at Ludington Waterfront Park
General Information
Ludington Waterfront Park 
This park is located between the City Marina and the Harbor View Marina at the south end of William Street.
Open air concerts are often held here, plenty of play space and picnic areas, and a world-reknowned sculpture park
Note that the section of park which is west of William St on Filer (just south of the City Marina) is only partially for public use. Rest rooms, fish cleaning stations, some picnic areas, most parking, etc. is reserved for those who have paid for slips in the City Marina and their guests.
Hiking
Hiking- Follow the link for a description of the Ludington Waterfront Walkway, two loops of which go through the park.
Picnicking
Picnicking- two pavillions- the one just west of William Street has wind screens on the lake side, the large one with restrooms is on the northeast side, picnic tables and grills. There are canopies with fixed picnic tables and no grills along the southwest edge of the park.
Playgrounds
Playground- 
large modular playground with various climbers, ship-shaped climber, slides, swings, toddler swings, tire swing, spring riders, jungle gym, adult bench gliders, wood chip surface, designed for children 5-12 years of age
Scenic Views
Scenic Views- watch the carferry enter the channel, 25¢ telescopic viewer at the north end of the park
Sculpture Park
Sculpture Park-
Put Me In, Coach - Created by Mark Lundeen of Loveland, Colorado. "For seven intermittent seasons between 1912 and 1926, the Ludington Mariners played baseball in Culver Park, once located near this site at the southwest corner of Loomis and Lewis Streets. Typical of minor league professional teams of the time, the Mariners were independent and unaffiliated with any major league team. Five Mariners went on the play in the big leagues. Donated by Bill and Anna Anderson and Budde and Sheryl Reed. April 2004"
The Dummy Train - Created by George Lundeen of Loveland, Colorado. "This sculpture was presented to the city of Ludington by the cottagers at Epworth Heights in gratitude for the generations of our families who have enjoyed their summers in this beautiful environment. The first train rolled over the track to Ludington from Flint in late 1874. The railroad played an integral part in connecting the newly established city of Ludington to the outside world and was key to the growth of bothe the logging industry and tourism in Ludinton. The Epworth League Railroad was incorporated in 1893, and thus service from Ludington to Epworth was established. The passenger train, which was known as the Dummy Train, carried thousands of summer residents to Epworth Heights, a Lake Michigan beachfront community. Often husbands sent their wives and children ahead of them to escape the summer heat. They joined their families intermittently during the season as their business schedules permitted. Remnants of the original rails used in Ludington are present with this sculpture. The advent of the automobile diminished passenger travel, and in July 1919, the last passenger fun was made. 2005"
Follow the Leader - Created by W. Stanley Proctor, Talahassee, Florida. "This sculpture was donated by the Don Birtwistle family to celebrate children who are our future. 2002"
Ludington's Lumbering Era - Created by Ron Dewey, Cleveland, Ohio "This sculpture was donated by Herb and Arlene Chinworth to depict the historic role lumbering played in the development of the city of Ludington. 2004"
The Spirit of Ludington - Created by Kirsten Kokkin "Dedicated to the memory of Charles Conrad, "The Spirit of Ludington" honors all seafarers. These brave men and women pledged their lives to the fine tradition of working on the Great Lakes. Pioneers in their trade, they courageously faced the hardships of living at sea. While performing daily duties, they unknowingly helped to settle and build commerce in the community, as well as extend travel to this region of Michigan. Courtesy of the Conrad Family. 2001"
Reflections - Created by Irina Koukhanova, Cleveland, Ohio. "This sculpture was donated by the Lee and Joan Schoenherr. "Reflections" is a symbol of Ludington's past when schooners carried lumber from our city to other Great Lakes ports; it is a symbol of the present representing the pleasures of boating on our waters; and it is a symbol of the future as the winds of change move Ludington forward. 2006"
Historic Site
Historic Site-
Lifeboat from the ship "City of Flint" - located at the west end of Filer St, south of the City Marina.
Pere Marquette Memorial - This is a painting honoring the life of Father Marquette, located on William St., between Loomis and Filer. "Pere Jacques Marquette - With the cross held before his eyes the great missionary explorer died May 18, 1765 at a spot across the Pere Marquette Lake. The exact location may be seen on the horizon to the left of this memorial. Pere Marquette Memorial Association, Dedicated July 4, 1953." (It can be difficult to see this painting through the glass, and nearly impossible, due to reflections, to get a picture now that there is a tall condo building directly across the street.) The scene displayed was completely changed in 1998.
Interpretive Signs
Interpretive Signs-
Boating and Baseball - There is a sign at the entrance to the park about the Mariners minor league baseball team.
Ludington's Lumbering Era - The entire back of the sculpture of this same name is engraved with text and pictures on this topic.
Handicap Accessibility
Handicap Accessibility- restrooms are accessible
The walkways and the picnic areas located along the walkways are paved and accessible.
Rest Rooms and Potable Water
Rest Rooms- full rest rooms open in summer
Potable Water- at the pavillion in summer, drinking fountains
Details
Access- south end of paved William Street, Ludington. not quite enough public parking, street parking ok.
Restrictions- no camping, no skateboards, no bikes, no rollerblades, playground closed 10 pm to 8 am
Seasonality- no water or restrooms in winter
Ecosystem- mowed lawn with seawalls at marina and channel edge
Other points of interest- small city services
most recent date this info personally checked- June 2007
Additional Facilities- plastic bags for dog poop collection, 25¢ telescopic viewer at the west side of the park
Maintained by- City of Ludington , call 231-845-6237
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