Hillsdale County Parks

SANDY BEACH, OWENS MEMORIAL PARK, WATERWORKS PARK

www.cityofhillsdale.org

This park system operated by the City of Hillsdale winds along the north shore of all-sports Baw Beese Lake and a portion of the Baw Beese section of the North Country Trail, providing a scenic setting for a variety of outdoor activities including fishing, swimming, and picnicking. Sandy Beach has long been a favorite destination of residents and visitors. A seasonal marina, recently renovated beach, splash pad, swimming, and concession area make this a popular family fun spot. Owens Memorial Park features a disc golf course and 25 acres of picnic and playground areas with several pavilions available for rent. Waterworks Park has a public boat launch, playground equipment, picnic tables and grills, restrooms, and parking facilities.

MRS. STOCK’S PARK www.cityofhillsdale.org

Over a hundred years ago, Wilhelmina Stock—wife of F.W. Stock who owned Stock’s Mill—transformed this property behind their home into a park filled with thousands of shrubs and plants. Renovated over the last several years, the park annually hosts a summer concert and outdoor movie series and is a popular spot for weddings. Facilities include a pavilion for rent and picnic tables.

SLAYTON ARBORETUM www.hillsdale.edu/outreach/ arboretum

This park, with a variety of plant life, beautiful stonework, picnic area, and nature trails, is located on the campus of Hillsdale College.

LEWIS EMERY PARK facebook.com/l.emery.park

Locally known as the “Rearing Ponds,” Lewis Emery Park has five manmade fishing ponds with handicapped-accessible docks, playground equipment, outdoor restrooms, baseball fields, and a community building available for rent.

MCCOURTIE PARK www.michigan.org/property/ mccourtie-park

A walk through the park reveals 17 historic trabajo el rustico bridges built in the 1920s. Other facilities include a pavilion, picnic tables, outdoor grills, outdoor restrooms, baseball/softball field, tennis courts, basketball court, and playground equipment. The park holds Somerset’s annual 4th of July fireworks show.

For hellohillsdale.com

FIREMAN’S PARK www.cityoflitchfield.org

This park includes a pavilion, picnic tables, outdoor grills, outdoor restrooms, basketball, volleyball, shuffleboard, playground equipment, handicapped-accessible fishing dock, and a bicycle/nature trail.

ROTARY PARK www.reading.mi.us

Playground equipment and basketball hoops are available at this park which is also used for a 3-on-3 basketball tournament during the annual Reading Festival Days the 1st weekend of August.

FAST PARK www.jonesville.org

The G. Carl Fast Park is a green oasis in downtown Jonesville with a pavilion, picnic tables, park benches, small play area for children, and free wireless access. The park annually hosts several activities during Riverfest held the 3rd weekend of May and welcomes vendors the 2nd weekend in August for Michigan’s Longest Garage Sale.