Facilities

Description:

This park features 141 aces with a 1.6 mile asphalt trail passing through upland and wetland ecosystems, with connections to Bishop's Bog and Schrier Park via a wetland wildlife boardwalk. Eliason Nature Reserve property was donated to the city in 2011 by Linda Eliason as a memorial to her late husband. This parcel was once part of the land owned by the adjacent Eliason Corporation where David was an innovative general manager in the 1980s and 1990s.

Bog / Type of Land:

The property is a combination of upland and wetland ecosystems and contains a large segment of Bishop’s Bog, bringing a majority of the bog under city ownership. Of significance is that the wetlands are part of the Bishop’s Bog complex, which is registered with the Nature Conservancy. Classified as a “relict bog,” Bishop’s Bog is the largest remaining bog of this type found in the southern Lower Peninsula and possibly in the entire Lower Peninsula. Through this gift, the city now manages almost the entire 250-acre bog complex. In addition to providing unique habitat, Bishop’s Bog is a critical natural storm-water drainage system for the community.

Pets:

Pets are allowed except where posted. Posted areas include: playground and Ramona Park beach. Pets must be restrained on a 6-foot or retractable leash, inoculated for rabies and never left unattended. Persons in charge of or in control of pets on park property shall be responsible for clean up and removal of excrement deposited by such pet.

Alcohol:

Alcohol is prohibited in all parking areas.