Walking through downtown Cheboygan is such an enjoyable experience — no matter the season. In the summer, you’ll see flowers in hanging baskets, planters in front of stores, flowers at Washington Park, Ottawa Park, and the huge concrete planters at Festival Square. In winter, greenery on light poles, evergreen trees and holiday decorations liven up cold days. One prominent downtown location, however, has a unique array of beautiful and colorful creations all year round.
Ottawa Park, at the corner of State Street (U.S. 23) and Main Street (U.S. 27) has flowers and trees; but it has a unique beauty. The historic Ottawa Park Hotel stood at this location for decades; and then the land stood empty for years. In 2005, community partners developed the property as an art park. In 2008, the non-profit group, Friends of Ottawa Park, was formed. Hard work, grant money, and volunteer hours transformed the empty lot into a wonderful community asset. Improvements like the covered pavilion, benches, walkways, and landscaping made the park very user-friendly. One of the goals stated in an Ottawa Park grant application was “to bring community together.”
How has Ottawa Park brought community together? One example is “Shimmy” — the large fish sculpture/bench which was designed by Molly Jo Noland, local teacher and Artist in Residence. Molly Jo and her husband, Ken Myles, designed the large fish-shaped sculpture; and then created an elaborate venue in the park for local adults and…
