a Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails grant and funding from other sources, construction on the trail system would begin in the spring of 2017.

The mountain bike trails could also be utilized for hiking, trail running, snowshoeing and other events. An existing bike path network would connect the City of Grand Rapids to the mountain bike trail system, said Piche. 

“It would be a nice addition to the recreation area,” said Piche of the mountain bike park. “It would just enhance everything.”   

IRRRB's Business Energy Retrofit Program (BER) is designed to aid in financing energy retrofit projects. BER provides business owners 1/3 of the total project cost up to $20,000.

Lighting, fixtures, building envelope sealing, appliances, motors, equipment, insulation, ventilation, heating, cooling, windows, doors, and renewable energy projects are eligible.

For fiscal year 2017, IRRRB is committing $750,000 to BER. Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Agency (AEOA) administers the program. 

Three informational meetings are planned on July 25 and 26 for business owners and others who would like to: 

• Learn about the program
• Talk with other business owners who have utilized the grant program
• Learn about other energy saving resources available for businesses

Get details on the informational meetings.

Mesabi Musical Theatre's production of the new Gershwin musical "Crazy for You" premieres on the Iron Range later this month. Performances will be held at the Mesabi Range College theater in Virginia July 27-29 and Aug. 3-5 at 7 p.m., with two matinee performances on July 31 and Aug. 7 at 2 p.m.

With a large cast of over 40 local actors of all ages, "Crazy for You" is the story of Bobby Child, a well-to-do 1930s playboy whose dream in life is to dance. Despite the serious efforts of his mother and soon-to-be ex-fiancée, Bobby achieves his dream. 

This Gershwin extravaganza is a high energy comedy, which includes mistaken identity, plot twists, fabulous dance numbers and classic Gershwin music. 

Get additional details and ticket information.

Giants Ridge will host two Junior Golf Clinics this summer. The clinics are for boys and girls ages 7 to 12. 

Participants will play games that focus on putting, short game, full swing, imagination, teamwork, competition, pace of play, etiquette, and fun. The final day of each 3-day session will be spent playing the golf course in small groups. Clubs are available to borrow at no charge. Each small group will be led by one instructor.

Cost is $89 for each 3-day session. Dates are July 18-20 and Aug. 1-3. Sessions are held from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. 

To register, email Mark Haavisto or call 218-865-8030. 

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