Flesher Field

Flesher Field is a popular destination for field games and family gatherings. It's also Oshtemo's community gathering space and home to 'Music in the Park' and other outdoor festivals. Park improvements were funded by a grant from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund with financial support from the Oshtemo Rotary Club, the Consumers Sunburst Run, and Oshtemo Township.

In addition to the wide open lawn area for field games, Flesher Field is home to 12 acres of woodlands with walking paths. The woodlands feature a canopy of white oaks interspersed with red and black oaks and hickory trees and support many species of wildlife, especially birds and butterflies. 

New addition: Fruit Belt Rail Corridor

In 2021, Oshtemo Township purchased a two-mile long section of former rail corridor property that adjoins Flesher Field on the north side. It is named the Fruit Belt Rail Corridor after the historic railway that operated on and off in the corridor from 1852 to 1924. Acquisition was funded by a grant from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund.

Ecological restoration of the property and planning for future interpretive signs are beginning, thanks to a 2022 Planet Award grant from the Consumers Energy Foundation. Kalamazoo Nature Center will undertake a majority of the restoration work, which will include an inventory of plant species and work plan for removal of invasive plants. Future plans are to construct a ten foot wide crushed stone trail in the corridor. 

Flesher Field visitors can walk from the park to enjoy hiking or birding on the old railway property. Signs pointing the way are at the north end of the park, near the driveway leading to Erie Street. There is no other access to the Rail Corridor at this time. 

Enjoying themselves in Flesher Field

Home of Oshtemo Fun Day

Pavilion Rental

The larger picnic pavilion (35′ x 35′), shown below, is available for rental.  It is handicap accessible, has two charcoal grills, and holds 9 picnic tables.  It can be rented for a full day (11am – 8pm) or a half day (11am-3pm or 4pm – 8pm).  No rentals are available on holidays.  A smaller picnic pavilion, also handicap accessible, is available on a first come-first serve basis.

 Click to view dates and times available or download a rental application.

A pavilion in Flesher Field

Gazebo Rental

Oshtemo Township’s new gazebo and garden area can be rented for outdoor weddings, concerts, and other special events.  All rentals include the following:

• 20’ wide gazebo surrounded by garden beds filled with flowering shrubs, ornamental grasses, and wildflowers.
• A crushed stone center aisle with an aisle on each side for arriving guests.
• Lawn area with space for approximately 200 guests, gently sloped to maximize views of the gazebo (chairs not provided).
• Tent space, if desired (tent not provided).
• Electricity is available at the gazebo and designated tent space.
• A 35’ x 35’ picnic pavilion is located nearby and can be rented with the gazebo and garden area for an additional fee. The picnic pavilion includes 9 picnic tables.
• The park also features a playground, wiffleball fields, restrooms, a second picnic shelter, mowed playing field, and a paved loop trail. Please note that the park remains open to the public during your rental period.
• The park is open from dawn to half an hour after sunset. Events after dark are not permitted.
• Alcohol not permitted.

  Click to view dates and times available or download a rental application.

  
  The Gazebo in Flesher Field

Location

3664 South 9th Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49009  View Map

42.257157844225624, -85.6777777036093

3664 South 9th Street , Kalamazoo, MI 49009

3664 South 9th Street , Kalamazoo, MI 49009

Flesher Field