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| Rockford Area Parks & Recreation |
The Rockford area is filled with wonderful parks and recreational areas many of which play host to some of the area's annual festivals, parades, & events. From hiking, biking, and skiing, to picnicing and relaxing, the Rockford area has a park, recreational area, lake, or waterway for everyone. Few cities the size of Rockford in the state of Michigan can boast as large or as diversified a park system as ours. |
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In addition to the wonderful park system, the Rockford area is home to more than 10 golf courses. With both public and private course offerings, the Rockford area has a golfing option for anyone. Looking to take a relaxing bike ride or hike? The Rockford area is also located along the White Pine Trail State Park and is perfect for a leisurely stroll or a quick workout.
To learn more about any of area parks including amenities and locations, please read below or feel free to download the City of Rockford's Guide to City Parks above. |
| Garden Club Park |
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The Garden Club Park is an open space park that provides wonderful opportunities for picnicking and strolling along the banks of the beautiful Rogue River. The park is the ideal spot for relaxing in the heart of downtown Rockford, it also provides direct access to the White Pine Trail State Park for bicycling, walking, rollerblading, and more.
Recently renovated, The Garden Club Park now includes picnic tables, lighting, and a concert deck for the Rogue River Blues Series during the summer months. Located just northeast of the dam on the Rogue River in downtown Rockford, the park is a highlight of the downtown area. |
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| Rockford Dam Overlook |
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Beautifully renovated, the Rockford Dam is one of the highlights of the Rockford area and provides a spectacular vantage point of the Rogue
River. Ideal for picnicking and watching the fishermen, this park is truly the gem of downtown Rockford. The Dam Overlook also provides direct access to the Rogue River.
The Rockford Dam Overlook is located on Bridge Street in downtown Rockford, MI. |
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| Brower Lake Nature Preserve |
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Brower Lake Nature Preserve's rustic trails guide visitors through oak and pine forests, near wetlands, and to the top of a wooded ridge overlooking Big Brower Lake.
The steep topography, spring wildflowers, barred owls, large trees, colorful songbirds, and even an occasional, wandering black bear enliven visits to Brower Lake Nature Preserve. The Brower Lake Nature Preserve is managed by the Land Conservancy of West Michigan.
Brower Lake Nature Preserve is located at 8748 Je-Ne-Be Dr. in Rockford, MI. |
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| Maas Family Nature Preserve |
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The Maas Family Nature Preserve, a 17 acre preserve, lies on the west side of the White Pine Trail, just north of the 12 Mile Rd. staging area, and is accessible to the public from the White Pine Trail.
In the springtime the field is beautiful with a carpet of the native Michigan wildflower, Blue Lupine. The lupine creates crucial habitat for one of Kent County’s rarest native animal species, the Karner Blue Butterfly. The Karner Blue Butterfly is now listed as “endangered” by the federal government.
The Maas Family Nature Preserve is managed by the Land Conservancy of West Michigan.
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| Memorial Park & Rum Creek Nature Trail |
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The Rum Creek Nature Trail was added to the Rockford parks lineup in the Spring of 2002. Meandering along the Rum Creek, a pristine, cold water trout stream, the trail is truly a hidden gem, right in the heart of the city.
The trail is accessed from Monroe St. in downtown Rockford and is a wonderful opportunity to view incredible wetlands and a beautiful creek. Memorial Park is also home to the popular Rockford Community Cabin (see below) and provides access to one of the finest wooden playground structures in the area, Pachyderm Park.
The Rum Nature Trail & Memorial Park are located at 220 N. Monroe St.
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| Rockford Community Cabin |
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The Rockford Community Cabin, located next to Rum Creek in Memorial Park, accommodates community and private affairs. Built in 1937, the renovated cabin offers a kitchen, restrooms, and capacity for 80 people. Th community cabin is the perfect setting for small receptions, family reunions, and small company picnics. Reservations may be made up to one year in advance by calling Rockford City Hall at (616) 866-1537.
The Rockford Community Cabin is located at 220 N. Monroe St. in downtown Rockford, MI. |
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| Myers Lake Park |
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Myers Lake Parks is a lakeside park with public swimming; however, a public boat launch is not available at this site. Park activities and facilities include: fishing, picnicking, a playground, swimming, and restrooms.
Myers Lake Park is located at 7350 Hessler Drive in Rockford, MI. |
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| Cannon Township Non-Motorized Trail |
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The Cannon Township Trail is a 4 mile long paved trail that runs from the Cannon Township offices to just north of Townsend Park. Completed in the Fall of 2007, the trail meanders through rolling hills, meadows, wetlands, and hardwoods and is ideal for biking, walking, or running.
Motorized vehicles are prohibited on the trail. The Cannon Township Trail can be accessed from either the Cannon Township offices or Townsend Park.
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| Pickerel Lake Park |
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Pickerel Lake Park is a picturesque park that provides ample viewing of birds and wildlife from the boardwalk and trails that wind throughout the park. Pickerel Lake Park activities and facilities include; cross country skiing, fishing, hiking/walking, and restrooms. Pets are not allowed at Pickerel Lake Nature Preserve.
Pickerel Lake Park is located at 6001 Ramsdell Road NE in Cannonsburg, MI. |
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| Peppler Memorial Park |
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At just one-half acre, Peppler Memorial Park is one of Rockford's most beautiful parks. Located just west of the Rockford Dam, the park features a fishing platform, picnic area, and a breathtaking walkway across the dam. Peppler Memorial Park also offers wonderful access to the Rogue River which is touted as one of the finest steelhead fishing rivers in the state.
In 2005, Peppler Park was improved with a new overlook, railings, access ramp, landscaping, and stairs to Bridge Street.
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| Richardson Sowerby Park |
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The Richardson Sowerby Park was renovated as recently as 2000 and is truly one of Rockford's great finds! The park, located on both the east and west banks of the Rogue River, has a covered pavilion for picnicking, BBQ grills, a new playground with the famous dinosaur slide, great fishing opportunities, and public restrooms. Across the pedestrian bridge, on the west bank this park hosts a fitness course and softball field.
This park is easily accessible from the White Pine State Trail or off Main St. behind the Rogue Valley Towers in downtown Rockford, MI.
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| Pickett Park |
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Pickett Park, Rockford's newest neighborhood park, sports a fitness challenge climbing structure, swings, ATV and jeep riding toys, and the popular WUM climber! Other amenities include picnic tables, benches, bike racks, a drinking fountain, and parking lot. Pickett Park provides direct access to the White Pine Trail State Park and is located just across the pedestrian bridge spanning the Rogue River from Richardson Sowerby Park.
Pickett Park is located at 120 Gaylord Dr. in downtown Rockford, MI. |
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| Rogue River Park |
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The Rogue River Park is a staging area for White Pine Trail State Park. This staging area sports a restroom facility and parking for 100 vehicles. Park activities and facilities include: baseball diamond, cross country skiing, fishing, hiking/walking, picnicking, playground, tennis courts, and an open shelterhouse.
The Rogue River Park is located at 6300 Belshire Avenue in Belmont, MI, with the entrance to the White Pine Trail staging area located off Belmont Road. |
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| Rogue River Nature Trail |
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The Rogue River Nature Trail is a rustic trail that runs along the banks of the Rogue River, beginning in Peppler Park near the Rockford Dam. In all, the park encompasses 4.5 acres and is perfect for a leisurely and scenic hike.
Improvements to the trail, started in early 2008, are anticipated to be finished by June 1st, 2008, and will include new trails connecting the Prospect/Highlands neighborhoods as well as boardwalks and fishing platforms along the picturesque Rogue River.
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| Rotary Jaycees Park |
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The Rotary Jaycees Park is a quaint neighborhood park that was completely renovated in 1999. With amenties including a fun new play structure, climbing dinosaurs, swings, full basketball court, open field for play, paved parking lot and picnic tables, anda drinking fountain, The Rotary Jaycees Park is perfect for the entire family.
Rotary Jaycee Park is located at 127 S. Fremont St. in downtown Rockford, MI. |
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| Townsend Park |
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Townsend Park is the site of the first structure built in a Kent County Park. The stone open shelter was built in 1926 and is very unique. Townsend Park is a popular site for weddings on its footbridges and is perfect for a day of lounging.
Townsend
Park activities and facilities include: baseball diamonds, cross country skiing, fishing, hiking/walking, nature trails, an open shelterhouse, a playground, an enclosed shelterhouse, and restrooms.
Townsend Park is located at 8280 6 Mile Road in Cannonsburg, MI.
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| Versluis Lake Park |
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Versluis Park was created on the shore of a 50 acre man-made lake and designed to provide a fully accessible recreational experience.
Versluis Park features playground areas, picnic facilities, horseshoes & volleyball, beach and swimming areas with lifeguard stations and a bathhouse, fishing pier, boating, and a one mile paved walking trail.
A park entrance fee is charged and can be purchased at the gate. Versluis Park is located at 3650 Versluis Park Drive in Grand Rapids, MI. |
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| Wabasis Lake Park & Campground |
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Wabasis Lake Park & Campground is a county park that boasts a public boat launch onto Wabasis Lake, campground, and numerous recreational activities. A cottage is also available for weekly rental during the summer camping season.
Wabais Lake Park activities and facilities include: baseball diamond, campground, fishing, hiking/walking, open shelterhouse, picnicking, playground, enclosed shelterhouse, swimming, bathhouse, public boat launch, basketball court, and restrooms. |
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| White Pine Trail State Park |
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The White Pine Trail is a turn-of-the-century railroad line that was converted into a linear Park, and is an area favorite. Stretching from Comstock Park to Cadillac, the trail provides a direct paved link from Grand Rapids to Rockford and beyond, with access to Fifth Third Park and the West River Drive area.
The trail runs through Belmont and Rockford along the scenic Rogue River and provides wonderful opportunities for walking, bicycling, jogging, rollerblading, and much more.
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