Hidden River Park

Hidden River Park is a quaint "pocket park" located at the corner of Mt. Vernon Avenue and Moorland Street in East Lansing’s Southeast Marble neighborhood. Officially dedicated in 2007, this .2-acre green space is the smallest park in East Lansing, but it offers a serene, natural environment that emphasizes play and relaxation. The park is named after an underground tributary that once flowed above ground in the surrounding area.

The park serves as a natural playground, designed with environmentally friendly elements and natural materials. It features a limestone pathway loop and a sand play area with climbing stones, making it ideal for children to interact with nature. Mature spruce trees provide ample shade and aesthetic value, enhancing the overall ambiance. Visitors of all ages can enjoy the park’s benches, swing set, and picnic tables, which are often moved under the trees for shade. During its development, the park benefitted from strong community involvement, with neighborhood leaders and the city working together to create the space.

Since its creation, Hidden River Park has become a communal hub, hosting neighborhood picnics, ice cream socials, and other small gatherings. Its compact size and minimalistic amenities make it a peaceful retreat, perfect for nearby residents to unwind or for kids to explore a simple, nature-based play area.