Formerly the site of an early-20th-century amusement park and resort popular with residents of nearby Grand Rapids, it is adjacent to the suburb's modern-day city center, and serves as a symbol for the community.

The lake is a habitat for the great blue heron, as well as for several Anatidae species, such as the Canada goose, trumpeter swan, and mallard, and other waterfowl such as American coots and gulls.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources stocks the lake with various fish species, including northern pike and largemouth bass.

The park has a public boat launch which is open during daylight hours, and a private boathouse and dock for the East Grand Rapids High School rowing team.

Minimally developed, it includes 11 acres of undeveloped woodland and wetland, fishing and observation piers that extend into the lake, and a mix of paved and unpaved foot paths.