Hess-Hathaway earns ‘Best Park’ honors — again

An article by Leslie Shepard    No Comments

For the second consecutive year, Hess-Hathaway Park in Waterford Township has been voted “Best Park” in metro Detroit by clickondetroit.com, the website for WDIV-Local 4.

“This is the second year in a row we’ve won it,” said Waterford Parks and Recreation Director Tom Newcombe. “Last year a bunch of camp counselors took it under their wing to get people to vote, but this year there was nothing organized so we’re very grateful we got voted No. 1 again.”

The park, located at 825 S. Williams Lake Road, has many amenities and is continually upgrading the aesthetics and adding more family-oriented features and activities.

Just last week, the Parks and Recreation Department began outlining a plan to host a Blue and Barbecue Festival at Hess-Hathaway and has tentatively scheduled it for Sept. 8.

In addition, Parks and Recreation and the Waterford School District were the co-recipients of a grant awarded by Blue Cross-Blue Shield. Parks and Recreation’s $20,000 portion will be used to erect a climbing boulder on the playground and build a small accessible trail at the park.

“We will also be buying community bikes to ride back trails,” Newcombe said. “We’re excited about things going on out there.”

Operated by the Waterford Parks and Recreation Department, Hess-Hathaway Park features an all-kids playground and maze, a USDA animal farm exhibit, the Lone Cedar Historical House, sand volleyball courts, walking/hiking trails, horseshoe pits, cross country skiing trails, a softball field, and community garden.

The park hosts a variety of summer farm camps, a concert series, family campouts, and sheep shearing events.

Some unique activities include a “kids-only” garage sale, a plant swap, hayrides, guided animal tours, and — a lakes area favorite — the Annual Harvest Happening fall festival.

Indoor and outdoor facilities are available for rental.