Ella W. Sharp Park Jackson, Michigan

As you enter Ella W. Sharp Park in Jackson, Michigan through the main entrance you are first greeted with two impressive stone pillars made of Michigan stone. Just beyond the pillars stands the monument to the park's benefactor Ella W. Sharp. The curved road takes you past beautifully maintained lawns and flower beds ornamented by towering hardwood and evergreen trees.

Ella W. Sharp Park or lovingly known by locals as Ella Park or Sharp Park covers 562 acres of land along a branch of the Grand River. The park includes roads for driving, bike paths, and hiking trails through flat areas as well as rolling hills. While once a thriving Michigan farm visitors can enjoy the formal gardens, forest areas, and swamp lands all within the boundaries of the city of Jackson, Michigan.

Activities at Ella W. Sharp Park:

Rain or shine there is something to do at Ella Sharp Park. Along with the gardens, paths, and trails the following is a list of other activities offered at the park providing both indoor and outdoor enjoyment.

The Ella Sharp Museum of Art & History
Ella Sharp's 19th century Farmhouse
An Old Time One Room Schoolhouse
An Authentic Log Cabin
Other Historical Farm Out Buildings
Friends Gift Shop
Peter F. Hurst Planetarium
Putt-Putt Golf (18 holes)
An18 hole Full-Sized Golf Course
Golf Learning Center (practice or learn)
2 Pavilions
Sharp Park Pool (Olympic sized)
Softball Fields (2 lighted + 1 more)
Football Fields (3 full sized)
Soccer Fields (4 full sized)
Tennis Courts (4 paved)
Volleyball Courts (2)
Basketball Court (1)
Fishing Area (a branch of the Grand River)
Carter's Corner Playground Area

History of Ella W. Sharp Park:
Ella Sharp Park came into being through the donation of a Michigan farm owner Ella W. Sharp having bequeathed the 530 acres of property, her family home, and a sizable trust fund left to the city of Jackson with the stipulation that all be used to develop a park for the citizens of the city of Jackson. When she died in 1912 the wheels for Ella W. Sharp Park went into motion and within a few short years the roads and play areas were laid out along with the gardens. About 20 years later Ella Sharp's house was turned into what is now the Ella Sharp Museum.

The Ella Sharp Museum is not only on the National Register of Historic Places but is also listed as a State of Michigan Landmark and is accredited by the American Association of Museums. The museum host such displays as the exhibit of John James Audubon: American Artist and Naturalist in June and August of 2009.

Cost for Ella W. Sharp Park:
FREE - while different activities such as pools, golf, and museums have fees enjoyment of the park, gardens, playgrounds, and trails are cost free.

Hours at Ella W. Sharp Park:
5 a.m. - 10 p.m. 7 days a week.
The pools, golf facilities, museums, and gift shops have varied hours within park hours.

Directions to Ella W. Sharp Park:
Jackson, Michigan is located along Interstate 94, about halfway between Battle Creek and Ann Arbor and is a reasonable drive from Detroit, Grand Rapids, Flint, and Lansing Michigan, as well as South Bend, Indiana, and Toledo, Ohio. The park is accessible from I-94 and US-127 south.

Photographs of Ella Sharp Park
Photographs of Ella Sharp Park Flower Gardens
Photographs of Ella Sharp Park Activities