This new park in Eagle River has facilities for you to exercise, play casual sports, congregate with friends, and hold special events in open or sheltered spaces.
TOWNSHIP HALL
PAVILION
SPORTS FIELDS
PLAYGROUND
PARKING
PARK AMENITIES
CASUAL SPORTS
VOLLEYBALL SOCCER BASEBALL HORSESHOES
PAVILION SOUTH COVE
LAKE SUPERIOR VIEWS
PLAYGROUND AND GARDENS
PAVILION
CASUAL SPORTS
DOG RUN TENNIS/PICKLEBALL BASKETBALL DISC GOLF
PAVILION NORTH COVE AND STAGE
Sheltered picnic and gathering area Restrooms Drinking fountain
Private Events
The Community Building (Township Hall), Pavilion and Park are facilities are available for rent.
Park history and the latest plans and updates
A history of Houghton Township Square Park
The two acre field surrounding the community building (township hall/Eagle River School) was an open field for a long time. A tennis court was constructed north of the building in 1939. Playground equipment was added west of the building a few years later. The field east of the hall remained open except for temporary baseball fields in the northeast corner. and a stage for the 1961 centennial.
In 2018, the township lost control of one of its other parks in Eagle River. In response to that loss, a recently-retired native of Eagle River offered to fund a new park to replace and enhance the lost park’s facilities. Following extensive planning and discussions, the township and donor agreed to build the new park in the township square using a design that would preserve the historic look of the buildings and the open character of the field. Constructions started in the summer of 2019. The pandemic slowed progress but 90% the park was open in 2021.
We will complete the original park plan in 2023.
2023
The park and pavilion restroom facilities will open to the public on Memorial Day weekend.
Five Park benches will be permanently placed
Add digital display in the south cove
Improve the soccer and volleyball fields
Building the new park
A community effort
Funding and planning
Joan and Dan Steck are the principal donors of the Houghton Township Square Park. The Portage Health Foundation awarded a grant to enhance the park's accessibility, sports fields, and exercise path. Houghton Township administers the funds, provides administrative oversight, and maintenance.
The park and pavilion were designed by Dan working with the township board and the Park Advisory Committee (Tom Hall, Jim Huovinen, Mel Jones, Dave Schumacher, Jack Treganowan, James Vivian Jr.)
Volunteers
We have a good group of people in Eagle River who are willing to volunteer their expertise and labor. Here are some of those who helped with assembling picnic tables, landscaping, and dog run construction.
Thanks to John Deal, Tom Hall, Rodger Kershner, Mel Jones, Tim Olson, Dave Schumacher
Construction
Thanks to (Chris) Raasio Contracting for building the pavilion. Eric Harjala (on the roof) was the carpenter whose excellent craftsmanship, modifications, and attention to detail were were critical to the successful completion. He was presented a "master pavilion builder" plaque by a local resident impressed with Eric's work.
John Hendrickson installed the septic system, paths and parking lots. As usual, his work was top notch.
Contact us
Call the township clerk or email the park supervisor
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5059 4th St. Eagle River, MI 49950, USA
906-337-1970