Brandon Twp.- The community park, 1414 N. Hadley Road, is temporarily closed.
As of Oct. 12, the park will remain shut for the next six weeks, with the exception of Oct. 25, when it will open for a fun run. The closure is needed for maintenance reasons.
‘Eight acres of phase one in the park, which consists of multi-purpose fields, is being aerated and overseeded,? said Brandon Recreation Director Fred Waybrant. ‘The last application of fertilizer and weed control is being put down as well.?
Tru-Green is contracted by the township for park maintenance. The company recommended the park be closed to eliminate foot traffic following irrigation, as there is a small window for the growing season, Waybrant said. The soccer fields at the park have not been aerated since play began on them in 2008. The company will take plugs out of the soil, loosening the ground and helping with moisture and planting of seeds. Waybrant expects the work will result in better fields for kids to play on next spring.
Additionally, he will take advantage of the closure to have grading done in some of the parking lot. The Brandon Community Park Club has donated funds for asphalt milling and Northern Pines Landscaping has donated use of a tractor for repairing walkways, drain pipes and the driveway. Plans have also been made to trim and remove dead trees and plant new ones in the tree library.
The park will open for one day, Oct. 25, for the Fall Family Fun Fest, sponsored by the Ortonville Rotary Club and Brandon Township Parks and Recreation. The event features a Zombie Fun Run, a 2.5 or 5K Run/Walk and a Monster Mash Dash for those under 12. There will be a Monster Hill Big Wheel and Car Derby, Downhill Pumpkin Golf, costume contest, cider and doughnuts, free candy and more. The event will take place in phase II and III of the park, and won’t disturb the fields.
The park reopens to the general public on Dec. 1. For more information, call recreation at 248-627-4640.