Saturday in the Park: A Treasured Local Resource

Our family just held a reunion at one of Menominee's crown jewels, Henes Park.

What a wonderful experience! We reserved Pavilion No. 2 last winter. It was more than adequate, with about a dozen inside picnic tables and more outside, a serving space with electrical hookups and an outdoor grill. Because we number 25, the grill was too small for our needs, but we had my late father-in-law's Weber, still in good shape. It was perfect, since those attending the reunion were his progeny.

Henes Park, which includes beautiful bayside Popular Point at the southern end, was given to the city by philanthropist John Henes in the early years of the 20th century.

The city, or perhaps Henes himself, engaged landscape architect Ossian Cole Simonds - who can also claim Chicago's Lincoln Park and Madison's Yahara River-Tenney Parkway - to create a community gathering space.

Menominee was fortunate to acquire Simonds' services.  A prominent landscape designer (he preferred the term landscape gardener), he was influenced by Frederick Law Olmsted, America's premier landscape designer, who was responsible for New York's Central Park.

Simonds designed a green paradise that eventually included a both a rocky and sandy shore, woodland trails, lagoons, meadows, picnic areas and a childrens' playground. It is a space for both groups and individuals.

Like other prominent park designers, Simonds knew that in the industrial age, a good park must include serene spots for solitude and contemplation, a point too often missed by citizen recreation boards. He also understood the importance of wide-open spaces for large groups.

Henes Park was formally dedicated in late 1907, but Menominee residents were so eager for its opening, they began picnicking there earlier that year, or so I've been told by those who know Menominee history better than I do.

The shady interior includes quiet lagoons.

The park is still overseen by a citizen committee, which is led by a Henes descendent. I seem to recall a friends-of-the park group in the 1990s, which spearheaded some major improvements. The park remains in fairly good shape, although the pavilion was a bit grimy and cobwebbed.

On Saturday, all three pavilions were booked. The day was sunny and warm but cooled by bay breezes, and the park was filled.

We saw lots of joggers, walkers, cyclists and Pokémon Go players and even a few hikers on the somewhat rectangular perimeter and in the cool, leafy interior.

Henes Park truly serves the entire community, as it has something for everyone, the seeker of peace and quiet, the seeker of companionship and camaraderie. People of all ages are served by this wonderful space.

Henes Park is well-used and well-loved. As we packed up the Weber, I thought of my late father-in-law, an Illinois boy with family roots in Menominee and England, who served as a Menominee alderman and clearly loved this community.

I think he would have enjoyed knowing his family came together at Henes Park.