Sunday, November 10, 2024

Outstanding Fall Fun

Whimsical Adventure

Named for the former owner of the property William H.L. McCourtie,  McCourtie Park was designed by Mexican artists George Cardoso and RalphCorona around 1930. McCourtie Park is a fun, delightful place provoking smiles and amazement from the moment you spy the seventeen incredible walking bridges that highlight the site. These whimsical masterpieces look like they were hand-milled and carved from old trees. They are actually made of concrete and sculpted in an artistic process called El Trabejo Rustico (Spanish term for rustic work). The bridges, crafted in the 1930’s, span a fast moving, narrow creek that travels the length of the 42 acre walking and picnic spot. Lush with mature weeping willows and majestic cottonwoods, the hill, near the entrance, offers a great panoramic view of the bridges which are nestled into the greenery; they actually look like they are part of a miniature fairy garden. As you venture across each one they come alive with breathtaking details of nail heads, roping, knot holes, amazing arches and thatched roofs, all made from concrete. Several covered bridges offer you a place to sit and enjoy the craftsmanship at your leisure as well as the sound and sight of the creek and the rustle of the bright fall leaves overhead. Look up to see the wonderfully made Martin birdhouses that adorn the area.  Go now and enjoy the park dressed in its bright autumn hues. And maybe, since it is close to Halloween, you will spot the resident ghostly apparition known as the Lady in Blue walking the park grounds.

For more info go to www.michigan.org/property/mccourtie-park/ or call 517.688.9223.   12715 E. Chicago Rd. Somerset MI. Free (about 3 miles west of US 223 on US 12, one hour and ten minutes from Toledo). 

Whimsical Adventure

Named for the former owner of the property William H.L. McCourtie,  McCourtie Park was designed by Mexican artists George Cardoso and RalphCorona around 1930. McCourtie Park is a fun, delightful place provoking smiles and amazement from the moment you spy the seventeen incredible walking bridges that highlight the site. These whimsical masterpieces look like they were hand-milled and carved from old trees. They are actually made of concrete and sculpted in an artistic process called El Trabejo Rustico (Spanish term for rustic work). The bridges, crafted in the 1930’s, span a fast moving, narrow creek that travels the length of the 42 acre walking and picnic spot. Lush with mature weeping willows and majestic cottonwoods, the hill, near the entrance, offers a great panoramic view of the bridges which are nestled into the greenery; they actually look like they are part of a miniature fairy garden. As you venture across each one they come alive with breathtaking details of nail heads, roping, knot holes, amazing arches and thatched roofs, all made from concrete. Several covered bridges offer you a place to sit and enjoy the craftsmanship at your leisure as well as the sound and sight of the creek and the rustle of the bright fall leaves overhead. Look up to see the wonderfully made Martin birdhouses that adorn the area.  Go now and enjoy the park dressed in its bright autumn hues. And maybe, since it is close to Halloween, you will spot the resident ghostly apparition known as the Lady in Blue walking the park grounds.

For more info go to www.michigan.org/property/mccourtie-park/ or call 517.688.9223.   12715 E. Chicago Rd. Somerset MI. Free (about 3 miles west of US 223 on US 12, one hour and ten minutes from Toledo). 

Previous article
Next article

Recent Articles