Peterson Playfield
Rate this placeNearby: Varier Playground Bale Playground
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Peterson Playfield is a recreational area located in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
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Summary
It is a popular destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts, as it offers a range of activities and amenities. One of the main draws of Peterson Playfield is its extensive trail system, which is perfect for hiking, running, and biking. The trails wind through wooded areas, across bridges, and around small ponds, providing visitors with a scenic and peaceful setting to exercise and explore.
In addition to the trails, Peterson Playfield also has a playground, picnic areas, and athletic fields for soccer, baseball, and softball. There is also a disc golf course with 18 holes, which is a favorite of many visitors.
Some interesting facts about the area include that it was originally used by the military as a training ground during World War II, and that it is now home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, foxes, and turtles.
The best time of year to visit Peterson Playfield depends on personal preference and the desired activities. The park is open year-round, but the summer months are the busiest and offer the most opportunities for outdoor activities. However, the fall is also a beautiful time to visit, as the changing leaves create a stunning backdrop for hiking and biking.
Overall, Peterson Playfield is a great destination for anyone looking to get outside and enjoy Michigan's natural beauty. With its numerous trails, athletic facilities, and family-friendly amenities, it is a must-visit location in the Grand Rapids area.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Varier Playground
Bale Playground
Diack Park
Fields Playground
Gorham Playground