This park is located on the site of one of the greatest tragedies ever experienced by a community. More than 40 people died here (mostly children) and many more were injured. Despite this, it is not well known, even in the communities around the area. The events are summarized on a variety of historical markers and plaques in the park.
The coordinates given should place you in the middle of the park in front of the focal point of the site. These are an average of four readings, but even if they're off a bit, you will have no trouble finding the correct area.
Parking is located at N 42 deg 48.999' W084 deg 26.978'
This is a quiet little village park, take time to sit on some of the benches and enjoy the ambience while contemplating the events of the past. There is also a memorial to all Veterans located on this site.
The cache "owner" helped to raise funds for the gazebo located at this site, and also assisted in building it, many years ago. Many pig roasts and spaghetti dinners were required to raise the funds for this structure. During this time, the first of the ongoing International Bath Tub Races were held. At times, candidates have come from other states and countries to compete in these annual events. Don't expect any peace and quiet if you come during the annual Bath Days celebration. At that time, this park is full of booths vending all kinds of merchandise. This usually occurs in late June or early July if I remember correctly.
Across the street to the east (and north a bit) in the Bath Middle school is a nice little museum dedicated to the history of the school system. If you're here while school is open, you are welcome to check in at the Middle School office, then peruse the exhibits in the museum. Many pertain to the tragedy, many do not. Admission is free, the only strings are that you have to check in at the office and the museum is only open during school hours or by special appointment. You can contact MiTuCats to arrange an appointment.
To claim a find on this cache, you must e-mail me the answers to the following questions. Feel free to log this cache without waiting for an e-mail response, but any logs without confirming details will be deleted.
In the winter, if snow cover prevents reading the ground level items, we'll forego those questions if the other answers are correct.
PLEASE: Do NOT post the answers on your log. If you do, they will be deleted.
1) What is the Michigan Registered Site number from the Michigan Historic Site marker located in the park?
2) On the memorial marker on the boulder, what citizen's name is located at the bottom center of the plaque?
3) In the brick walkway around the focal point of the park, what is the upper right name in the bricks on the South side of the structure?
4) In the brick walkway around the focal point of the park, what is the upper left name in the bricks on the North side of the structure?
5) What is the structure at the focal point of the park, and where was it originally located?
A related cache - GC1TPY9 "The Small Denizens of Pleasant Hill by Mr. and Mrs. Salimonyous (NOW ARCHIVED, LISTED FOR REFERENCE)
Another related cache by MiTuCats is GC1VBXP Michigan Spirit Quest #46: Wilsey Cemetery
Voted one of the Lansing Area's Top Caches for 2011.
Voted one of the Lansing Area's Top Caches for 2015.