Pavilion #1 and #2 rental form click here

Grand Pavilion rental form click here

Riverside Gardens has been under active development since 2003.  The park continues to grow with the expansion of landscape beds & tree plantings.  The Frances Schwartz Grand Pavilion overlooks the St. Joseph River.  This pinnacle is constructed of 3 large open-air pavilions.  The center pavilion is a 52’ octagon that attaches to a 36’ octagon pavilion on either side via a pergola. Each pavilion is equipped with electrical outlets and there is a main electrical board that provides 6 duplex receptacles and a variety of options for 220 service.  ADA access is available via a 12 foot sidewalk from the circle drive off of the Grabill Road.   This structure is anticipated to accommodate outdoor concerts, weddings and other community events.

Intended as an asset to the varying local park system, this 9-acre park provides lots of open green space. Our mulched walking path is a ½ mile in length and offers varying elevation with a side loop that wanders through a spring garden area.  In addition to the Grand Pavilion, this park offers two other 20’x 40’ open air pavilions adjacent to the parking lot off of the Schwartz Road.  These pavilions have electrical outlets and wooden picnic tables and are reservable for family activities, club events, concerts, etc.  A modern bathroom facility is accessible from the parking lot or the ADA trail from the Grand Pavilion.

As plans are completed, the park will also provide an exercise loop and a boat/fishing dock is also planned for the southern end of the Spring Garden which would provide access from the St. Joseph River. We continue to evaluate other interactive features that would not draw away from the vast open layout of this park. 

Design and Development

The Leo-Cedarville Master Plan (1998) and the Courier survey (2001) of area residents were key factors in developing the proposal. It was overwhelmingly clear from the survey that the community did not want this property on the west side of Schwartz Road to be commercially developed. Rather, a landmark that enhanced the natural beauty of the town was the dominant desire of the residents. In keeping with the wishes of the community, efforts were made to develop a solution that would be flexible enough to attract and accommodate the entire community.  We recently (2009) conducted a residential survey for the Park Board to support the priority projects and expansion of the local park system.  As a result, the modern bathroom facility has now been completed in accordance with the desires of the community.