Family Activities and Resources

Family Activities for Students with Children

Art Works

106 North Michigan Avenue
Big Rapids, MI 49307
(231) 796-2420

Big Rapids Roller Rink

325 North Michigan Avenue
Big Rapids, MI 49307
(231) 796-1900

Big Rapids Bowling Center

327 South 3rd Avenue
Big Rapids, MI 49307
(231) 796-3808

Mecosta County Extension

Mecosta County 4-H
Cooking and Nutrition Classes (Free)
14485 Northland Drive
Big Rapids, MI 49307
(231) 592-0792

Stage M

P.O. Box 1236
Big Rapids, MI 49307
(231) 592-TIXX (8499)

Big Rapids Parks

Big Rapids is fortunate to have many acres of park land available for long and short term recreational use. The parks are in various stages of development, some with ball fields, playgrounds, picnic areas, while others remain vacant land.

All Big Rapids City parks are available for use on a first come - first served basis. The pavilions at Northend Riverside Park and Hemlock Park may be reserved for a fee. Fee waiver forms are available for city-wide functions such as concerts, art fairs, etc. Anyone wanting to reserve a pavilion must come to the Public Works Office and fill out an application. The Park and Recreation Board has the final approval for any fee waiver reservations.

The consumption or possession of alcoholic beverages is prohibited in all City parks, except alcohol beverages may be possessed and consumed in Hemlock, Vogel and Industrial Parks from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 1:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Glass containers of alcoholic beverages are prohibited at all times in all City parks. A violation of this section shall be a municipal civil infraction. For more details please call 592-4015.

• Bandshell is located along Riverwalk and behind Big Rapids Middle School. It is available for reservations, call 592-4015 for more details.
• Riverwalk is a linear trail extending from Hemlock Park to Northend Park. The trail includes 4 fishing piers, 1 small gazebo, 1 small picnic shelter, interpretive signage and is accessible for all.
• Centennial Park is located between Mecosta County Medical Center and River Street Park. Features a Rotary gazebo and future walking trail with picnic area.
• Charles E. Fairman Community Pool and Park is located on Hutchinson Street. Community swimming pool, pavilion and picnic area with grills and a hiking area. The pool is in operation mid June to mid August.
• Hemlock Park is located at the east end of Hemlock Street and Warren Avenue. Features playscape, tennis and basketball courts, softball field, play areas, picnic tables, grills, pavilion, fishing area and a hiking trail. The beginning of Riverwalk.
• Holland Park is located on State Street and it is used for a pedestrian rest area.
• Industrial Park is located on Catherine and Milton and consists of two softball fields and soccer fields.
• Library Park is located beside the Community Library at 428 South Michigan Avenue. Features the Anna Howard Shaw Memorial sculpture and play area.
• Linden Street Park is located at the corner of Gilbertson and Linden Streets. Features a play area for children.
• Mitchell Creek Park is located at the corner of Pine and State Streets. Features walkways, a bridge, wooden deck, picnic areas, fishing areas and restrooms.
• Northend Riverside Park is located at the north end of Fourth Avenue. Features a picnic area, fishing site, sand volleyball court, play area, nature trails and cross-country skiing. A trail guide is available at City Hall. The ending of Riverwalk. Two pavilions are available in this park. The first is a small pavilion that holds approximately 40 people. The second pavilion is a double pavilion with a patio and can hold approximately 100 or more people.
• River Street Park is located between 300 and 600 blocks of River Street. Features baseball diamonds, soccer fields, ice rink, picnic tables, grills, a fishing area and hiking trails.
• Swede Hill Park is located on the northeast side of town on Baldwin Street and is used for fishing and picnicking. The park features a historic marker dedicated to those early Swedish settlers.
• Vogel Field is located south of Colburn Street on the west side of Bronson Avenue and consist of two ball fields, picnicking and playground equipment.