Parks
The City of Marshall is fortunate to have 7 designated park properties and a number of open spaces encompassing approximately 233 acres available to the public to enjoy. The Department of Public Works is the department assigned the task of maintaining these properties and their amenities which include restrooms, playground equipment, ball fields, picnic tables, picnic pavilions and a community band amphitheater.
Brooks Memorial Fountain Park
Brooks Memorial Fountain Park, is located in the center of town. The fountain was built in 1930 by Harold Brooks and modeled after the Temple of Love in Versailles, France. Brooks Memorial Fountain often serves as a backdrop for weddings and features colored lights that illuminate the fountain at night. The park features several benches and is a relaxing spot on sunny days.
Brooks Nature Area
Brooks Nature Area with over 180 acres, offers opportunity to explore wetlands, remnant hardwood forest, restored native prairie, and lake shore areas. This park includes two miles of trails, 88 acres of prairie, 300+ year old trees, wildlife viewing, and lake overlooks. A variety of bird species can be observed in the nature area. Trails are ideal for hiking, biking, or skiing.
Ketchum Park
Ketchum Park is a favorite with kids who enjoy the park's large playground. The park also has two shelters for picnics. Ketchum park is also home to the new Cronin Mill Race Pavilion featuring s covered seating area, a fireplace and electricity that can be turned on if requested by a rental.
Stuart's Landing
Stuart's Landing has picnic areas and a gazebo that overlook the Kalamazoo River. The park includes a band shell for concerts and serves as a starting point for the Marshall Riverwalk.
Marshall Athletic Field
Marshall Athletic Field is a recreation complex on Michigan Avenue. The park features baseball/softball diamonds and a football field. At the back of the park, there is a playground and several sand volleyball courts.
Carver Park
Carver Park is a small city park on the corner of Exchange Street and Michigan Avenue. A gentle-flowing fountain is in the center of the park and bordered benches and beautiful flowers during the summer.
Shearman Park
Shearman Park is located at the corner of W Mansion and N Linden at the site of the former Sherman Elementary School. It features a playground, a pavilion and an ice rink in the winter.
Adopt-a-Park
The City of Marshall has implemented an Adopt-a-Park program in order to reduce litter, enhance and beautify the environment, and generate community support. Program applications, rules, and liability waivers can be viewed and downloaded: Adopt-a-Park Rules and Regulations (PDF).
Reservations
The community Band Shell and the Cronin Mill Race Pavilion at Ketchum park can be reserved by contacting the Parks Department at 269-781-5166. The city does not reserve any of the remaining park spaces for use but allows for the use of the areas on a "first come, first serve" system.