The Mecosta County Parks are kicking off summer and celebrating the end of the school year with their 10th annual Community Open House Event. From Friday through Sunday, June 6-8, vehicle entrance fees to Mecosta County parks will be waived, allowing free day-use access to each park.

The open house provides an opportunity for Mecosta County residents and visitors to enjoy the many recreational opportunities offered throughout the park system and coincides with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ Free Fishing Weekend. No fishing license is required through the Michigan DNR on June 7 or 8, though all other fishing and boating regulations still apply.

Families are encouraged to enjoy a fun weekend together at one of several park locations. Whether participating in the free fishing weekend, boating, swimming, hiking, mountain biking, joining one of the staffed family programs or simply enjoying the outdoors, visitors are sure to make lasting memories. Day-use hours are from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. County parks participating in the Community Open House include Brower, School Section Lake, Merrill-Gorrel, Paris and Davis Bridge.

The weekend also offers the most affordable camping opportunity of the year, as campers will not be required to pay additional vehicle fees normally associated with a camping stay. To book a campsite or cabin for the weekend, visit the online reservations page on the Mecosta County Parks website. For information about each park’s offerings and to stay updated on scheduled summer events, visit www.mecostacountyparks.com and like or follow individual county park pages on Facebook.

Mecosta County Parks welcomes the community to come out and play this weekend, create their own adventure and make lasting memories sampling the wide variety of outdoor opportunities offered throughout the park system.

_{Photo and release courtesy of Mecosta County Parks.}