Discover Newaygo County – Part 1 – Veterans Memorial Park

As the spring weather breaks, I feel the sudden urge to get out and adventure. This time of the year usually stirs up my adventurous nature. This year I want to step out and discover Newaygo County. There are many wonderful places that we can enjoy, right here in our community. Many of these things, people come from all over to see and we are lucky enough to have these things in our neck of the woods. With that being said, this year I am making it a personal goal to get up, get out, go adventuring, and go exploring. This year I will discover Newaygo County.

A couple years ago, life led me to Newaygo County, settling in, finding work, and getting comfortable with my surroundings were my fist goals. My current job requirements, no longer require long, unusual hours, like they did when I worked in Ohio. Instead, I am blessed with regular work, out early enough to visit areas before dark, and free most weekends, and holidays allowing even more time for adventures.

With the sun shinning, and a warm breeze, I am ready to discover the area around me. This evening as I was driving home from work, I drove past Veterans Memorial Park. I realized that I haven’t had a chance to get out for a walk today. Walking helps to clear my mind, helps me to unwind after work.

Veterans Memorial Park offers paved paths allowing me to walk in my work shoes, instead of strapping on hiking boots. I have been to this park several times and I know that there is often people of all ages throughout the park. Parents watching as the kids climb on the playground equipment or search for painted rocks. Teenagers hanging out out in the pavilion listening to music on their phones. Adults crossing the grounds on the paved paths to and from their destination. This is such a communal place for our community.

Every small community has a central hub, a place where many community events happen. To us in Fremont, Veterans Memorial Park is our communal area. Throughout the season, this area is host to several events. National Baby Food Festival, Harvest Festival, and Santa’s Headquarters, are just a few of the exciting events held here.

At one end of Veterans Memorial Park stands a large Amphitheater. The Amphitheater is reservable for events of all sizes.

On Thursday evenings, in June and July, community members bring lawn chairs or blankets and sit in front of the stage enjoy the Free Summer Concert Series. There is usually a diverse selection of talented bands, throughout the summer.

Residents eagerly await the release of the schedule, because this stage hosts both local and nationally recognized talent. The amphitheater audience have also been entertained by comedians, clowns, magicians, and even the Annual Baby Crawl competition through out the years.

Every season change breathes new life into our community. Every change gives us the opportunity to reconnect to what truly matters here in the park.

Itry to stop by the Memorial and sit on the adjacent benches for a moment of reflection. I think about the names on each side of the wall. Names of the Veterans, who served in conflicts around the world, I pause for a moment thinking about these service members, their families, and their connection to this small town in Fremont, MI. Today, as the American flag flaps in the wind, I sit here in peace, truly grateful for their sacrifices.

If you get the opportunity visit Fremont, MI, be sure to stop by Veterans Memorial Park. Join our community for one of the many events throughout the year, or if you have the time just stop by to sit, relax and reflect.

by Whitney Barnes