Hess-Hathaway Park Events & Rental Information

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Photos


Please view our photo gallery for more images of the park.

Summer Hours (April 15-October 15)


The park is open 7 days a week, 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Winter Hours (October 16-April 14)


The park is open Friday - Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. It is closed Wednesday and Thursday.


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 10 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:
Enjoy this YouTube video of our 2018 Funtober event!!
No pets allowed
  1. Birthday Packages
  2. Group Activities
  3. Sponsor an Animal
  4. Community Garden

Birthday Party Packages


Standard Package includes:


  • Gazebo for 3 hours (Gazebo seats 32)
  • Guided Animal Tour
  • One Hayride (Wagon seats approximately 25)
  • May-October 15th

Upgraded Package includes:


  •  Community Building for 3 hours (seating for 32)
  • Guided Animal Tour
  • One Hayride (Wagon seats approximately 25)
  • May, July-October 15th
You may bring your own snacks, beverages, birthday cakes, etc.

Fee
  • Standard Package $150, $180 for non-residents
  • Upgraded Package $275, $305 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.

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.