Byron Township owns and operates three parks, and together they cover more than 100 acres of ball fields, playgrounds, courts and trails. Whether you need a soccer field, a skate park or a quiet place to fish, here's what each park offers and how to find it.

Whistle Stop Park (59 acres)

Address: 2120 76th Street SW

Whistle Stop is the township's largest and busiest park, and it's home to the Byron Days festival every July. It's also where the Byron Township Parks and Recreation office is located. Amenities include:

  • Baseball and softball fields for youth and adult leagues
  • Soccer fields and football fields
  • A 2.5-acre catch-and-release fishing pond
  • A walking trail
  • Play equipment
  • A pavilion and picnic area
  • A volleyball court

The township's community Easter egg hunt has been held on the soccer fields at Whistle Stop, which gave the event more room for kids than earlier locations.

Bicentennial Park (39 acres)

Address: 8085 Byron Center Avenue SW

Bicentennial Park, listed by the township as Byron Township Park, sits right along Byron Center Avenue close to downtown, which makes it an easy stop after school. Amenities include:

  • Tennis courts
  • Basketball courts and shuffleboard courts
  • Baseball and softball fields
  • A skate park
  • Play equipment
  • A pavilion and picnic area

In summer, Bicentennial has hosted Byron Center Movies in the Park nights, with family movies shown outdoors on a big screen.

Cutler Park (8 acres)

Address: 6701 Cutler Park Drive

Cutler is the smallest of the three and the quietest, a true neighborhood park. Amenities include:

  • Tennis courts and basketball courts
  • Baseball and softball fields
  • A soccer field
  • Play equipment

More places to get outside

  • Douglas Walker Park: a Kent County park on 84th Street in Byron Township.
  • Kent Trails: a paved multi-use trail for walking, running and biking that connects Byron Center north toward Grand Rapids. The Byron Days 5K course even uses part of it.

Renting a pavilion or field

Byron Township says its park properties and facilities are available to rent for parties, reunions and team events. Contact Byron Township Parks and Recreation at (616) 878-1998 or visit byrontownshiprec.org for availability, fees and current programs.

Which park should you visit?

  • For a big family day or sports: Whistle Stop
  • For skating, tennis or a quick stop near downtown: Bicentennial
  • For a quiet playground visit: Cutler
  • For a long walk or bike ride: Kent Trails

Looking for more? See our full guide to things to do in Byron Center, including Byron Days, the farmers market and local favorites.

Parks and recreation programs

Byron Township Parks and Recreation runs youth and adult programs throughout the year, many of them on these same fields. Seasonal favorites have included sports leagues, the community Easter egg hunt, Movies in the Park and family events such as Touch a Truck. Programs and dates change each season, so check the township's recreation site for the current schedule and registration.

Park tips for families

  • Bring water and sunscreen in summer. Shade is limited around the ball fields.
  • Expect busy evenings and Saturdays in spring and fall, when youth leagues fill the fields at Whistle Stop and Bicentennial.
  • Fishing at Whistle Stop is catch and release, and anglers 17 and older need a Michigan fishing license.
  • Reserve a pavilion early for graduation open houses and summer parties. Weekends book up fast.

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