Parks and Recreation

The City of Charlotte provides a wide variety of parks for public use.

Bennett Park is a 117-acre park located on the south end of town, adjacent to the fairgrounds.  Access is off Cochran Avenue.  Within Bennett Park there are separate areas referenced as Veterans Memorial Park, Camp Frances, and the historic courthouse site.  The main portion of the park includes picnic facilities, hiking and nature trails, a battery of six (6) horseshoe pits and three playground sites.  The front of the site contains two (2) picnic pavilions including grills and drinking fountains, which are used for group activities.  A restroom building is also available.  Paved parking is provided for both picnic areas.  Requests for reservations of the front pavilion should be made through the City Clerk’s Office.

       Bennett Park

Memorial Tree Garden. In 1988, the General Federation of Women’s Club–Charlotte, in cooperation with the Charlotte City Council, established a fund to accept memorial donations to honor friends, family members or citizens of the community by planting a tree or shrub at various locations. Not only was this a living tribute to the citizens, but it also provided beautification for the community. In continuation of the beautification idea, the Memorial Tree Garden, located in Bennett Park, was established and dedicated on May 1, 1999. The continual growth of the garden is intended as a constant reminder of the presence of loved ones in the community.;

Veterans Memorial Park is located on the south side of the Battle Creek River, along the entry drive off South Cochran Avenue.  The park contains large stone markers and plantings as a memorial to local veterans.  It shares the unpaved entry drive to Camp Frances.

Camp Frances  is an area within Veterans Memorial Park that has a cabin which was donated for use by youth organizations and is available for rentals.  The    1,000 square foot building includes restrooms, a kitchen, and fireplace.  The wooded setting and fire bowl provides for outdoor events within the city limits.  There     is an unimproved trail link to the adjacent facilities within Bennett Park.  The cabin is maintained and managed by a separate five-member board.  Requests for reservations should be made through the City Clerk’s Office.

Dean Park is a neighborhood park located on Stoddard Street (526 W Stoddard), west of the railroad tracks.  This park has a pavilion and restrooms that were constructed by the Charlotte Rotary Club.  Grills are available as well as a drinking fountain donated by the Eagles Auxiliary.  There are several play structures and equipment, a basketball court, and plenty of green area for open play.

Snell Park is located in the median along East Shepherd Street and is accented by large canopy trees.  A grill and picnic tables are available.

Southridge Park is a neighborhood park located at the corner of Clinton and Third Streets.  It has a variety of climbers, swings, and a basketball court, but leans more toward the younger user.

Oak Park is a neighborhood park located at Seminary and Clinton Streets.  The park includes established canopy trees throughout.  Half the park includes lawn area centered about a gazebo. The old stone fountain is still standing. Playground amenities include a modular play structure, metal climbers, swing sets, and other play equipment.  There is a gazebo for your special event.

Lincoln Park is a 19-acre parcel, which was recently acquired by the city.  It is a former industrial site bordered by a rail corridor and a residential neighborhood.  The site has been improved with assistance from the State of Michigan with Clean Michigan Initiative funds with specific intent to develop recreation facilities for the community.  The development to date includes a 13,000 square foot state-of-the-art skate park, and two sand volleyball courts. Lincoln Park also has a 24-hole disc golf course. It is located at 620 W Shepherd, there is a pavilion, restrooms and grills available for small parties.

The Charlotte Disc Golf Association has been an invaluable partner with the City in the development and promotion of the disc golf course in Lincoln Park. Members of this all-volunteer group have volunteered many hours in the expansion and maintenance of the course and have hosted tournaments there to spread awareness of the facility. For more information, please visit CDGA’s website. Established in 2007, the Lincoln Park Disc Golf Course has something for all ages and abilities.  The course is set up for short technical shots on the front 9, but the back 9 opens up requiring length as well as precision.  With alternate tee pads, there are 24 holes to play. Scorecards are available at the first tee or on here.  It is located in Lincoln Park, 620 W. Shepherd Street.  Open 8:00 am to dusk.

Sledding Hill and Skating Rinks– In an effort to provide year round enjoyment of the City’s parks, the City has provided a sledding hill on Shepherd Street at the railroad tracks, behind the water tower.  The hill is open whenever there is snow.

Charlotte has also constructed a hockey/skating rink that is approximately 200’ x 80’.  The concrete slab is enclosed with the repurposed hockey boards from Lansing’s old Washington Park skating rink.  The rink is designed for rollerblading in the warmer months of the year and it is flooded to provide ice skating in the cold months of the year.  It is open weather dependent.