Hastings Parks and Recreation
The Parks and Recreation Department is responsible for all matters relating to the construction, management, maintenance, and operation of the physical properties and services of the parks and recreation facilities owned, leased, or operated by the City of Hastings.
The Department is responsible for general operational oversight of the parks and related facilities, including administration of the ordinances related to park operation. The Department works with the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality and other State and Federal agencies to obtain services and funding for improvements to the parks and recreation system.
The Department works with and provides funds for the Barry County YMCA to provide recreation services for local residents. Recreation facilities within the parks are utilized by numerous public and private groups.
The Parks and Recreation Department is administered by the Department of Public Services. The Director of Public Services is charged with direct oversight of the Department. Personnel and equipment from the Department of Public Services are utilized for maintenance and other operations within the park facilities.
Recreational Activities
Along with owning and operating five municipal parks, the city of Hastings also offers a variety of recreational activities. Located across from the Barry County Courthouse on West State Street is a four-screen movie theater. Only fifteen minutes away is Historic Charlton Park; the scene of Civil War battle re-enactments, antique auto shows, and home to a sixteen- building historic village including a museum that houses one of the state’s outstanding collections of agricultural and rural artifacts. Nearby is the recreational area where picnic pavilions, a ball diamond, beaches, and boat launches on Thornapple Lake are available. Just under twenty minutes from Hastings is the Yankee Springs Recreation Area with three miles of frontage on Gun Lake, picnic areas, campgrounds, foot trails, an area for snowmobiling, cross-country/ski trails, and the Devil’s Soup Bowl. Adjacent is Yankee Springs State Game Area with 3,000 acres open for hunting. Approximately half an hour from Hastings is the Gilmore Car Museum that offers double-decker buses, and a dazzling collection of antique automobiles, displayed in big red barns. Also within half an hour of Hastings is a total of nine public golf courses.
Bob King Park
On the north side of Hastings is Bob King Park, home of TangleTown, a community-built playground.
Tyden Park
Close to downtown Hastings is Tyden Park, which is well known for having the Thornapple River peacefully winding through it.
Fish Hatchery Park
Located next to Spectrum Health-Pennock Hospital on Green Street is Fish Hatchery Park, the largest, and busiest park in Hastings.
Pocket Park
On the bank of the Thornapple River near downtown, Pocket Park lives up to its name. Small and convenient, you can take a break from work or shopping to enjoy the outdoors.
Second Ward Park
Nearby, small and convenient. Whether you’re a businessperson, or a parent with children, you can enjoy the outdoors close to work and home.
Third Ward Park
A short walk from downtown, located next to Hastings Manufacturing and adjacent to walkable neighborhoods Third Ward Park is home to Hastings Skate Park. It’s also a great place to enjoy a lunch break or a picnic with the kids.
Dog Park
The Dog Park is an off-leash park with separate fenced areas for large and small dogs. Dog lovers can come together at the park and talk while their pets run, play, and socialize. The city park is free and open to the public from dawn to dusk.
Sweezy’s Nature Area
Experience the winding rustic footpaths, hiking trails through the hills, woods and wetlands surrounding the pond that gives the park its name. The park’s trails offer a pleasant hike for all ages.
