Silverwood Park is officially closed to the public due to major construction. Three Rivers Park District anticipates the initial phase to be complete in 2009.

A peaceful haven in the heart of the city, Silverwood is great place to escape for a Sunday stroll, canoe outing or family picnic. The park was once home to the Salvation Army's historic Silver Lake Camp and Conference Center, which operated on the site from 1921-2004.

Silverwood features a short hiking trail, a picnic shelter, canoe/kayak access, shorefishing and picnic areas. The park provides habitat for numerous wildlife including sharp-shinned hawks, white-breasted nuthatches and cedar waxwings. Its most significant natural feature is a 20-acre mature upland oak forest that features mainly white oaks, but also contains red oak, bur oak, cherry and aspen.

Facilities and Amenities

Hiking Trails - A one-mile turf hiking trail connects to interior park roads.

Picnic Shelter - A picnic shelter is located on one of the park's islands; it is accessible by a footbridge.

Canoeing/Kayaking - Bring a canoe or kayak and paddle peaceful Silver Lake. Canoe rentals are not available at this time.

Fishing - Shore fishing is available; fish in Silver Lake include crappies, sunfish, northern pike, walleye, bullheads and carp. A concrete boat launch is located outside of the park on the southwest side of the lake. Motorized and non-motorized boats may be launched from that location. There is no boat launch available at Silverwood, but canoes and kayaks can be carried in and launched from shore.

Programs - Discover the wonders of the natural world and learn new recreational skills at Three Rivers Park District's programs for children and adults.

Park Buildings – Until recently there were numerous buildings in Silverwood Park. These were established by the Salvation Army and supported the past operation of a residential camp. After Three Rivers Park District conducted a thorough analysis of these buildings, most were removed from the Park with the exception of two small administrative buildings, a maintenance facility and the island picnic shelter.

Wild Things - Silverwood boasts 2,300 feet of shoreline on Silver Lake. The park provides habitat for numerous wildlife including sharp-shinned hawks, white-breasted nuthatches and cedar waxwings. The park ’s most significant feature is a 20-acre mature upland oak forest that features mainly white oaks, but also contains red oak, bur oak, cherry and aspen.

Pets are not allowed at Silverwood.