Winter enthusiasts, don’t be fooled by the apparent lack of snow this winter because we all know that we are just one lake effect event away from not seeing the grass again until March.
That being said please mark your calendars to join the Cass County Parks and Recreation Department and The Friends of Cass County Parks as they celebrate the sixth year of Discover Winter Nights at Dr. T.K. Lawless Park.
This evening of winter fun runs from 5 to 9 p.m. every Saturday, beginning Jan. 21 through Feb. 11, 2012.
Weather permitting, this very popular winter event will feature a lighted tubing hill (tubes provided or bring your own), and three miles of lighted cross-country ski trails.  A warming fire and refreshments will be available for those wishing for a more relaxed atmosphere with family and friends.
Also back by popular demand, horse drawn sleigh rides will be at the park on Jan. 21 and Feb. 11.  Fees for this event include a $2 per person entrance fee and an additional $2 per person to enjoy a horse drawn sleigh ride through the peaceful, postcard like setting that is Lawless Park in the winter.
For our birding enthusiasts we will again be having an, “Owl Prowl,” at Lawless Park on Feb. 11 at 5 p.m.  Join Cass County Audubon Society Member Jon Wuepper as he shares insight about this magnificent bird and witness Jon using his unique communication skills to call an owl or two out of the woods for all to see.  Those who have witnessed Jon in action can attest that his skills are truly amazing especially when the owls are cooperating.
Remember, you need not wait until Discover Winter Nights to enjoy the beauty of Lawless Park.  Having hours of operation (sunrise to sunset) there is plenty to see and do during day light hours as well.  Conveniently located just south of M-60 on Monkey Run St., five miles West of Jones, this 820-acre park has long been the centerpiece of winter recreation within the Cass County Parks system.
Visitors of all abilities can enjoy more than seven miles of groomed cross-country skiing and hiking trails that travel through some of the most scenic countryside in Southwest Michigan. Traveling along these beautiful trails one can often view Bald Eagle, beaver, otter, whitetail deer and squirrel among others.
Just a couple of attractions available for viewing is a bald eagle nest identified along Hogback Lake and a newly constructed beaver damn just off trail number five. The breathtaking landscapes that blanket this park during the winter also provide a perfect spot for bird watching and for sitting back and enjoying the best nature has to offer at one of our many covered benches.
Of course, for those looking for a little more excitement, look no further than our groomed inner-tubing hill where you can bring your own tube or use one of ours for this exciting winter activity.
Looking for a unique place to hold that birthday party or youth event?  How about a tubing party at Lawless Park?  Give us a call to discuss party options and pricing.
For more information or snow conditions please call Cass County Parks and Recreation at (269) 445-4456 or e-mail Scott Wyman at scottwy@cassco.org.