Milham Park Transformed From Bathing Beach To Troubled Zoo In Kalamazoo
Milham Park in Kalamazoo has had some interesting history, including some information I’ve never heard about, that at one point, it was a bathing beach.
That’s right, people would show up to the beach and bathe in the waters there, according to an old postcard that described Milham Park as a bathing beach in Kalamazoo.
Later on, there would actually be a bathing house that was built that people would use aside from the beach, which was mainly used for swimming. Milan Park has always had some interesting history, as it was the only zoo that Kalamazoo ever officially had.
The zoo even had bears and monkeys, but unfortunately, many of the animals were abused by people who visited, with many people claiming that things would be thrown at the animals.
The zoo eventually dissolved, but it is interesting to know that at one time the park used to be a bathing beach. One person found a postcard recently and posted about it on Facebook, expressing their shock to find out themselves about this little-known fact of the beach
Does anyone remember when Milham Park used to be a “bathing beach”?! When I saw this picture, I literally had to stand there and stare at it because I couldn’t believe my eyes!! I had no idea!! I think it's so cool though!
At one point in the playground area, there is apparently a rocket ship that many people finally remember, with one resident saying he even knew what happened to the rocket ship playground equipment once it disappeared:
A guy off G Ave and 28th Street bought it. He had several others at his place. I used to drive a tow truck, and had to pick up a car there once.
Whether or not that equipment is still there, you will have to go and check and see if you can spot it in anyone’s yard; just don’t trespass on anyone’s property looking for old rusty playground equipment.
If you want one of your own, you can currently buy one on eBay:
