Visit the Bay Area Convention and Visitor's Bureau
for more information on any of these wonderful parks and recreational areas.

www.tourbaycitymi.org

Veterans Memorial Park

Veterans Memorial Park is the central park of Bay County containing approximately 97 acres.  It is roughly 1.2 miles long and 0.2 miles wide.  This area includes land that encompasses Liberty Harbor Marina, the Veterans Memorial Park ball fields, Kantzler Arboretum, Santa House, Trombley House, and Fitness Park.  It includes the Riverwalk and the Riverwalk/Railtrail loop.  Major community events such as the 4^th of July Fireworks celebration, the River Roar, Pig Gig and concerts take place in the park.

Carroll Park

Carroll Park is located on the northeast corner of Groveland Road and Park Avenue and is 13.7 acres. The park is the oldest platted park in the city and was established in 1875.  The unique features of the park include a duck pond and bridge.  The park contains a large stand of old maple and oak trees. The park is bordered by historic homes and can be accessed by the Riverwalk/Railtrail loop. Park facilities include playground equipment, a baseball diamond, tennis courts, a pavilion and picnic areas.

Defoe Park

Defoe Park is adjacent to Marquette Avenue and is 11 acres in size.  The park has five baseball diamonds that are leased to the Little League. The original 3 acre property was given to the city by the North American Construction Company in 1914.  The company stipulated that the land be used for “playground or park purposes” and went by the name of Aladdin Park.  It was later renamed Defoe Park in honor of Harry Defoe of the Defoe Shipbuilding Company.

Riverwalk/Railtrail loop

A 10 mile looping trail that surrounds the east side of Bay City and follows the west bank of the Saginaw River. The trail is an asphalt and cement path on land once used as railroad right-of-way.  It was designed to be used by joggers, cyclists, and roller-bladers.  The Riverwalk/Railtrail loop connects or passes very near to the following parks: Maplewood Park, Carroll Park, Bigelow Park, Ted Putz Nature Area, Riverwalk, Veterans Memorial Park, Dwan Property, Defoe Park, and Infinity Skate Park.

Wenonah Park

This 6.1 acre, downtown park is centered on an amphitheater and is used primarily for arts performances at the World Friendship Shell.  It is decorated with a large oval sculpture and water fountain that can be seen down the length of Center Avenue.  There is a boat dock at the seawall to accommodate all sizes of vessels. 

The Bay Arts Council schedules concerts throughout the summer and in conjunction with major events such as the 4^th of July, River Roar and the Tall Ships Festival.  Wenonah Park was established in 1908 and has a rich history serving as public space in the downtown area. 

Fairgrounds

The Bay County Fairgrounds are located on the eastern boundary of the city.  The 40.3-acre site contains year-round recreation facilities, as well as specialized facilities in connection with the Bay County Fair. The Bay County Park and Recreation service building and the Animal Control facility are also located on the site.  Horse stables and a riding track are provided for the 4H Club, who utilize the facilities.

articles courtesy of http://www.baycitymi.org/Parks/city%20parks.htm

Bay City State Recreation Area                                                

Tobico Marsh in the Bay City State Recreation Area is one of the largest open-water marshes remaining on the Saginaw Bay, but this area contains much more than just the marsh. On a short hike you can traverse several different types of habitats; from cattail marsh, to brushy shrub areas, to upland hardwood forest. The shoreline is layered with sandy dune ridges, which once were at the water’s edge, but were left high and dry as the Bay receded over thousands of years. A boardwalk, two 40-foot observation towers, and a floating marsh dock with fixed spotting scopes offer excellent wildlife viewing along the Frank N. Andersen Trail. The Saginaw Bay Visitor Center features displays, dramatic dioramas, and a spectacular multi-image slide show. Enjoy the Field Observation Room with its wildlife feeding area, new floating dock with fixed spotting scopes in marsh, new boardwalk along the Saginaw Bay shoreline, also with fixed spotting scopes for watching shorebirds. A new rail-trail connection to the Bay City Riverwalk improves access to the park, as well as providing an alternate transportation route and travel way for wildlife.

article courtesy of http://www.dnr.state.mi.us