Hartland in Hindsight #6- Heritage Park
Between 2000 and 2010, Hartland’s population experienced a major growth explosion. With a 33% increase in the number of residents, expanded local recreational areas were needed. Through conversations with community members, along with focused citizen surveys, the Township identified a need for more green space and public park facilities.
As the Township began to search for real estate, it became increasingly clear that the acreage previously purchased on M-59 could be developed into an expansive park complex to host athletic and community events for this growing population. With such a large undertaking, partnerships with local youth athletic programs become imperative to the completion of this project, which evolved into our present-day Heritage Park.
“Heritage Park is a perfect example of multiple community entities coming together for the betterment of our town,” says Township Supervisor Bill Fountain. “The funding and ongoing management of Heritage Park is a partnership between the township and athletic organizations such as Hartland Area Youth Athletic Association (HAYAA) and Hartland Community Soccer Association (HCSA). This coordination makes it possible for all stakeholders involved to benefit from these beautiful facilities while having a voice in how they are managed.”
In late 2012, Heritage Park kicked off its first phase of development; basic athletic fields were open and a gravel parking lot installed. By 2014, a Park Tasks Force, made up of Hartland residents, was established to aid in development of more complex projects such as the pavilion, playscape, and updated parking facilities.
Hartland Township Trustee Matt Germane served on the Park Site Plan Committee which worked alongside the Task Force and athletic organizations in the development and design of Heritage Park. As a lifelong Hartland resident, Germane has been a part of Hartland through times of growth and has a deep understanding of the community needs.
“We wanted to build something useful to our residents,” explains Germane about the Heritage Park project. “Not only do our youth have a ‘home field’ for practices and competitions, but the facilities also provide an economic boost to our local businesses. Hosting sporting competitions and tournaments brings in new faces who often take the time to shop at stores or enjoy a meal at one of our local restaurants.”
Heritage Park began as an answer to our growing community’s need for more green space and has developed into a place that hosts countless athletic and community events. The Township’s partnerships with athletic organizations along with resident input has given voices to involved parties to ensure that Heritage Park continues to create a heritage we can all be proud of.
