Hartbrook Park - Hartland, WI
When a February day in Wisconsin hits upwards of 70 degrees, you get outside. I stepped from my winter cocoon and out into immediate summer. It was just the one day, and so surreal. I took a drive to the Hartland area and explored a new community park - Hartbrook Park.
This 12.5 acre park along the Bark River was hopping. Kids in summer attire were playing on the playground, some other folks were enjoying hitting a baseball out on the baseball field, and the basketball backboard was getting plenty of action. There was plenty of bird watching action, too: Red-wing blackbirds had returned, red-bellied woodpeckers, white-breasted nuthatches, chickadees, juncos and robins all flew about, perched on tree branches, and dipped their beaks into the water for a drink.
I took a walk along the river, stopping at the pedestrian bridge to get a view of the flow from each side, then caught up with the Ice Age Trail that passes through the bark and winds along further with the river. The Ice Age Trail passes between private residences and the river, and includes a scenic boardwalk trail. Mallard ducks were swimming back and forth - one of the locals told me he noticed they usually find some open spots on the river throughout the winter. And that the area isn't plowed of snow or ice. So, just beware. Of course, on this day, snow and ice were completely absent.
Picnic tables are on site, as well as a rentable open air shelter. There's an open, multi-purpose field, paved walking trails, volleyball court, park benches, and a grill and restroom available in season.
Hours of Operation: Open daily, sunrise to sunset
Fees: None
Parking: Parking lot available
Dogs allowed, but must remain on leash and be picked up after.
Location: 515 Rae Drive, Hartland, WI (Waukesha County)
For more information, click here.
This 12.5 acre park along the Bark River was hopping. Kids in summer attire were playing on the playground, some other folks were enjoying hitting a baseball out on the baseball field, and the basketball backboard was getting plenty of action. There was plenty of bird watching action, too: Red-wing blackbirds had returned, red-bellied woodpeckers, white-breasted nuthatches, chickadees, juncos and robins all flew about, perched on tree branches, and dipped their beaks into the water for a drink.
I took a walk along the river, stopping at the pedestrian bridge to get a view of the flow from each side, then caught up with the Ice Age Trail that passes through the bark and winds along further with the river. The Ice Age Trail passes between private residences and the river, and includes a scenic boardwalk trail. Mallard ducks were swimming back and forth - one of the locals told me he noticed they usually find some open spots on the river throughout the winter. And that the area isn't plowed of snow or ice. So, just beware. Of course, on this day, snow and ice were completely absent.
Picnic tables are on site, as well as a rentable open air shelter. There's an open, multi-purpose field, paved walking trails, volleyball court, park benches, and a grill and restroom available in season.
Hours of Operation: Open daily, sunrise to sunset
Fees: None
Parking: Parking lot available
Dogs allowed, but must remain on leash and be picked up after.
Location: 515 Rae Drive, Hartland, WI (Waukesha County)
For more information, click here.
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