Wenonah Park

Wenonah Park is the central park of Bay County, Michigan. The park, approximately 6.1 acres (2.5 ha), is located along the east bank of the Saginaw River in Bay City, Michigan, United States and centered on an amphitheatre.[1][2] Across the river is another city park, Veterans Memorial Park.

Wenonah Park
Wenonah Park
TypeSemi Public park
Location801 North Water Street
Bay City, Michigan
Coordinates43°35′54″N 83°53′28″W
Area6.1 acres (2.5 ha)
Created1908 (1908)
Operated byCity of Bay City Parks Department
OpenYear round semi public admission fees apply
StatusOpen

History

Wenonah Park was established in 1908[1] as a part of the construction of the adjacent Wenonah Hotel (the site is now occupied by a DoubleTree by Hilton), giving the hotel a clear view of the riverfront. Both the hotel and park opened on November 9, 1908. Full development of the park and construction of the auditorium began after the hotel opening. The overall project involved the construction of the hotel at a cost of over US$300,000 (equivalent to $8,536,667 in 2019) and an auditorium estimated to cost US$50,000 (equivalent to $1,422,778 in 2019). It was contingent upon the citizens of Bay City approving US$200,000 (equivalent to $5,691,111 in 2019) in bonds for the purchase of two blocks along the Saginaw River, the removal of buildings, and conversion of the sites into a public park.[3] The Lumbermen's State Bank assumed control of the bonds and credited the Wenonah Park fund on May 18, 1908 with the value of the bonds.[4]

Features

Wenonah Park is centered on an amphitheatre known as The World Friendship Shell. It is decorated with a large oval sculpture and water fountain. There is a boat dock along the seawall designed to accommodate watercraft of various sizes.[1]

Events

A number of community events are held at Wenonah Park, such as concerts, arts performances,[1] the Bay City Fireworks Festival,[5] and the Festival of Lights in November.[2]

See also

References
  1. "Wenonah Park". baycitymi.org. City of Bay City. Retrieved 2015-07-07.
  2. "Wenonah Park". gogreat.com. Great Lakes Bay Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau. Retrieved 2015-07-07.
  3. Kusmierz, Marvin (November 9, 1908). "Hotel Wenonah Will Open Today". The Bay City Tribune. bay-journal.com. Retrieved 2015-07-07.
  4. Michigan Reports: Reports of Cases Determined in the Supreme Court of Michigan. Michigan Supreme Court. 1917. Retrieved 2015-07-07.
  5. Yossifor, Yfat (July 2, 2015). "First of 3 Bay City Fireworks Festival shows lights up sky above Saginaw River". MLive.com. Retrieved 2015-07-07.
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