Mears State Park

Charles Mears State Park is a public recreation area in the village of Pentwater, Oceana County, Michigan. The state park encompasses 50 acres (20 ha) on the north side of the channel that connects Lake Michigan and Pentwater Lake.[4]

Charles Mears State Park
Pentwater Lake Channel,
the park's southern boundary
Map showing the location of Charles Mears State Park
Map showing the location of Charles Mears State Park
Location in Michigan
Map showing the location of Charles Mears State Park
Map showing the location of Charles Mears State Park
Mears State Park (the United States)
LocationPentwater, Michigan, United States
Coordinates43°47′00″N 86°26′26″W[2]
Area50 acres (20 ha)
Elevation610 feet (190 m) [2]
DesignationMichigan state park
Established1920[3]
AdministratorMichigan Department of Natural Resources
WebsiteMears State Park

History

Mears State Park was among 13 parks established in 1920 following the creation of the Michigan State Parks Commission a year earlier.[5] The park land, which was once owned by lumber baron Charles Mears, was donated to the state by his daughter Carrie Mears.[6] The park originally comprised only 16 acres "strictly made up of lake sand."[7] In 1921, the vegetation that held the sand in place was disturbed during a grading process, resulting in a loss of sand to the winds, much to the annoyance of neighboring dwellers. To cure the man-made problem, five tons of marsh hay were "evenly distributed and disked in." A toilet and fireplaces were also constructed.[7]

Activities and amenities

In addition to fishing, swimming, camping, and picnicking, the park offers a one-mile (1.6 km) hiking trail that ascends the Old Baldy sand dune.[4]

References
  1. "Mears State Park". IUCN. Retrieved April 27, 2020.
  2. "Charles Mears State Park". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior.
  3. "When were Michigan state parks and recreation areas established?" (PDF). Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved April 27, 2020.
  4. "Mears State Park". Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved September 29, 2011.
  5. "Michigan DNR celebrates 100 years of state parks" (PDF). Michigan Department of Natural Resources. pp. 10–11. Retrieved April 27, 2020.
  6. "Oceana County Master Plan" (PDF). Oceana County Planning Commission. April 28, 2016. Retrieved March 8, 2018.
  7. Albert Stoll, Jr. (ed.). "The Biennial Report of the Department of Conservation of the State of Michigan 1921–1922". p. 231. Retrieved April 27, 2018.
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