Celebrate the future of one of Mecosta County’s historic outdoor spaces at the Save the Ponds Groundbreaking Ceremony & Community Celebration at Paris County Park.

A piece of Michigan history is getting new life! On Friday, September 18, 2026, the community is invited to Paris County Park to celebrate a major milestone for the Save the Ponds Project, an ongoing effort to restore and revitalize the park’s historic fish-rearing ponds for future generations.

The day begins with a Groundbreaking Ceremony at 3:00 PM, celebrating the funds raised and the awarding of the contract for the completion of Phases 1, 2 & 3 of the Save the Ponds Project.

The celebration continues that evening with a Community Celebration in the Park from 6:00–9:00 PM, featuring live music, food vendors & family-friendly fun. Vehicle entry fees will be waived for everyone attending the day's festivities.

A Piece of Michigan History

The ponds at Paris County Park have roots stretching back more than 140 years. The site was established in 1881 as Michigan's second-oldest fish-rearing agency and was expanded by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) during the 1930s.

After the fish-rearing operation closed in 1964, the property was acquired by the Mecosta County Park Commission in 1973 and opened as Paris County Park in 1976.

Today, the Save the Ponds initiative is working to preserve that history while creating a brighter future for this special Mecosta County destination.

Event Schedule

Groundbreaking Ceremony
Date: Friday, September 18, 2026
Time: 3:00 PM
Meeting Location: Paris Park Office
22250 Northland Drive
Paris, MI 49338

Visitors attending the groundbreaking should report to the Paris Park Office to be directed to the ceremony location.

Community Celebration in the Park
Time: 6:00–9:00 PM

Enjoy:

• Live music
• Food vendors
• Family-friendly activities
• A chance to celebrate the next chapter of the historic Paris fish-rearing ponds

Vehicle entry fees are waived for all attendees participating in the day's festivities.

Whether you're interested in Michigan history, exploring Paris, Michigan, looking for family-friendly events near Big Rapids, or simply want to celebrate an important investment in one of Mecosta County's outdoor spaces, spend the day at Paris County Park and be part of this historic milestone.