Parks
The City of Cedar Springs maintains city parks through its Department of Public Works who also works with groups such as the Garden Club, Cedar Springs Public Library, Department of Natural Resources, Friends of Skinner Field and Cedar Springs Museum and Historical Society to maintain and beautify the parks. Recreation and other enrichment activities are managed by the North Kent Community Enrichment (formerly Cedar Springs Parks and Recreation), a separate entity from the Cedar Springs city government. If you have any questions or concerns about City parks please call City Hall at 616-696-1330. City parks include:
- Morley Park-a 7 acre community park with several play structures, benches and mature trees. Morley Park also surrounds the Cedar Springs Museum and Historical Society and is connected to Skinner Field. Morley Park is a regular location for community events such as music and movies in the park and the library end of summer reading program party. This park has seasonal bathrooms, a free little library and access to water and electricity. Morley Park also has a covered pavilion which can be reserved for private events.
- Riggle Park– a 2 acre neighborhood park with several pieces of playground equipment and a large open field towards the back of the park. A dog park was installed in Riggle Park in 2020.
- Legacy Park– a 16 acre nature preserve and walking path with entrances located at the east end of Maple Street and north of the intersection of Ash Street and Ann Street.
- The Heart of Cedar Springs-a 5 acre park that surrounds the new Cedar Springs Library. The park currently consists of a sculpture garden, flowering meadow and a bridge that crosses over the Cedar Creek. Future improvements include an amphitheater and a playground area.
- The White Pine Trail and North Country Trail Staging Area– this parking lot is the primary location for access to the White Pine Trail in the City. The White Pine Trail is one of the Top 100 Rails-to-Trails in the US as determined by the national Rails-to-Trails Conservancy. The parking lot has a seasonal bathroom and water drinking fountain. The White Pine Trail connects the City of Cadillac to the City of Grand Rapids. As a linear state park it is regularly used by runners, walkers, bicycle riders and snowmobiles during the winter (North of Russell Street and only with 6 inches of snow on the ground). The North Country Trail also goes through the Staging Area on its way to connecting North Dakota and New York State.
- City Hall Pocket Park-the smallest park in the City at 0.02 acres, this park features benches and flowers and serves as a place to hangout, eat lunch or socialize.
- North Park– a 5 acre open field park with a pond. The park will soon host a flowering meadow similar to the one installed at the Heart of Cedar Springs park. The entrance to this park is located to the east of the intersection of Pine Street and Main Street at the light.
- Veteran’s Park– this park honors the memory of SPC. Timothy Brown and all fallen armed services heroes.
- Skinner Field-this running track and football field is managed by the Friends of Skinner Field. The field and track are free to use and open to the public.
- Community Garden-a nice flower garden that is primarily maintained by the Cedar Springs Garden Club. It is located behind the Kent Theater and across the street from the Cedar Springs Post Office.
Recreation and Community Enrichment
The North Kent Community Enrichment (formerly Cedar Springs Parks and Recreation) is an intergovernmental organization which serves the citizens of Solon Township, Nelson Township, Algoma Township, Courtland Township, City of Cedar Springs and the students of the Cedar Springs School District. NKCE hosts bus trips, community events, enrichment activities, classes, fitness programs, sports camps and other events.
The NKCE is located Monday-Wednesday 8:30am-2:30pm at Cedar Springs Public Schools District Office (aka Hilltop) in the main floor Annex. They can be contacted by phone at 616-696-7320 or by e-mail at director@csaparksandrec.com
