Through the surrounding grounds of Genesys Regional Medical Center and the Genesys Athletic Club winds two one-mile walking trails open to Genesys patients and staff and the community at large to use as a natural resource for continued good health. Funding for the maintenance of the trails is provided by the Genesys Volunteers.
The one-mile Mayapple Trail loops around the Genesys Athletic Club and travels along several wetlands and wooded areas. Throughout the spring and summer, woodland wildflowers including Mayapple, Wild Geranium and Trillium can be seen along the trail.
The Heron Trail creates a 1.3 mile loop south of the Genesys Regional Medical Center, following a rambling wooded wetland landscape. Wildlife including herons use various sites along this path for nesting and refuge.
Pack up a picnic, grab the sunscreen and make the most of the summer close to home!
Creasy Bicentennial Park 1505 E. Grand Blanc Rd.
This recreation complex offers four regulation-size soccer fields, four adult softball fields, six youth baseball fields, four sand volleyball courts, two basketball courts, large and small pavilions (additional large pavilion available for rental in the fall of 2014), rest room facilities, full concessions, Splash Pad, Playscape, sledding hill, and a paved walking/biking trail – one mile through the park, continuing for a mile outside of the park to Hill Rd. and also connecting to a trail along Grand Blanc Rd. into Grand Blanc.
Grand Blanc Commons 515 Perry Rd.
The majority of the 137.5-acre property has been left as nature intended. Thread Creek runs through the nature preserve, where many nature trails offer enjoyment of wildlife and a bridge allows visitors to easily cross the creek. Organized groups often gather here for bird-watching and other nature-related activities.
Physicians Park 281 E. Reid Rd.
Located in the heart of the city, the property was donated to the City of Grand Blanc in 1990 and consisted of approximately five acres of land. Since then, additional land has been purchased from the railroad and adjoining residents. Visitors find a fenced play structure and swing area, permanent rest room, large gazebo with picnic tables and electricity, grills and a walking path. In the winter, weather permitting, an ice-skating rink is formed over the large grassy area. This park is also host to the popular “Music in the Park” summer concert series.
Rust Park 588 Rust Park Dr.
Rust Park offers something for everyone! This 20-acre facility is equipped with a pavilion complete with picnic tables, electricity and grills, permanent restroom facilities, a fenced play structure, tennis and basketball courts and a baseball diamond. Walking trails wind around the park and Thread Creek flows through it.
PHOTOS BY MIKE NADDEO
