Beyond the Desk is a publication of Genesee County’s Department of Human Resources and Labor Relations and our incredible HR Representatives, Cindy Pendergrass and Jasmine Barksdale.

Imagine winding your way along the peaceful trails at For-Mar Nature Preserve as the day fades into golden light, and then spotting a fawn just a few feet away, tucked quietly into the brush. Moments like that don’t feel staged or far away. They’re the kind of timeless, awe-filled experiences that can happen on an ordinary evening in Genesee County, thanks to the parks we’re lucky to have and the people who care for them every day.

For our second Beyond the Desk adventure, we visited Genesee County Parks and Recreation and met with Director Patrick Linihan, who shared an impressive overview of the department’s reach and impact. Genesee County’s parks include more than 11,000 acres of land and water and represent the largest county park system in the state of Michigan. Across the system you’ll find 46 miles of dirt roads, more than 26 miles of paved bike trails, three beaches, a historic village and four miles of steam-powered railroad, an ORV park, a nature center, a 250-site campground, multiple boat launches, over 20 day-use parks, equestrian facilities, and three disc golf courses, plus 55 urban parks maintained through a partnership with the City of Flint. The system is primarily funded by a parks millage, with additional support through revenue-generating facilities and public and private partnerships.

For-Mar Nature Preserve & Arboretum: Nature, Learning, and Discovery

For-Mar Nature Preserve and Arboretum spans 383 acres of meadows, ponds, and wooded landscapes, offering more than seven miles of trails to explore. Inside the preserve is a 116-acre arboretum featuring 157 different plant species, and the Visitor’s Center adds hands-on learning opportunities, including live animal exhibits. Visitors can also borrow Discovery Backpacks, designed to enrich outdoor learning adventures. Other special features include the Barrier Free Treehouse (wheelchair accessible), a Butterfly House that supports nine species of Michigan native butterflies, an apiary producing honey from four beehives, and a Sugar Shack where maple sap is harvested to make maple syrup.

One staff member, Breanna Bartels (Environmental Education Assistant), described the work as both a privilege and a responsibility, highlighting the value of being outdoors daily, partnering with local organizations, and helping people reconnect with nature and protect natural resources.

Safety Across the System: Park Rangers on Patrol

Genesee County Parks are protected 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by state-certified police officers known as Park Rangers. Rangers patrol more than 13,800 acres of parkland, 2,865 acres of waterways, five lakes, 27 miles of bike paths, and the 230-acre state park within the City of Flint, using SUVs, ATVs, patrol boats, and e-bikes. They’re fully authorized to enforce federal, state, and park regulations, as well as Michigan DNR park and waterway laws, helping ensure a safe and secure environment for everyone who visits.

Crossroads Village & Huckleberry Railroad: Stepping Into the Past

At Crossroads Village, visitors are transported to a time when life moved at a slower pace. Staff dressed in historically accurate attire help create an immersive atmosphere, and the Village includes 34 historic structures, many relocated there to preserve them when historic buildings elsewhere faced demolition. Guests can explore early 1900s amusement rides, watch magic shows, and experience demonstrations of traditional crafts. A favorite attraction, especially during the holiday season, is the Huckleberry Railroad, featuring a 40-minute train ride aboard either the newly rebuilt diesel Engine No. 12 or the coal-fired steam locomotive Engine No. 152, surrounded by festive lights and charming hand-painted signs. Crossroads Village was Genesee County’s Bicentennial Project and celebrates 50 years in 2026.

Beaches and Waterfalls: Summer Staples and Scenic Escapes

Genesee County is home to three beaches, each with its own vibe and amenities:

• Bluebell Beach offers more than lakeside relaxation, with a splash pad, picnic pavilions, and access to the Flint River Bike Path.
• Buttercup Beach, along the Holloway Reservoir near Wolverine Campground, is a great spot to relax in the sand while watching boats pass by.
• Clover Beach, part of Linden County Park, features baseball diamonds, tennis courts, picnic pavilions, and a scenic hiking trail.

Another standout destination is Stepping Stone Falls, described as one of Michigan’s most picturesque spots, complete with cascading waterfalls, walking trails, fishing areas, and picnic spaces. In the evening, the waterfalls are illuminated, creating a memorable light display.

More Ways to Explore: Camping, Equestrian Trails, Disc Golf, ORVs, and Winter Thrills

The system’s range of experiences is as diverse as the community it serves:

• Wolverine Campground features 250 campsites with access to a boat launch on Holloway Reservoir, swimming at Buttercup Beach, kayak rentals, trails, a playground, and multiple fishing spots.
• Everett A. Cummings Center is an equestrian facility and home of the annual Genesee County Fair, with 100 group campsites, show facilities, two outdoor arenas, one indoor arena, 160 stalls, and trail riding. Waterfowl hunting, sled dog training, and snowmobiling are permitted in designated areas.
• Elba Equestrian Complex spans 4,540 acres, including a small inland lake and campsites for overnight stays with horses.
• Goldenrod Disc Golf Course is a free, full-size 18-basket course, with printable scorecards available online (players bring their own equipment).
• Toboggan Hill offers an expert-level ride down a long, rolling hillside for those who want a thrill.
• The Mounds ORV Park is a 370-acre facility welcoming all ORVs, with 230 acres of drivable trails stretching more than 9.5 miles through woods, rocks, hills, sand, dirt, water—and plenty of mud.

The People Who Make It Happen

Genesee County Parks and Recreation “would not be what it is” without the collaborative efforts of dedicated employees across the system. The Beyond the Desk visit offered a glimpse into the teamwork behind the scenes: Sam and Courtney welcoming learners at the For-Mar Visitor’s Center; Jessica and Olivia cultivating the foliage along the trails; Scott keeping Crossroads Village running smoothly while introducing new events; Mike and Logan restoring and engineering locomotive and diesel engines; Bob and Justin handling carpentry projects like signage; and Sam, Kara, and Kelton bringing those signs to life through detailed, vibrant work. The department also recognized Chief Ranger Rick Witham and the ranger team for their ongoing commitment to park safety.

And when staff members describe what keeps them here, a shared theme rises to the top: pride in the mission, connection to community, and the joy of helping people create lasting memories—from peaceful walks to special events. In the words of one team member, the parks help people “get away” close to home—and that’s only possible because of the people who show up every day to make the entire system clean, safe, welcoming, and unforgettable.