Did you know this small park earned its real name in the 1990s? It became Lennon Memorial Park. The park is a remembrance to former Ferndale Mayor Bernie Lennon.
Welcome to Lennon Memorial Park. It is a place of community. It is a place of remembrance. This park has a special story. It is different from Ferndale’s other parks.
Ferndale boasts fourteen diverse parks. Each park has a different story. These parks have unique histories. They offer something special to the community today. Ferndale is a small city. It measures only 3.9 square miles. Yet, it has a lot to offer. Consider its outdoor recreation. There are fourteen parks within the city limits.
Lennon Memorial Park is often called Mapledale Park. This is because of its location. It sits off Mapledale Street. But its official name is Lennon Memorial Park. It was named in the 1990s. The park honors Bernie Lennon. He was a former Ferndale Mayor.
Many trees enhance the park’s picnic area. Imagine a sunny afternoon here. Families gather. Friends laugh and share stories. The trees provide a cool, shady canopy.
Other parks in Ferndale have interesting stories too. Harding Park is the second-largest in the city. It is named after President Warren G. Harding. This park formed in the 1940s. One-third of its land was once an Army base. Today, it offers an inline skating rink. Baseball diamonds and soccer fields are popular here.
Martin Road Park is the city’s largest park. It is near the Ferndale/Hazel Park border. The park is named after a longtime settler in the area. It boasts more than 30 acres of land. Sporting fields, a skating rink, and two playgrounds are available.
Vester Park is a miniature park. It is just north of Nine Mile Road. Its name comes from its location. It sits at the intersection of Vester and Farrow streets. The park covers less than an acre. It features a play structure and benches.
Saratoga Park also covers a small strip of land. It is at Saratoga and Farrow streets. The park has a basketball court. Picnic tables and a grill are available.
Wanda Park is just west of Interstate 75. It is near Wanda Elementary School in Hazel Park. This park offers a youth baseball diamond. A basketball court and playground area are here.
Grand Trunk Park sits along the Grand Trunk Railroad. A walking path runs the length of the park. Many shady trees surround it. Its quiet location is ideal for picnicking.
Wilson Park shows off civic pride. It was named after President Woodrow Wilson in the 1940s. Soccer fields, play equipment, and a skating rink are part of the park.
Oppenheimer Park was originally St. Louis Park. It runs along the Jewish Machpelah Cemetery. The park gets its name from Roy Oppenheim. He was a former trustee of the cemetery. The cemetery donated land to Ferndale in 1940.
Garbutt Park earned its name from former Ferndale Mayor Bruce D. Garbutt. He served 11 terms. At one time, he was the longest-serving mayor in the United States. The park features a paved walking path, ballfield, and playground.
Marie Street Park is a small park on the city’s southwest side. It formed in the 1980s. It offers a “tot lot” and benches.
Geary Park was originally named after President Theodore Roosevelt. It was renamed in honor of former Ferndale Police Chief Donald “Red” Geary. The park contains a special Heroes Garden. It is dedicated to the victims of the Sept. 11 terror attacks and to veterans.
Oakridge Park sits on a small patch of grassy land. It is often used for picnicking or walking. Schiffer Park was named after former Ferndale Mayor Henry Schiffer. It offers a picnic table, drinking fountain, and trees for shade.
Lennon Memorial Park stands as a testament to community leadership. Bernie Lennon’s contributions are remembered here. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. Take a moment to reflect on the importance of local leadership. Each park in Ferndale tells a story. Lennon Memorial Park shares a unique chapter. It is a chapter of remembrance and community pride.