Parks
There are a number of neighborhood parks throughout the community, including Dean Park, Oak Park, and Snell Park, providing opportunities for fun and recreation to all our residents.
Bennett Park
Bennett Park is Charlotte’s largest park, with many acres of natural scenery, paved and gravel trails, and the Camp Frances cabin, which is available to rent. The historic Battle Creek also winds its way through Bennett Park, and has undergone a number of improvements in recent years, including the removal of a dam and the return of the creek to its historic channel. There are also picnic pavilions, the tree memorial park, mountain bike trails, playgrounds, tennis courts, basketball hoops and horseshoe pits. The park is adjacent to the Eaton County 4-H Fairgrounds, and Veterans Memorial Park.
Lincoln Park
Lincoln Park, located on Lincoln Street on the city’s southwest side, is Charlotte’s newest community park. It’s a brownfield reclamation project that puts a former industrial site back to work as a community recreation hub. Lincoln Park has become a regional center for action sports, with an 18-hole disc golf course and one of the most popular public skate parks in Michigan.
Charlotte’s Park System
There are a number of neighborhood parks throughout the community, including Dean Park, Oak Park, and Snell Park, providing opportunities for fun and recreation to all our residents.
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
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
Camp Frances is an area within Bennett Park that has a cabin which was donated for use by youth organizations. 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.
Dean Park
Dean Park is a neighborhood park located on Stoddard Street, 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
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
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
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.
Summer in the Park
Summer is when the parks in Charlotte really come to life. The Charlotte Community Library hosts a series of Summer in the Park events, one of several free, family-friendly events that take place throughout the community. Imagine a park filled with hundreds of small children who are singing, learning and experiencing something new each week. Held every Tuesday throughout the summer at Oak Park, it is one aspect of the community that makes Charlotte a great place to live.