At an event in the park today, June 4, Calhoun County Parks and Recreation Department introduced the name of its newest park— “Ménwabek Meadow Park,” located at 10750 28 Mile Rd., in Albion, Mich..
The name is a Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi translation of “beautiful metal.” This name evokes the park's use as an Iron Belle Trailhead and its restoration to a wildflower meadow.
“This name is an acknowledgment that before this property was a park or farmland, it was part of a tribal area that covered all of Calhoun County and beyond,” said Doug Ferrall, Assistant Director for Community Development. “The Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi are the original stewards of this land and the County will play a part in stewarding it into the future for everyone to enjoy."
Including 38 acres of restored native prairie habitat and over 20 acres of restored woodland habitat, Ménwabek Meadow Park serves as a trailhead for the Iron Bell Trail, Albion River Trail, and the North Country Trail. It is open to the community from dawn until dusk seven days a week, year round.
The park is the result of multiple grants from the Michigan DNR, Albion College, and the Kalamazoo River Recreational Foundation. The project was also made possible, in part, through the 2020-2025 Calhoun County Parks Millage.
