Science shows encounters with nature regenerate our energy, happiness and creativity. Numerous Kosciusko parks offer a lush, leafy embrace amid our sometimes chaotic days. So take refuge, relax and unwind.
Warsaw
Spacious Central Park has features to please the eye, mind and spirit. Lavish flower beds bloom all summer in Maish Gardens, while a unique Biblical Garden displays plants with biblical references and stories. A pond, picnic shelters, and sidewalk surrounding the park attract people to a peaceful lunch hour or family gathering after work and school. Contented readers, chatters, loungers and club members gather on large grassy areas on pleasant summer days. The 500-seat Plaza plays host to a concert series, festivals and performances, and can be rented for large events. Restrooms, shelters and vending machines make this a convenient spot to linger throughout the day and evening.
Lucerne Park’s position on Pike Lake means breathtaking views of the sunrise and sunset over the water. Lots of shady trees enhance the spot, where stone trails and an amphitheater, playground, picnic tables and Apollo exercise equipment invite families to try them out. Cabins are available to rent, and the park allows boaters lake access. Restrooms are available.
Winona Lake
Limitless Park, beach and splash pad on Park Avenue ensures a great time for everybody, regardless of physical abilities or limitations. Improvements are making the playground accessible to everyone. In addition to the playground and splash pad, tennis, basketball and sand volleyball courts, a beach area, pavilions and tables for picnics, and lots of beautiful trees and grassy areas give visitors almost unlimited opportunities for fun – perfect for a family outing.
The epicenter of an early 20th-century resort, gracious Circle Park anchors the east Village at Winona area and provides a wonderful overlook for lovely restored homes and cottages above. A central fountain with encircling walks forms a large compass. Across Park Avenue from the lake, it provides a lovely place to view on the way to Winona Lake shopping and eateries, or a spot to simply walk, dream, read and browse plants and birds.
Spring Fountain Park encompasses the east side of The Village at Winona and contains the entire former site of a busy early 1900s resort of the same name. In addition to Circle Fountain Park, it holds an amphitheater, chapel and tabernacle lawn from previous days as a resort and religious retreat. The green, open space and view of Winona Lake make it a great destination for walking, picnicking and experiencing the area’s early history.
Syracuse
Lakeside Park offers families a public beach on Syracuse Lake with expansive views of the lake, plenty of picnic tables and a covered pavilion. Lakeside’s green spaces allow for vigorous games of Frisbee, cornhole games and football, while a volleyball net invites even more athletes and spectators to the action. Picnic tables and grills allow cooks to show off culinary skills.
Small, picturesque Veteran’s Memorial Park at Crosson Mill pays homage to city co-founder and mill owner Samuel Crosson, as well as the area’s military veterans. Vestiges of the mill remain in a dam overflow forming a waterfall. A veterans’ memorial with names placard, cannon, playground, pavilion, and restrooms make it a nice stop for a walk, picnic or fishing from the bank, which locals enjoy. The Syracuse Artisans and Farmers Market has diverse products and activities, including baked goods, jewelry, organic produce, clothing, arts and crafts and live music, Saturdays May through October.
North Webster
The North Webster Town Park on Lake Webster rewards visitors with a sandy beach, swing for adults, a large pavilion for musical activities and family gatherings, and public piers so boaters can motor over and tie up. Restrooms, drinking fountains and Lakeview Restaurant with indoor dining and outdoor lakeside dining give this park visit some options. Docked next door, the 91-year-old Dixie Sternwheeler welcomes those who love local history with a nod to America’s river past. A ride on the Dixie honors a Lake Webster tradition since 1929.
Milford
Waubee Lake Park’s nice, deep beach, allows families to spread out towels, blankets and chairs for a roomy and comfortable soak in the sun. The beach is boss here, although picnicking at tables and taking in the lake view from a bench can also be enjoyed. Peace and quiet, with plenty of room to spread out and explore, will reward a family visit.
Silver Lake
Rambler Park offers a variety of outdoor entertainment for families. Filled with playground equipment, including rock climbing walls, side-by-side slides, swing sets, teeter-totters, gliders and monkey bars, the park also features basketball courts for teens and adults. Visitors enjoy picnics on the lawn surrounding the playground and basketball courts.
Etna Green
Remembrance Park welcomes visitors with a decorative raised log station and lovely walks, benches and flower beds. A large mural painted by local artist, Robert A. Hudson, brings art to the park in a striking mountainous landscape. A fountain and historic bandstand bring even more character to a stop at the park.