Roselle Park

Since a few people told me how wonderful our new Roselle Park is and one friend even posted pictures of her and her daughter's walk there, I decided to go last week! I've walked there almost every day since; the trails are great. To the left is a picture of the Grand River - still Michigan winter brown, but you can see the leaves budding!


I took a picture of this bridge because I have to wonder is it me or is the river crooked (I'm assuming the installers measured and used a level to make sure the overlook was level!)? It's a strange optical illusion at any rate - even stranger in person!
These next photos are of some very large fish stuck in pools of water. These fish are about 2 feet in length - I have a hard time believing the river flooded to here (see the berm effect of the land behind the pool of water - the river is down below the tree line). I'm thinking maybe the creek that is about 40 yards from these pools of water overflowed (river back-up?) and that spilled into this wetland area. It just seems like too much water for snow melt. Anyway, it was cool to see these very large fish like this! I'm not sure if they were pike or carp - the water was too murky to make out markings or exact color. The pool with 2 fish in it was almost dried up today - I was glad to see someone moved the fish! Had they still been in the little amount of water left today, I was prepared to move them. The other three are still in their little pool.


One concern I have is the lack of leashes. I have no idea if Ada has a "leash law" or if the park has rules (nothing posted yet), but each time I've been there, I've run across at least 2 dogs running free. I understand it's probably a lot of fun for the dogs to run here, but I see a couple of problems. First, people like me who like to slowly warm up to a dog, not be over-run by a HUGE animal (as I was on Saturday - one of the hugest dogs I've ever been near or seen - well over 100 lbs). Second, this park was partly funded by a conservation grant to provide wetlands for native species. The dogs are chasing off the geese, ducks, and other waterfowl. I think if the dog thing continues, the birds won't nest there.

I was impressed with the plans that are posted for the park! It looks like when it is completed, it will be a lovely recreation area, including a fishing pond, picnicing areas, bike trails, hiking trails, a banquet facility, canoe launches, and a playground. There are 240 acres for development as parkland. I have truly enjoyed walking with not too many people around, water near-by, and lots of nature to look at!