William H. Haithco Recreation Area

William H. Haithco Recreation Area (also referred to as Haithco Park) is a 76-acre (31 ha) public park in Saginaw Charter Township, Michigan maintained by the Saginaw County Parks and Recreation Commission.[1][2]

William H. Haithco Recreation Area
Location2121 Schust Road, Saginaw Charter Township, Michigan
Coordinates43.47071°N 83.95905°W / 43.47071; -83.95905
Area76-acre (31 ha)
Operated bySaginaw County Parks and Recreation Commission
OpenFriday before Memorial Day until Labor Day
StatusOpen

History

It was a "borrow pit" for fill dirt for the I-675 construction and "dumping ground for trash" after the construction was completed.[3] While borrow pits are usually clay in nature, the site's man-made lake was actually spring fed. It became property of Saginaw Township after the I-675 construction was completed. Discussions on acquiring the land for the county began in the summer of 1986 and an arrangement was made in October 1986. Saginaw County Parks and Recreation acquired the 39-acre parcel north of the lake, which had been assessed at US$330,000 (equivalent to $881,002 in 2022) by a group of South Haven, Michigan attorneys and businessmen. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources provided 75% of the purchase cost, and the Saginaw County Government, Wickets Foundation, and William H. Haithco Sr. provided the additional 25%. The property was acquired for development as a park in December 1986.[4]

The Saginaw Valley Rotary Club donated US$8,500 (equivalent to $19,039 in 2022) in June 1990 to pay for the construction of two pavilions.[4]

The park was named for founder of the Saginaw County Parks and Recreation Commission, William H. Haithco Sr. in 1991. The lake was named for Haithco in May 1991. Haithco played an instrumental role in the development of the park.[3][4][5]

The pump track opened in August 2011 near the entrance of the park off Schust Road. The track features small hills and cost $15,000 to design and install.[6]

Features

The park includes a 40-acre (16 ha) man-made lake – known as Haithco Lake or Lake Haithco, a lifeguard supervised beach, sand volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, paddleboat rentals, rowboat rentals, canoe rentals, kayak rentals, playground, fishing access, barbecue grill, five pavilions available for rent, concession stand, a pump track,[6] and bathrooms. Dogs are not permitted at the park.[7]

Events

The park hosts a number of events throughout the year, such as fishing competitions, community fundraisers, and Children's Fun Days.[8][9]

Polar Plunge

Held annually since 2000, Polar Plunge is a fundraiser organized by the Law Enforcement Torch Run organization. During the event, people jump into Haithco Lake in the winter while the lake has ice, an activity known as polar bear diving. Money raised goes to support the Special Olympics Michigan.[10][11]

References
  1. "Haithco Park". Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved July 10, 2014.
  2. "Haithco Recreation Area County Park". Outdoor Michigan. Retrieved July 10, 2014.
  3. Johnson, Bob (March 20, 2011). "A life remembered: William H. Haithco Sr., father of parks and recreation in Saginaw County". MLive. Retrieved July 10, 2014.
  4. Haithco, Bill (2007). From the Farm to the Pharmacist and Beyond. iUniverse.
  5. "Parks and Recreation Commission — About Us". County of Saginaw, Michigan. Retrieved July 10, 2014.
  6. "Haithco Park to open new bike track". WNEM. August 31, 2011. Retrieved July 10, 2014.
  7. "William H. Haithco Recreation Area". County of Saginaw, Michigan. Retrieved July 10, 2014.
  8. "Children's Fun Day at Haithco on June 24". Township View. June 19, 2014. Retrieved July 10, 2014.
  9. "Children's Fun Day is Tuesday at Haithco Park in Saginaw Twp". WEYI. July 16, 2010. Retrieved July 10, 2014.
  10. Kohut, Alex (February 27, 2010). "More than 80 people take 'Polar Plunge' at Saginaw Township's Haithco Park". Bay City Times. Retrieved July 10, 2014.
  11. "Saginaw/Bay City Polar Plunge - 2013". FirstGiving. Retrieved July 10, 2014.
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