Grand Haven in Ottawa County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Central Park

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 27, 2017

1. Central Park Marker

Inscription. This pleasant block served as Grand Haven's first municipal cemetery. In 1874 a burgeoning population prompted the City Council to open a new cemetery at Lake Forest and to order the removal of all bodies from this site. With the help of the Woman's Club, the City of Grand Haven, and other organizations, the former cemetery became Central Park in 1901. The fountain that once graced Sheldon's Magnetic Mineral Springs Resort became the park's centerpiece in the early 1900s. Considered by many as the city's front yard, the park has been the site for weddings, art fairs, concerts, casual walks, and personal reflection for more than a century.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Charity & Public Work • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1901.

Location. 43° 3.78′ N, 86° 13.614′ W. Marker is in Grand Haven, Michigan, in Ottawa County. It can be reached from Washington Avenue east of North 4th Street, on the left when traveling east. Marker is located beside the sidewalk, near the center of Central Park, overlooking the fountain. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Grand Haven MI 49417, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in West Michigan,

specifically in Greater Grand Rapids,

and in one of the Lake Michigan Shore counties. It is also in the American Midwest

and on the Great Lakes.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: United States Coast Guard (here, next to this marker); Fallen Heroes

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Ottawa County Honor Roll (within shouting distance of this marker); Site of Original Grand Haven Cemetery (within shouting distance of this marker); Ottawa County Court House (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named United States Coast Guard (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); First Presbyterian Church (about 700 feet away); First Reformed Church (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Grand Haven.

Also see . . . Grand Haven Central Park. In 1908, the original small fountain was replaced by the grand fountain that had originally been in the courtyard of “W.C. Sheldon’s Magnetic Mineral Springs”, which was located where the 5/3 Bank is today. This is the current fountain we still enjoy today. (Submitted on July 27, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Marker detail: Postcard view of Central Park, about 1913 image. Click for full size.

Courtesy Tri-Cities Historical Museum

2. Marker detail: Postcard view of Central Park, about 1913

Marker detail: Grand Haven Concert Band image. Click for full size.

Courtesy Tri-Cities Historical Museum

3. Marker detail: Grand Haven Concert Band

The Grand Haven Concert Band, formed in 1868, which performed both indoors and outdoors. Central park has always been a special venue for entertainment.

Marker detail: Early Central Park photos image. Click for full size.

Courtesy Tri-Cities Historical Museum

4. Marker detail: Early Central Park photos

left: Colorized postcard view of early Central Park.
• • •
right: Monument in Central Park dedicated to soldiers from Ottawa County who fought and died in WWI.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 27, 2017

5. Central Park Marker

(looking north • center fountain in background)

Central Park Fountain image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 27, 2017

6. Central Park Fountain

The fountain that once graced Sheldon's Magnetic Mineral Springs Resort became the park's centerpiece in the early 1900s.

Credits. This page was last revised on October 7, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 26, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 658 times since then and 39 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on July 27, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.