Whether you are looking for a relaxing day on the beach, a nature hike, a camping experience, free programs for the kids or a place to play disc golf, Isabella County Parks has your summer covered. Visit the sandy beaches at Coldwater Lake Family Park, Deerfield Nature Park and Herrick Recreation Area. We are proud to announce the arrival of two new ADA accessible beach chairs for those with special needs. The two chairs were funded this past spring by the Mount Pleasant Area Community Foundation Access2 Recreation Fund and the Tri-County Electric Fund. Everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy the beach. These new accessible chairs are free to use and are available at Coldwater, Deerfield and Herrick Parks.
Deerfield has trails perfect for hiking and biking on almost 600 acres of land. Some of the trails run alongside the Chippewa River, with crossings at four bridges, which include two swinging bridges, Lewis Pontiac Bridge and the Fisher Covered Bridge. Bring along your camping gear for a rustic camping experience your friends and family will enjoy. Deerfield Nature Park offers 10 rustic campsites along the Chippewa River. While exploring the park play a round or two at the 18 hole disc golf courses. Maps and scorecards for the courses, Deerfield and Wildwood, may be found on the Parks website and at Deerfield Nature Park.
Create memories while camping and enjoying your sandy beaches at Coldwater Lake Family Park, and Herrick Recreation Area. Cabins overlooking the water are also available for rent at both parks! Plan a family reunion or party for any occasion using one of the many pavilions Isabella County Parks has to offer. All have access to other park features such as playgrounds, horseshoes, volleyball, fishing, boating and swimming.
Isabella County Parks has partnered again with Central Michigan University’s Mobile Recreation, Play on the Way to bring FREE Summer Fun to Coldwater Lake Family Park, Deerfield Nature Park and Herrick Recreation Park throughout the summer. Pack a snack and head over the Park for some outdoor fun. Staff provided and trained by the CMU Recreation, Parks and Leisure Services Department will bring a fully equipped truck and facilitate youth and families through a variety of outdoor experiences.
Activities such as sports, music and cultural activities, environmental/outdoor education, games, family activities and water fun activities. Daily themes are incorporated into the activities and games to provide a variety of fun, including Schools Out for the Summer, Shoot for the Stars, All things SUPER!, Mess Day, Outdoor Adventure(canoes) and Things that Fly.
Check out the flyer and calendar of themes, dates, times and locations of the Play on the Way Mobile Recreation Program by finding us on Facebook or visiting the Parks website at www.isabellacounty.org/dept/parks. Simply register for these FREE programs by calling 989.317.4083 or emailing parks@isabellacounty.org the day before attending the program. Programs are designated for K-12 graders and participants must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
Katrina Stock is a Mt. Pleasant townie. She grew up visiting the Parks with her family and continues to make memories with her children at the beautiful parks Isabella County and the City of Mt. Pleasant have to offer. She was excited to join the Isabella County Park team almost 11 years.
