The park is under some construction through September which is a bummer but from what they've dug…read moreup, it looks like there will be some great improvements. The ball field will go away but they're putting in new playground equipment, new pavilion, new basketball courts and updated restrooms. In the meanwhile, the parking lot is still there, the river is still there (note the warning about eating the fish) and it's a nice, peaceful spot. [Review 11208 overall, 984 of 2019.]

This is our go-to putting-in point for kayaking to Arcadia Ales (it's round about an hour's paddle…read more-- longer if you're feeling leisurely and faster if you're going for a big workout). Plenty of parking, tons of covered picnic area. We staged about 75 kayaks/paddleboards/canoes there for a recent Kanoe the Kazoo event and it didn't feel too crowded on the riverbank, which was awesome. However, you've got to be pretty strategic about how you put in (fortunately we had seasoned paddlers leading our group who gave good advice about how to put in, but those who tried to enter the river closer to the woods/fence/parking lot got caught up in some wicked current. Be sure to put in farther out toward the picnic structure and park and paddle across the river then let the current drift you across the mini-rapids. Don't forget -- it's unsafe to eat the fish from the Kalamazoo River. We saw tons of people fishing on our recent excursion and really worried about their health. A few people were sad to see a small tent city on the river's edge -- personally it made me happy that some of the homeless had found a more pleasant haven than the city parks. Just a matter of perspective, I suppose. One of the "tent cities" was also a group of 5 matching, new-looking tents so I suspect that group was a group of people kayak-camping.

It really is such a shame that this park doesn't have a beach. We are super fortunate to live on…read moreone of the Portage lakes and have access all the time, but between West, Austin, and Long Lake's parks only Long Lake has a beach (at Ramona Park). Nonetheless, this park has incredible views and offers decent fishing opportunities off of two extended docks, one of which features a large covered gazebo with benches. The playground area here looks legit, and my partner and I always enjoy stopping for a break here when we do a 9-mile cycling route that basically wraps around Austin Lake plus an extra mile each way to access the route from where we live. As with Long Lake, the boat launch is at a completely separate location from the park. Unlike Ramona Park, there is no charge to park at Lakeside Park. We are super excited at the prospect of all the cycling routes in the Vicksburg and Portage area connecting soon. Work got underway on connecting the Vicksburg path into Portage early last year but was halted due to the pandemic. So happy to have a little bit of spring-like weather this week to get out and celebrate all the wonderful natural spaces in our community.

Thanks to our friends, we had a chance to see and enjoy this park…read more The park has great view to the lake with two decks on each side. We saw some folks fishing while we were there. There's also a small trail where you can exercise too. Don't worry, there are a couple of picnic areas for you and your family to bbq and enjoy the serenity of the beautiful lake. The parking lot has lights so when you leave the park at sunset, you won't be walking in the dark to your car.

Love this park. It's small and rarely used. Sometimes there's people parked in the parking lot but…read morethe actual park is empty. Excellent spot for my reactive dogs.

Great dog park and lots of trees for shade. Very relaxing…read moreand only $5 for a day pass

The dog parks are very nice, some shade and water is available for dogs of all sizes. The drive…read morearound is very nice and tree lined with a nice boat ramp

I have watched this trail around 60 times in the past few months, and have no intention of…read morestopping. It's a small walk, but such a gem to discover. If you enjoy animals, especially birds, you see and hear more than in any other park.

Really well kept up trails! I saw a lot of wildlife. There is not parking near the entrance of the…read morepreserve, but I parked in Oakwood Plaza and walked over, it was under a half mile. There were benches sporadically for resting or birdwatching. If you stick to the main trail (it's a loop), it's just over a mile.

Lmy husband and I have loved coming here this last year to eat our lunch in the vehicle. The view…read moreis great, especially after spring when everything bloomed! Love looking at the architecture in the neighborhood too!

I finally got the chance to re-visit! I kind of love playing tennis here…read more There are only two courts, and both nets need some tightening, but I felt fancy regardless. Here I am, driving up a stone road, playing tennis in a court carved into a hill, in a tranquil part of town, all the while unbothered by anyone. I felt like I had my own little slice of Wimbledon. The sunset was gorgeous and the boulders lining the court and fading into the hill were a nice touch, too. With a little TLC top the courts themselves, this place could be perfect. The Park itself isn't that big, but it make for a great tennis spot or sunset picnic.

Great park! The playground has a bit for everyone from swings, to rock climbing to a mini play…read morestructure for younger kids. They also have a great cement track around the playground area that you can run, walk or ride bikes or scooters. Also, two covered areas with picnic tables to rent out for birthday party etc or enjoy an impromptu picnic. This is one of my kids favorites. Plus it never seems overly busy and there is plenty of parking.

We drive by here all the time and recently noticed the park play area looked completely new so we…read moremade an impromptu visit one very hot afternoon. Plenty of parking. The play equipment is new, interesting and different from other parks so my kids really liked trying it all out. They had a separate little kids area and an area that encouraged music making. There was a tall climbing structure my son loved. Restrooms are nearby and clean. Large area for soccer or baseball, as well as big fields for open play. Covered picnic area and gazebo. I think you can rent these areas out. I also saw a poster that they do summer movies there about once a month with free popcorn from Kalamazoo 10, just bring a chair. This park is close and convenient so I'm sure we'll stop back by.

A very interesting park surrounded by some of the most beautiful buildings in Kalamazoo. It's a…read moreplace to read a book or relax and enjoy the scenery or walk your dog. There's a few resident challenged people but they are not as bad as you might think,

Downtown Kalamazoo, Bronson Park is at the enter of the municipal district with the City Hall…read morebuilding across from one side and the Public Library across from another. Some excellent topiaries, beautifully mowed grass, trees, benches and even a bandshell that I am sure is popular. I enjoyed walking in the park and tried to stay away from the homeless folks who decided now was a time to have a fight to provide some entertainment. It ended just as I was ready to call 911. [Review 11219 overall, 995 of 2019.]