A volunteer committee dedicated to maintaining and improving Ketchum Park. Historic Ketchum Park is divided by the Rice Creek old Mill Raceway. The north and south parks are connected by the scenic Rotary Footbridge for a total of 25 acres with 2.5 miles of waterfront. Our newest addition opened in October 2020. The Cronin Millrace Pavalion and Mill Wheel sculpture by Viesters Kalnins. This pavili
on has a functioning self serve gas fireplace. Pavilion reservations are through the City Parks and Recreation Department. This pavilion is a tribute to the sawmills that operated on this site from 1831 to 1957 when Ketchum Park was established. These mills were the first industry that produced lumber that built the first frame structures here. The southern park is accessed from South Marshall Avenue to Montgomery Street and is the location of Kids Kingdom. Parking is available along Montgomery Street. New family restrooms were added in 2015. There is a large pavilion and picnic tables in several locations along the Rice Creek trail. Pavilion use is by first come, first serve; no reservations are needed. The northern park is accessed from the corner of Gordon & Hanover. Access on foot across Rotary Bridge. The northern park is an island surrounded by Rice Creek and the Raceway. The Millrace Trail extends eastward ending where the Rice Creek splits. There is a newly paved parking lot, a playground, pavilion, the Marshall Skate Park, and Beginners Disc Golf course. Rice Creek is a headwater tributary of the Kalamazoo River. This transitional stream is a MIDNR designated Type 4 trout stream. Rice Creek has recently been reconnected to its natural wetlands following a dam removal and has no obstructions. There are about 2.5 miles of Rice Creek frontage in Ketchum Park. Ketchum Park has the Ketchum Park Advisory Committee (KPAC) authorized by the Marshall Parks, Recreation & Cemetery Board of Directors in May 2014. This committee encourages participation from all persons interested in Ketchum Park. KPAC meets on an as needed basis. During COVID, volunteers work within their own safe group or individually. Many park projects involve gardening for wildlife in rain and butterfly gardens and ecological habitat restoration. Specialized committees serve Kids Kingdom, the Disc Golf course, and Skate Park. For information to volunteer as a Park Steward message on Facebook or contact [email protected]
Call or text (269) 420-7919.
