Mecosta County Park Commission

10/21/2026

🐟 🚧 Construction is well underway with Save The Ponds - Paris, Michigan! 💚

10/08/2026

10/08/2026

10/05/2026

🍂 Mecosta County Parks – 2026 Modern Campground Operating Season Has Come to a Close 🍂

Our modern campgrounds have officially closed for the 2026 camping season. Thank you to everyone who visited, camped, and helped make this another great year throughout the Mecosta County Parks system! 🌲⛺

While our modern campgrounds are now closed for the season, there are still many opportunities to enjoy the outdoors throughout Mecosta County during the Fall and Winter months.

🏕️ Tubb's Lake Rustic Campground remains open through December 1, offering a primitive camping experience for those looking to enjoy the outdoors a little longer.

🦌 Haymarsh Lake State Game Area remains open year-round for camping, hunting, and day-use recreation.

🥾 White Pine Valley Recreation Area remains open for trail use and provides additional opportunities for outdoor recreation and hunting.

🚲 Michigan's Dragon at Hardy Dam remains open for trail use, with Brower Park and Davis Bridge Park providing access to the trail system. Davis Bridge Park remains available for boat launch access and day-use activities.

🚶 Paris County Park remains available for parking and access to the White Pine Trail and other spur trails surrounding the park.

🍁 Whether you're hiking, biking, fishing, hunting, exploring the trails, or simply enjoying the changing seasons, we encourage you to take advantage of the many year-round recreational opportunities available throughout the Mecosta County Parks system.

Thank you for a great 2026 season! We hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable Fall and Winter, and we look forward to welcoming our campers back in 2027! ❄️🌲

For additional information about individual parks, trails, camping opportunities, and year-round recreation, visit: www.MecostaCountyParks.com

09/17/2026

🎉 Join us tomorrow at Paris Park - Michigan for the Save the Ponds Groundbreaking Ceremony & Community Celebration! 🎉

We’re excited to celebrate this special milestone with the community and invite everyone to come out and enjoy an evening of fun at Paris County Park!
📅 Friday, September 18
📍 Paris County Park
🌱 Save The Ponds - Groundbreaking Ceremony – 3 PM
🎶 Community Celebration – 6–9 PM
🎟️ FREE TO ATTEND!

Come explore the hatchery grounds, enjoy live music from Off Hour Rockers, pick-up some Save The Ponds - Paris, Michigan merchandise, and bring the family for fun, face painting, photos, and more!

🌮 Come hungry! Our food vendors will be on-site with a great selection of food and treats, grab dinner while enjoying the festivities. Shell Benders food truck will be set-up early and ready to make your dinner planning a breeze!

After years of planning, fundraising, and tremendous community support, we’re ready to celebrate the Save The Ponds - Paris, Michigan restoration project—and we want you there!

Bring the family, invite your friends, and join us for an evening of food, music, fun, and community! ❤️🌳🐟

09/08/2026

📢 PUBLIC NOTICE – REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

The Mecosta County Park Commission is seeking qualified professional engineering firms to provide engineering services for the Michigan’s Dragon Trail at Hardy Dam – Segment 7 Flood Damage Restoration and Hazard Mitigation Project.

Following significant flooding and heavy rainfall in April 2026, portions of Segment 7 experienced substantial trail washout and slope damage. The project is intended to restore the damaged trail while evaluating and incorporating appropriate measures to reduce the potential for similar future damage.

Engineering services may include:

🔹 Site investigation and surveying
🔹 Engineering and drainage analysis
🔹 Flood damage restoration design
🔹 Hazard mitigation design
🔹 Construction plans and specifications
🔹 Cost estimating
🔹 Permitting and regulatory coordination
🔹 FEMA coordination
🔹 Bidding assistance
🔹 Construction administration and observation
🔹 Project closeout

The Park Commission prefers natural and nature-based restoration methods, including the use of stone, timber, natural grading, and similar approaches where technically feasible and appropriate. More conventional structural systems may be considered when necessary to provide a safe and durable solution.

Qualified firms are encouraged to review the complete Request for Proposals here:https://www.mecostacountyparks.com/uploads/9/2/6/3/92633552/rfp_-_engineering_services_-_dragon_trail_section_7.pdf

📅 Proposal Deadline: October 14th, 2026 at 1:00 PM

📍 Mecosta County Park Commission
22250 Northland Drive
Paris, MI 49338
📞 231-832-3246
📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.MecostaCountyParks.com

Please share this notice with qualified engineering firms that may be interested in this project.

08/20/2026

Search & Rescue Exercise at Haymarsh State Game Area 🚨

Mecosta County First Responders will be conducting a Search & Rescue Exercise at the Haymarsh State Game Area on Saturday, August 22, from 12:00–6:00 PM, in partnership with the Michigan DNR and Mecosta County Parks Commission.

During the exercise, visitors may see a large presence of emergency response equipment, including fire trucks, ambulances, ORVs, police vehicles, and aircraft. 🚒🚑🚓🚁

➡️ Exercise activities will take place in pre-designated areas away from campers and highly congested areas. Signs will be posted in areas of operation.

The Haymarsh State Game Area will remain open to the public during the exercise, and all appropriate permits have been obtained through the Michigan DNR.

📲 For additional information, follow the Mecosta County Emergency Management page.

Stay informed: Text MECOSTAEMD to 888777 to sign up for emergency alerts.

08/20/2026

🎉 A NEW CHAPTER FOR THE PARIS FISHPONDS! 🐟

After years of planning, fundraising, and incredible community support, we’re excited to celebrate the groundbreaking for the Save The Ponds restoration project!

📅 Friday, September 18, 2026
🕒 Groundbreaking Ceremony – 3:00 PM
📍 Paris County Park — report to the Paris Park Office to be directed to the event.

The groundbreaking celebrates the funds raised and the construction contract awarded for Phases 1, 2 & 3 of the project—a major milestone in bringing this historic site back to life.

Then, keep the celebration going! 🎶 From 6:00–9:00 PM, join us for a Community Celebration in the Park featuring live music, food vendors, and fun for the whole family.

🚗 Vehicle entry fees will be waived for everyone attending the day's festivities!

Come celebrate the history, the progress, and the future of the Paris Fishponds. We hope to see you there! 💚🐟

08/19/2026

🏕️ Fall Camping Discount! - Plan a fall getaway at Mecosta County's Merrill-Gorrel County Park and receive discounted camping rates! 🍂

Book a reservation of 3 or more nights using promo code "MG25OFF" and receive 25% OFF your stay! 🎉

📅 Offer valid for reservations September 2–October 3, 2026 - Including the upcoming Labor Day Weekend!

�💻 Reservations must be made online to receive the discount. Visit www.MecostaCounty.GoingToCamp.com

✏️Please note: Reservation fees and vehicle entry fees still apply.

Pack your bags, enjoy the outdoors, and save while you stay! 🌲🍁

08/14/2026

🌲🤝 Thank You For Your Input! 🤝🌲

The Mecosta County Park Commission would like to thank everyone who attended our Meet & Greet events throughout the summer season. These gatherings provide a valuable opportunity for campers, park visitors, and community members to share ideas, ask questions, and provide input on park operations and future improvement projects.

If you were unable to attend one of our events but would still like to provide feedback, we encourage you to complete a Public Input Survey at the link below:

📄 Public Input Survey:
https://www.mecostacountyparks.com/uploads/9/2/6/3/92633552/2026_-_parks_public_input_form.pdf

📬 Completed surveys may be dropped off at any park office (sealed or unsealed) or mailed to:

Mecosta County Parks Administration
22250 Northland Drive
Paris, MI 49338

Your feedback helps shape the future of Mecosta County Parks, and we appreciate your continued support and participation. Thank you for helping us make our parks even better! 🏕️☀️