Highland Park — Attraction in Kokomo

We went to the park today to celebrate my sweet baby's first birthday. We selected a small area shelter with 4 picnic tables. There was nothing stating it was reserved AT ALL. There was nothing with names, nothing. So we set up and had lunch. A couple times as we are doing the party, a couple came close by and kept staring. Finally the woman came up and asked if this was a certain pavilion. We told them where the pavilion was (because this was not it) and continued celebrating our little guy. We were coming to the end, doing presents and getting ready to do cake. This time a young couple came up and the girl began to cry asking how much longer we would be because they rented this space for her graduation party, she had 50-60 guests coming and they were all starting to show up. I felt for this girl, but I was absolutely infuriated that this space was not marked as reserved and my son's party was interrupted. We explained we were doing gifts then cake and we would leave. (It was 2:15). After saying this, the girl's family members lingered and stared at us. The grandmother kept going around talking to my guests. I felt terrible this happened to this girl, but I definitely feel like my son's birthday being ruined was not even considered. The park was completely at fault and should have had this area marked as reserved. I literally chose this spot because it had 4 tables, was small, and was not reserved. I was also pretty confused because we had 15-20 people and the space was filled. Idk how 50-60 guests would fit there but that's besides the point. I will never ever ever have a birthday party, get together, or take my children here for anything after this. My child's birthday was ruined. This girl's guests are all in my child's birthday pictires because they literally stood there and stared at us. The grandma was at least considerate and deescalated the situation but the mom was rude as heck. She had an attitude with us, and this was not at all our fault. This was the people who run the park's fault. This park sucks. The spot we were at did not look like a spot that would be reserved at all. So I'm sorry they wasted any money on that spot because it was not an area I would pay a dime for. They should definitely get their money back and the people who are in charge should learn to do their job and actually mark...

There are many parks in Kokomo...but Highland has been the park I grew up with and while I rotate the parks I take my kids (Jackson Marrow is nice...but they do not maintain the playground and is long due for an expansion...so much room...so little to do), you can find us at Highland Park a couple of times a week. We always park the car by Big Ben, walk down the stairs, over the red bridge, to the big playground which is the most modern in Kokomo, then the hi-trail, maybe fish at the waterfall, walk back along the road, watch a little baseball if the season is right...get some baseball food, and back across the bridge, back up the stairs and head home. No other park in Kokomo has all that. Water Works is ok. Foster Park...meh. I have seen 3 fist fights there in the last 2 years. Highland Park is place....it is good to switch it up and see new things from time to time. Also....I feel like my kids have made more friends there than all the other parks combined and not just because we go there more often. Not sure why....it's just a thing. We have traveled across the country and been to some really amazing parks that trump Highland easily....Charleston Park in Lafayette being the closest...dang that park is nice....but for Kokomo...5 out of 5 stars. Nice safe place to bring your kids with plenty to do. And sometimes the icecream place is open or there is the icecream-mobile...but I think we were there over 20 times this summer and only were able to get icecream twice. Not a big deal...if we wanted icecream badly enough we could have just brought some. It's just a nice little bonus. Maybe it is more special if not available that often. ...

Kokomo has many nice parks; probably eight or nine of them. The three largest are Highland Park, Foster Park and Jackson Morrow Park, they are all very nice. Highland Park features mini large grassy areas that are great for walking and frisbee, jogging and other activities. There are baseball diamonds and basketball courts. There are many large picnic areas. There are a few playground areas, including one large playground space. There’s one playground especially for toddlers. There’s a nice pavilion with seating for fun outdoor concerts during the summer. Highland Park even has old Ben, the largest steer on record (stuffed of course). They also have the massive old Sycamore stump, a covered bridge, and a canon. Whether you’re looking for a place for your kids or grandkids to burn off some energy, looking for a place to take a nice quiet walk or a jog, or maybe take in the beauty of God‘s creation, Highland Park is a great place to visit when the...