Markin Glen Park is the former homestead of Morris Markin, the founder of the Checker Motors Corporation and the man behind the Checker Cab. Upon Mr. Markin's death in 1970, Markin Glen's 160 acres became a city park called Maple Glen Park. The city hoped to develop Maple Glen into a year-round municipal park with an emphasis on winter sports. However, due to budget constraints and vandalism the city closed the park in 1977.

In 1984 the city decided to sell the property and considered several options, including commercial development. A group of concerned citizens appealed to the county to purchase the property. After this group, which became the Parks Foundation, commissioned a master plan for park, the county agreed to purchase the land for a token $1 on June 24, 1988.

Then the hard work began. A stipulation of the county's purchase was that the park could not be developed at the expense of existing county parks, meaning private funds would be necessary to develop Maple Glen.

The Parks Foundation launched a fund raising campaign for the park's west side in 1992. After raising $700,000, the park's west side was developed and opened in June, 1994.

In April, 1997 Maple Glen Park was renamed Markin Glen Park to honor the history of the land and the Markin family's continued support of the park. On July 14, 1998 ground was broken on the east side of the park. Markin Glen's east side opened in 1999 and was finished in 2004, ending another chapter in this park land's rich history.

West Side of Markin Glen Park

Markin Glen Park's west side, a microcosm of the once-pristine landscape of southwest Michigan, is what ecologists dub a "climax community." It features steep inclines, lush forest floor, weathered maple and beech trees. Markin Glen Park is the result of hundreds, perhaps thousands, of years of nature's endeavors, as well as the recent efforts of human hands. This unique parcel of land, whose proximity to the urban area only strengthens its value, allows for great possibilities.

Attractions on the west side include walking trails, group rustic camping, two picnic shelters, a playground, and sports field. Its best attraction is the climax beech maple forest - it's breathtaking!

The campaign to develop Markin Glen's west side began in 1992. More than 350 individuals, organizations, businesses and government units/agencies came together to raise $700,000 for development of the west side and the creation of an endowment fund. The west side opened in June, 1994.

The endowment fund was created with $360,000, and today is worth more than $450,000. Income earned annually from the endowment helps fund operations at Markin Glen Park.

West Side Activities include picnic facilities, walking trails, softball, volleyball, horseshoes, and cross country skiing

East Side of Markin Glen Park --- (click here for a map of the east side)

The east side of Markin Glen Park is bordered on the west by Westnedge Avenue and on the east by the Kalamazoo River. This side of the park features flood plains and natural underground artesian wells that feed the park's two lakes. The east side features a swimming lake, fishing lake, full service overnight camping, tennis, trails and plenty of recreation areas.