James and Shirley Balk Family Park - Rockford, Michigan
Posted by: Groundspeak Premium Member theHostas
N 43° 05.191 W 085° 28.723
16T E 623824 N 4771545
Municipal Park in Kent County
Waymark Code: WM1C4NR
Location: Michigan, United States
Date Posted: 06/04/2025
Published By:Groundspeak Premium Member pmaupin
Views: 0

“In early 2023, with a generous donation from the Balk family, Kent County acquired a 125-acre portion of the former Silver Lake Country Club site in Cannon Township. This property was previously slated for development before the Balk family and Kent County mobilized to save this natural area. With additional investment, Kent County plans to make improvements to the site, allowing for families to enjoy outdoor recreation opportunities, creating the James and Shirley Balk Family Park.

The James and Shirley Balk Family Park is positioned in proximity to other Kent County parks such as Fred Meijer Nature Preserve at Pickerel Lake Park, Townsend Park, and Luton Park. Combined, these parks create a destination for residents and visitors to enjoy the physical and health benefits that the outdoors offer. Additionally, there are long-term plans to connect these parks with a paved non-motorized trail, in partnership with Cannon Township”


“Master Plan Features:
- Pavilion with fireplace and seating
- Restrooms
- Playground
- 1.5 miles of trail
- Outdoor classrooms
- 18 hole disc golf course
- Naturalized areas
- Hours 7AM-9PM”

(visit link)

James and Shirley Balk Family Park
7601 Belding Road NE
Rockford, Michigan 49341
Name: James and Shirley Balk Family Park

Street Location: 7601 Belding Road NE

Local Municipality: Cannon Township

State/Province, etc.: Michigan

Country: USA

Web Site: [Web Link]

Date Established: 2023

Picnic Facilities: See description for Master Plan.

Recreational Facilities:
See description for Master Plan.


Memorial/Commemoration: Not listed

Monuments/Statues: Not listed

Art (murals/sculpture, etc.): Not listed

Fountains: Not listed

Ponds/Lakes/Streams/Rivers/Beach: Not listed

Special Events: Not listed

Traditional Geocaches: Not listed

Visit Instructions:
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theHostas visited James and Shirley Balk Family Park - Rockford, Michigan 06/06/2025 theHostas visited it