About the Park
Cadwallader Park, owned by American Legion Post 484, is located on 5 acres of land near “downtown” Hickory Corners.
Today, the park is in need of much upgrading and the American Legion needs community assistance.
The park has a tennis/basketball court, playground equipment, softball field, walking trail, a pavilion, and rustic toilets all on 5 acres! And all in need of improvement.
History
Cadwallader Park’s 5 acres of land was originally donated to the American Legion Post 484 by the Walters Family of Hickory Corners in 1958 for the development and maintenance of a park open to the public. The Cadwallader Family donated money to develop that park. Many others donated their time, labor and resources toward that goal and maintaining what we have.
In the past, the park hosted horse shows, hosted ball games with a local team, given itself to frontier day events, lent itself to family get togethers, antique events and many more such activities. It is the site for the start of the Hickory Corners annual Memorial Day Parade, one of the best in southwest Michigan!
Possible Plans for Improvement
Our plans may include:
- a new warming kitchen
- adjoining functional bathrooms
- new playground equipment
- resurfaced tennis/basketball court
- soccer field
- an entertainment pavilion
- ballpark upgrades
- improved fencing, lighting and landscaping
- and more as desired by the community.
Much of what is now there is not fit for use! The park is desperately in need upgrading.
Value to the Community
Calwallader Park is a very important asset to the area. A community without a common area is just a bunch of nearby homes. A park offers the ability to meet neighbors, enjoy outdoor activities, host local entertainment and seasonal celebrations, give access to outdoor wedding parties, and an unlimited number of other fun things. Cadwallader Park is the only place in Hickory Corners for families to gather and children to play.
The park is located 1 mile east of The Gilmore Car Museum and could be a fun place for families to take a break from the expanse of the museum.