...on to Prairie Park, Lemery Park, Tilma Nature Preserve, and Gezon Park

2010 08 09 When I knew we were going to Johnson Park (Walker Michigan), I looked for parks nearby, something with trails, water, or open places.  First I check out the Bing maps site online, then check city parks, nature preserves, areas that we may be able to pull off the side of the road, especially near rivers.  Within five miles of Johnson park I found several parks in the city of Wyoming, many I ruled out since they were neighborhood playgrounds, no woods, no water.
So after Johnson Park we headed to Prairie park which  is on Prairie Parkway SW, playground yes but also walking trails with 36 acres and I could see a footbridge on the map.  It turned out to be a nice park, the walking trails basically went to subdivisions.  Fun to have a park in the neighborhood.


Prairie Park, Wyoming, Michigan

Lemery Park is one and a half miles south of Prairie Park.  Buck Creek runs along the north side of Lemery and, pay attention now, Lemery park has a trail that connects to Buck Creek Nature Preserve to the east.  Lemery has 87 acres and lots of stuff like - Tennis Court, Basketball Courts, Little League Fields, Softball Field, Restrooms, Picnic Area, Fishing, Playground Equipment, Concession Stand, Walking Trail.

From Lemery Park looking west,
 Byron Center Ave SW,  Bridge over Buck Creek

George P. Tilma Nature Preserve is one of those places that if you didn't research you wouldn't find it.  Although it is listed on the Wyoming city website, but I don't remember any signs directing us to this place.  It is located at 2100 Sheri Lynn Drive and has 32 undeveloped acres, about a mile south of Lemery Park.

Tilma Nature Preserve is an interesting place.  Here are some pictures taken at Tilma. 

George P. Tilma Nature Preserve

  


 There were tons of frogs here! This one is so cute.

               At Tilma Nature Preserve Wyoming Michigan

After we enjoyed Tilma, we drove about 2 miles south and east to Gezon Park, (still in the city of Wyoming)  94 acres,  lots of ball fields, but also a walking trail.  There was a nicely  mowed trail mostly through a field.    

Tree at Gezon Park

A beautiful day at beautiful parks!

2010 08 09 Continue to Johnson Park

So after our quick stop at Bass we headed down M-45 (known to some old timers as M-50) still cloudy and raining.  We were going to the scenic drive at Johnson Park (Kent County), but when we arrived there, it had a locked gate.  So we headed up the scenic drive on foot and we probably saw more this way then if we had been in the car.



Along M-45



Virginia Creeper climbing a tree at Johnson Park

One of my favorites for the day!

Next time Prairie Park and beyond.  Check out Access Kent for parks in Kent County Michigan.  http://www.accesskent.com/CultureLeisureAndTransit/Parks/