Pandemic pastimes: Explore the offerings at Mount Pleasant parks
A couple strolls across the field with their baby Sept. 14 at Island Park.
For Central Michigan University students looking to get some fresh air, the Mount Pleasant park system has plenty of options to utilize before the winter comes.
In this week’s edition of “Pandemic Pastimes,” Central Michigan Life explores some of the social-distanced offerings Mount Pleasant parks has to offer, from miles of city trails to a spacious skate park.
Plenty of resting and walking space
Want to relax outside? There is an ample amount of open green space in Mount Pleasant’s five major parks, said Director of Parks & Public Spaces Chris Bundy. He said there is plenty of room to lay out a blanket, throw a frisbee or have a picnic while social distancing from others.
But due to a public health emergency order from the Central Michigan District Health Department, gatherings cannot exceed 25 people. So, if anyone wants to set up a picnic, may stick with a small friend group or significant other.
But if moving is more appealing than relaxing, then maybe try out the city’s trail system. Bundy said there are about four miles of paved and unpaved trails within the city. These trails connect the major parks together. Both biking and foot traffic are allowed on these trails.
The five major parks are Island, Nelson, Chip-A-Waters, Mill Pond and Pickens Field.
Skate it up
Located in Island Park, the city’s skate park features many ramps and obstacles for any skating enthusiast to tackle. Bundy said the park is also friendly to BMX bikers.
The skate park can have a max capacity of 40 people with room to social distance, but he said the health department’s order will only allow for 25.
De-stress with your dog
For those who have furry roommates who could also use some outdoor time, Hannah’s Bark Park inside Mission Creek Park is the place to go. According to the city’s website, the dog park is a fenced, 3.6-acre area separated for small and large dogs.
However, Bundy said this park does have a small fee to enter: $30 for a yearly membership.
Pandemic pastimes is a weekly article series with suggestions of activities and events CMU students can partake in during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you have any local suggestions, please reach out to news@cm-life.com.
