Explore: Depot Park in Clarkston

Explore: Depot Park in Clarkston
(Crystal A. Proxmire, Aug. 12, 2018)
Clarkston, MI – Depot Park in Downtown Clarkston is a center point for community life, as well as a great place to visit and connect with nature.  Especially ducks.
The Clinton River winds through the park, and a quaint bridge and gazebo make for a picturesque scene.  And about a dozen ducks enjoy the banks and the flocks of people who evidently feed them.  They are very friendly.
There’s a paved path through the park that is good for a short little stroll, and there is playground equipment for younger visitors.  A recent addition is the return of the Evan’s Choo Choo collection, named after a boy in the community who died of a rare condition called Leigh’s Disease in 1994.
“After Evan’s death, so many kind friends, family and people in the community wanted to do something in memory of this sweet little boy.  That summer, a volunteer-led rebuilding project of the playground provided the opportunity as many contributed to the park and new equipment in Evan’s name. The train came about as Evan loved “choo choo’s,” said Clarkston Cultural Arts Council Creative Director Denyse Loveless Couture.
She and Dana Blust, along with support from Clarkston Rotary and Friends of Depot Park, recently took the pieces to be repainted and gave them a whimsically detailed facelift.
Other amenities include a Little Free Library where people can leave books for strangers to take and enjoy.  And sometimes one might find a happiness rock hidden by someone from the Clarkston Rocks group (The one pictured here has since been re-hidden in Port Huron for those who are curious).
Depot Park also is home to many community events, including an annual ice festival and summer concerts in the park.
For those unfamiliar with the City of the Village of Clarkston, it is a community full of historic homes and buildings, including an historic downtown, with the main street just half a block from Depot Park.
Learn more about Friends of Depot Park at http://www.villageofclarkston.org/2346/Friends-of-Depot-Park-Committee
Find other places to explore in Oakland County and beyond at https://oaklandcounty115.com/category/explore/
 

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