Park to celebrate 100 years with centennial celebration

Sep 22

Written By Staff

Kent County Parks is inviting the community to celebrate a century of nature, recreation, and community at the Townsend Park Centennial Celebration on Tuesday, September 30, from 1 to 8 p.m. at Townsend Park, 8280 6 Mile Rd NE, Cannonsburg.

Founded in 1925, Townsend Park has served generations of West Michigan families and visitors as a beloved gathering place for picnics, reunions, and outdoor events. The upcoming centennial event offers a full day of activities designed to honor the park’s legacy and create new memories for all ages.

Nature programming, led by Blandford Nature Center, will kick off with a Bumblebee Nature Walk (11 a.m. – 12 p.m.), followed by Discovering Owls (12:45 – 1:45 p.m.), Nature Crafts (2:30 – 3:30 p.m.), and a Sensory Experience (4 – 5 p.m.).

A Stewardship Learning Day from 1 to 5 p.m. will offer hands-on opportunities to help care for the park. Registration is available at https://www.kentcountymi.gov/Calendar.aspx?EID=1051&month=9&year=2025&day=30&calType=0.

Starting at 4 p.m., guests can enjoy food and drinks for purchase from Honey Creek Inn, including a barbecue-themed menu, beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages. A historical display hosted by the Historical Society will also be on site at the park shelter.

Recreational activities round out the celebration with a 5K Fun Run at 6 p.m., offering both 2.5K and 5K self-paced loops, and a Gravel Bike Ride at 6:15 p.m., featuring two 17-mile loops, with the first loop designed to be family-friendly.

The event commemorates 100 years since the park’s founding and honors Warren R. Townsend, whose vision helped establish Kent County’s park system. The centennial offers an opportunity to reflect on the park’s history and highlight the natural beauty and recreation it continues to provide to the community.

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