O.B. Fuller Park has officially reopened its day use area, and two new playgrounds will be dedicated Wednesday. (Photo courtesy of Delta County)

BARK RIVER — Community members can once again enjoy the O.B. Fuller Park day use area as well as two new playgrounds at what Delta County Parks and Recreation Manager Heather Leduc says is “one of the county’s most treasured public parks.”

Located 15 miles south of Escanaba along the shores of Lake Michigan, O.B. Fuller Park offers both camping and day use. Residents have long enjoyed the park as a place to picnic, swim, camp, launch small watercraft, walk the shoreline and spend time outdoors.

With the day use area now fully open to the public, community members are invited to enjoy the park for beach-going, swimming, kayaking, picnicking, nature walks, family gatherings and recreation along the shoreline.

The reopening marks an important step forward for O.B. Fuller Park following past uncertainty and controversy surrounding public access to the day use area. Delta County reaffirms that the park is now open, accessible and available for the public to enjoy.

The community is invited to attend the park’s reopening celebration and playground dedication Wednesday at 1 p.m. at the park, 850 State Highway M-35, Bark River.

Activities will include a ribbon cutting, playground dedication and remarks. Residents are encouraged to bring their families, enjoy the park and help celebrate the return of a beloved public space.

As part of the celebration, Delta County Parks & Recreation will dedicate two new playgrounds designed to create safe, welcoming places for children and families to gather and enjoy the outdoors together.

“This is a joyful day for Delta County,” said Delta County Commissioner Christine Williams. “O.B. Fuller Park belongs to the public, and we want every resident and visitor to know they are welcome here. This park has been part of local family memories for generations, and today we are celebrating a fresh new chapter.”

One of the new playgrounds, named “Nono’s Playground,” honors longtime camp host Pat Nault, affectionately known by generations of campers as “Nono,” the Italian word for grandfather.

Nault served as camp host at O.B. Fuller Park Campground for 12 years and became one of the heartbeats of the park community. He was described as having a welcoming spirit that left a lasting impression on countless families.

While Nault passed away in July 2023, his memory remains deeply woven into the spirit of O.B. Fuller Park.

Nono’s Playground is located on the south side in the campground section of the park across from the Camp Host and next to the campground bathhouse. There is also an artesian well on the site. 

The second playground, named “Barkville Playground,” is the larger playground located on the north end of the park within the day use area and celebrates the history and spirit of the Bark River community.

Situated near where the river flows into the waters of Lake Michigan, the playground is centered among a small launch, two cabins, a picnic area and the beach.

“These playgrounds represent so much more than new equipment,” said Delta County Administrator Emily DeSalvo. “They represent investment in families, children, community and the simple joy of spending time together outdoors. We hope people come to O.B. Fuller, bring a picnic, walk the beach, launch a kayak, let the kids play and create memories that last a lifetime.”

O.B. Fuller Park’s location at the mouth of the Bark River in Ford River Township makes it one of Delta County’s most special public access points to both inland water and Lake Michigan. The Bark River, once named Birch Bark River by the Potawatomi, was later renamed Bark River after early railroad surveyors observed an abundance of bark in the river.

“O.B. Fuller Park is open,” said LeDuc. “The beach is open. The picnic areas are open. The playgrounds are ready. We are excited to welcome everyone back to this beautiful place on Lake Michigan.”

For more information about O.B. Fuller Park, contact Delta County Parks and Recreation at 906-786-1020 or visit Delta County Parks.

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Sophie Vogelmann can be reached at 906-786-2021 or svogelmann@dailypress.net.