Caledonia Lakeside Park
370 Lake Street
Caledonia, MI 49316
Phone: (616) 336-PARK

Marked progress was made during 1931 at little expense in Caledonia Lakeside Park on Emmons Lake in the Village of Caledonia. When the park was first acquired, it consisted of nothing but a woods located on a high hill overlooking Emmons Lake. The west lake shore was a swale, which was not only unfit for picnic purposes, but was practically unpenetrable. Our biggest problem was making the lake shore accessible to the public, which was done by the aid of teams, scrapers and a few hundred feet of tile. The land adjacent to the lake was filled with dirt taken from the bottom of the lake. This filling, together with the tilling, made the formerly swampy area “high and dry.” The result is that the entrance to the park is now a beautiful area and the usable portion of the park is considerably enlarged. During the past season the baseball diamond also was improved and has been in regular use by nearby and visiting teams.

Caledonia Lakeside Park was the Park Commissioner’s third acquisition. The amount of $1550 was paid for the original 30 acres. An additional $1452 was spent on trimming and ground maintenance. While the park has proved very popular in past seasons, it was possible to accommodate all who visited there. Our reservations for the park this year have told a different story, and on several occasions picnics had to go elsewhere for accommodations. While the park is located away from the beaten trail, our sign on M-37, and word-of-mouth comments have led to a use in 1931 that taxed the capacity of the park. A beautiful grove of beech and maples on the hill overlooking Emmons Lake is the site of the principal picnic spot and equipment there consists of swings, teeters and slides for children, picnic tables and other usual park accommodations.*

In 1941 the Kent County Road Commission built a $12,000 shelterhouse. The shelterhouse is used as a recreation center and for reunions and picnics. Many local groups and organizations hold there annual picnic there.

According to the Kent County Parks, Recreation and Natural Areas Master Plan for 2009-2013, Caledonia Lakeside Park currently has 43 acres. The primary function of the park is to provide public beach access and other recreational opportunities. Park activities and facilities include: a shelterhouse, ball diamonds, fishing/trout fishing, picnicking, hiking/walking, playgrounds, and rest rooms.

Caledonia Lakeside Park has a beautiful view of Lake Emmons from the shelterhouse porch. There are no swimming areas at this park but fishing is permitted. The 2009 Independence Day Celebration & Parade has been moved to June 27. Fantastic fireworks reflected in Emmons Lake at dusk at Caledonia Lakeside Park, admission is free.

*Excerpts from a 1931 Report by Board of County Road Commissioners, Kent County Michigan