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Hess-Hathaway Park Events & Rental Information
Photos
Please view our photo gallery for more images of the park.
Winter Hours (October 16-April 14)
Spring/Summer Hours (April 15-Labor Day)
Fall (After Labor Day-October 15)
The Park is open 7 days a week from 10:00AM-dusk or 8:00PM whichever comes first.
Park is closed the following dates:
January 1, November 23, December 24 & 25
Fees
There is no admission fee to enter the park. However, during special events you may be asked to give a donation at the gate.
Rentals
All rentals must be scheduled at least 14 days in advance. To secure your date you must pay the rental fee along with the damage deposit fee. To reserve a park pavilion, park gazebo, Community Building, guided animal tour or hayride contact the main Waterford Parks and Recreation office at 248-674-5441.
Facility Evaluation Form (PDF)
The following are available to rent at Hess-Hathaway Park:
Birthday Party Packages
Standard Package includes:
- Gazebo for 3 hours (Gazebo seats 32)
- Guided Animal Tour
- One Hayride (Wagon seats approximately 20)
- April 15-October 15, Saturday & Sunday Only
Upgraded Package includes:
- Community Building for 3 hours (seating for 32)
- Guided Animal Tour
- One Hayride (Wagon seats approximately 20)
- April 15-October 15, Saturday & Sunday Only
You may bring your own snacks, beverages, birthday cakes, etc.
Fee
- Standard Package $175, $205 for non-residents
- Upgraded Package $300, $330 for non-residents
Hours
- 11:00AM - 2:00PM OR 3:00 - 6:00PM
Refunds/Cancellation Due to Inclement Weather
- Call and leave a message at Hess-Hathaway Park to let the Farm Staff know you will not be coming 248-360-3814.
- Waterford Parks and Recreation Department will make every attempt to reschedule the Birthday Party Package date during the current calendar year. Renter must notify the Waterford Parks and Recreation Department 248-674-5441, the next business day following your scheduled rental date to reschedule the Birthday Party Package. If it cannot be rescheduled during the current calendar year, renter will received a full refund minus a $20 cancellation fee.
- Refunds/Cancellations Not Related to Inclement Weather - Full notice of cancellation must be received at least 30 days prior to the rental date. All fees and charges for the Birthday Party Package are refundable minus a $20 cancellation fee. Refunds will not be granted with less than 30 days remaining prior to the rental date. If you are eligible for a refund: If you paid with cash or check, a refund check will be mailed to you within 3-4 weeks. If you paid with a credit card the card used for initial transaction would be credited.
Available by reservation only. Mondays and Fridays, 11:00AM-2:00PM, April 15-October 15.
- Gazebo $50
- Pavilion II $60
- Pavilion I $70
- Group rates only apply Mondays and Fridays, April 15-October 15
- Must reserve and pay for gazebo or pavilion in advance
- $4 per person, minimum of $60 per tour
- Tour takes approx. 20 minutes
- Paid in cash to the Farmer
- $4 per person, minimum of $60 per wagon
- Wagon accommodates up to 20 people
- Ride is approx. 20 minutes
- Paid in cash to the Farmer
- $7 per person, minimum of $105
Sponsor an Animal
Animal Sponsorships include the following:
- Recognition on a plaque in the barn
- Certificate of Appreciation (sent digitally)
- Recognition on our website and social media
- Invitation to meet with our farm staff for a unique, close encounter and photo of your sponsored animal. Calling in advance to schedule this visit is required.
- Animal Sponsorship Form
Thank You
Waterford Parks and Recreation would like to thank the following people for their animal sponsors:
- Baylee Bunker
- Dan & Pat Ludwig
About the Community Garden Project
The Citizens Farm Project seeks to educate our residents and encourage healthy local organic growing with little or none of the carbon emissions commercial farming can produce. As a citizen farmer, participants will be renting 10' x 10' foot plots of land within the Hess-Hathaway Park. Participants may rent as many plots as space allows. All efforts will be made for citizen farmers to retain plots from year to year, if desired.
Sign Up
A one-time, $10, lifetime membership fee and annual $25 plot fee for Waterford residents ($40 plot fee for White Lake residents) will be charged payable to Waterford Parks and Recreation and subject to review yearly. Returning citizen farmers will have until March 14 to reserve their plot from the previous year. All fees are for the benefit of the Waterford Parks and Recreation Department and Hess-Hathaway Park. Upon payment citizen farmers will be provided a badge and access to leased plots. Upon expiration or termination of a citizen farmer’s participation in the program, all keys and program identification badges shall be returned to Hess-Hathaway Park.
More Information
Park History
In 1985 Mrs. Myrtle Hess, owner of the Lone Cedar Farm, bequeathed her farm land property to Waterford Township. The property was to be used for the citizens; a place where people could visit and enjoy the outdoors.Mrs. Hess loved the outdoors and, a farmer herself, enjoyed raising prize winning dairy cattle and sheep. Lone Cedar Farm now Hess-Hathaway Park, was named after Myrtle Hess and her family. The park is now operated by Waterford Township Parks and Recreation Department.
The All Kids Playground was added in 2002 through donations from the National Council of Jewish Women of Greater Detroit. The playground is accessible for all abilities and it makes the park a perfect destination for a combination of farm animals and fun for the whole family. In 2013 a climbing boulder and drinking fountain were added. In 2018 the Gaga Ball Pit was constructed. In 2019 horseshoe pits were updated and relocated.
We strive to honor Myrtle Hess and her family by making the park a great place to visit.