PARIS — Two long time Paris residents, John and Carolyn Pasquantonio, have been recognized by the Mecosta County Parks Commission for their dedication and hard work in establishing and maintaining the White Pine Valley Recreation Area trail system in Paris.

On June 28, the parks commission presented a bench to the Pasquantonios for their continued hard work keeping the trails of the WPVRA clear of debris and in good walking condition.

 “Over the last 12 years, John and Carolyn have voluntarily developed about three miles of trails, including several smaller loops, throughout the property,” park commission member Bill Stanek said. “They have them all mapped out and marked. After developing the trails, they have continued to keep them free of fallen branches or other trip hazards.”

John and Carolyn came before the parks commission in 2012 and asked if they could help develop some hiking trails on property south of their home that is owned by the Mecosta County Parks, Stanek said. 

They informed the commission they have done these types of projects all over the state of Michigan, as well as other states, and they knew a lot of other people that they believed would enjoy the trails for walking, and/or snowshoeing. They were granted permission to develop the trails.

A few years later, the parks commission named the property the White Pine Trail Recreation Area, a 160 acre property in Green Charter Township north of 22 Mile Road.

“There are a couple of unique things about this park,” Stanek said. “There are no wet areas on the property and it is therefore mosquito-free. There is also no poison ivy to worry about. In the summer this is a nice place to walk with children, and, in the winter, it is a great place to cross country ski or snowshoe.”

Due to the generosity of John and Carolyn donating their time and energy to keep the trails clear, the park commission has been able to keep it a free park, Stanek said.

“The commission wanted to do something special for the Pasquantonios,” he said. “Because of their love for nature, it was decided to present them with a bench that would be a permanent part of the park.”

 He added it was a total surprise to them, and when John first saw it, he was speechless.

“Other than my wife, this is the best thing anyone has done for me,” John later said.

The commission is currently working to develop a rustic campground on the western side of the White Pine Valley Recreation Area property that had previously been used by the Boy Scouts. The goal, Stanek said, is to make it a legal group camp that could once again be used by them.

“If you are looking for a quiet, peaceful setting, check out what the county has to offer at the White Pine Valley Recreational Area,” Stanek said.

For more information about the Mecosta County parks, visit: mecostacountyparks.com.