We have been visiting the Glen Miller Park in Richmond, Indiana for our weekly family fitness outings this month.   There is so much to see and do at this park and it is a great place for families.   Glen Miller Park is a beautiful 196 acre park full of tall mature trees, creeks, springs, a lake with a fountain, ducks and geese, tennis courts, walking trails, 11,000 square foot concrete and fenced skateboard park, a walk through rose garden, outdoor theater and band area, picnic areas, shelters, concession stand, bathrooms, and an awesome playground with two very large play areas and a water / splash play area.



Glen Miller Park was established in 1885.  I found that fact amazing!  Folks wanted this area kept as a park and appreciated its value for families clear back in the 1800’s.   It is one of the most beautiful parks I have ever been to and I can see why they would have wanted to preserve this beautiful area for future generations to enjoy.  There are large glacial rocks left behind from the time in history when the area was covered in glaciers.  The kids love climbing on these beautiful rocks.  I love the tall mature trees, water features, and rolling hills in this park.  It makes it such an interesting place to explore. 



Situated at the front of the park is a statue of the “Madonna Of The Trail” built by the Daughters of the American Revolution.  It is a tribute to all of the pioneer women who traveled through this area and cared for their families in covered wagons as the country expanded westward.  My grandma is a member of this national organization and I was very excited to learn about this memorial they have built in the park. 


 

There is also a plaque marking the site for the “First Toll Gate” established in the state of Indiana in 1850.  I found this exciting too.  I used to live in a brick Federal house about 15 minutes from the park and the house was built in 1850 too.  It was built by the Bond family who also dedicated land to the city of Richmond where Earlham College is.  So I was excited about this connection to history.  Another neat connection to this time in history I have is that my mother’s father’s family traveled through Richmond, IN and possibly through this toll gate when they migrated across the country on their way to Kansas.  The Richmond Historical Museum houses a trunk owned by my family that passed through here.  I will share more about this in a future story.



The lake at the park is very peaceful with lots of geese and ducks and a fountain to enjoy.  There is a small fishing dock and you can also fish from the banks.  We found lots of small fish near the top of the lake feeding on slices of bread folks threw out to feed the ducks and geese.  I hope to bring the kids out to fish and feed ducks and geese soon.





The park has three natural springs where folks come and fill up their own bottles for fresh spring water too.  Sometimes there are long lines of people waiting to fill up their containers.  Thankfully, on this day, we waited in a very short line and the kids had lots of fun filling our water bottles.  Be sure to check out our story about filling up that I will post soon. The spring water running through the creek is ice cold and absolutely clear.  It is a beautiful spot to get out and enjoy on a hot summer day.

 


The park hosts many concerts and community activities.  There is a large field that goes up hill from the theater and you can set out your chair or blanket and enjoy the show.



Another fun feature of this park that is very appealing to teens and young adults is the concrete skate / bike park.  We saw lots of teens doing tricks on their bikes and skate boards.  It looks a little dangerous, but I am sure it is a lot of fun.  How they can do these tricks without padded clothing and protective pads / gear is amazing.  You can skate or bike at your own risk.



My kids favorite feature of the park is the playground and splash area. I really like that there are picnic areas, parking, bathrooms, paved sidewalks, and concessions right near the playground too.  It is easy to push a stroller or a wagon if you want to.  Everything you need is close by.   



The playground is truly amazing and it is every kids dream!  It is jam packed with slides, tunnels, bridges, climbing walls, ladders, nets, fire poles, and so much more.  There is even a long expansion bridge to walk on above the playground.  You can play so many games on this playground.  My kids love tag, hide an
d seek, freeze tag, pirates, capture the flag, racing down the slides, and so much more.  Though they get tired running and playing, they never get bored!!!



 
 

There is a smaller playground for younger children, and lots of swings too.  Everything is handicap accessible.  And you don’t have to just play on the playground.  Be sure to bring a ball, frisbee, or kite and enjoy the grassy areas as well as the lake too.

The city of Richmond, Indiana has 16 developed parks and 3 undeveloped parks.  Wow, that is a lot of parks for a city of about 37,000 people.  If you would like to learn more about this wonderful town in east central Indiana, check out the summary listed on this web site.


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