Hart Memorial Park

Hart Park is a fantastic spot for anyone looking to enjoy some time outdoors year-round. Whether you're out for a relaxing day or an active adventure, this park has something for everyone. My favorite time to visit is during the fall, when the trees are absolutely stunning, providing a perfect backdrop for any activity. There’s so much to do here — you can take a leisurely walk with your dog, have a family BBQ, or even float in the river on a warm day. The park also offers fishing spots, frisbee golf, hiking trails, and biking paths. For those who just want to enjoy nature, interacting with the ducks or relaxing by the water adds a peaceful touch. No matter what you’re in the mood for, Hart Park has it all! The only downside is the overwhelming cat population, which the city has yet to address. It would be great if they took steps to manage this issue, as it detracts from the overall experience.

Hart Park is my favorite retreat, my home away from home. It is only minutes - yet a world away - from town. There is a lake in the middle, with an island, and the river runs past the park. There are so many birds, both water birds, including ducks, geese, herons, egrets, cormorants and coots, and non-water birds, including peacocks, hummingbirds, woodpeckers, a flock of parakeets, and a host of others that I don't know the names of. There is a guy circling the island on a paddle board this morning. Once I saw a beaver, I think - all I could see was its eyes and brown forehead above the water as it swam by in the early morning. That was one sighting in 40-plus years of coming out here. There are tree squirrels, ground squirrels, raccoons, skunks - which you might be surprised to see, as I was, emerging from holes in the ground, and cats. Lots of cats, which are fed daily by the Cat People. Once I saw a coyote, which was tailing me and my very large dog until I pointed my walking stick at it and told it to leave us. The only unnatural sounds that mar the peace out here are occasional cars that drive through, especially on weekends, with their music blasting, and gunshots from the shooting range. Why they have a shooting range in a park I don't know, but I hate it. My current dog won't even get out of the car, stays hunkered down on the floor because that sound scares her so badly, so I don't bring her out here anymore. It can get really busy on holidays and weekends, so I don't usually come out here then, but early weekday mornings are the best, the closer to sunrise the better. It is so beautiful and peaceful.

Some areas are absolutely beautiful while others are a bit creepy. I love doing some photography there

It is like the only green place in the yellow environment. We had to find a place to eat our dinner. The restrooms were nice and clean. The weather was so hot but still it was okay. It was a quiet place to stay and get some fresh air going around after a long trip.

We Love and Honor our Indigenous brothers and sisters.. My wife and I are immigrants. With 5 born US citizens... My wife and I have taught our kids to respect and honor are indigenous brothers and sisters, But also to respect And honor now our, our, yes our flag 🇺🇸 As the previous message made by one of our brothers and sisters. That person that remove the the u s flag 🇺🇸 That's not, I repeat does not represent our wonderful and beautiful old and you a new migrant community, a Community that work hard to succeed, to be part of our united states of american nation and live in this sacred land with our brothers and sisters. GOD BLESS THE USA 🇺🇸.